Biodiversity: Who cares?

What do you think biodiversity means?

Bio = Bio diversity What does “ Bio ” mean?

Diversity = Variety What does “ Diversity ” mean?

Putting It Together Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms. Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and the essential interdependence of all living things Scientists have identified more than 2 million species. Tens of millions -- remain unknown The tremendous variety of life on Earth is made possible by complex interactions among all living things including microscopic species like algae and mites.

Can be Used to Describe Large or Small Ecosystems LARGE SMALL LARGE SMALL

Which is more diverse? A B

A B

A B

A B

A B Which has more cultural diversity?

Which has more biodiversity? AB

AB

Importance of Biodiversity Humans are dependent on biodiversity. Food- we rely on biodiversity to provide us with large and varied food sources. Food- we rely on biodiversity to provide us with large and varied food sources. Health- Humanity derives many of it’s medicines from biodiversity. Plus Oxygen and Clean Water Health- Humanity derives many of it’s medicines from biodiversity. Plus Oxygen and Clean Water

The Human Value of Biodiversity Recreation- many recreation activities rely on or benefit from biodiversity Recreation- many recreation activities rely on or benefit from biodiversity Inspiration- Biodiversity as a whole inspires artists, musicians and writers. Inspiration- Biodiversity as a whole inspires artists, musicians and writers. Escape- Biodiversity provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Escape- Biodiversity provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Ecological Value of Biodiversity Video Clip “Web of Life: Exploring Diversity” 0-30 minutes Video Clip “Web of Life: Exploring Diversity” 0-30 minutes Interdependence of Species: An ecosystem cannot survive without biodiversity. Interdependence of Species: An ecosystem cannot survive without biodiversity. There are many roles to fill: producers, consumers, decomposers, herbivores and carnivores. There are many roles to fill: producers, consumers, decomposers, herbivores and carnivores.

Should we be concerned about biodiversity? What we know: The Earth is losing species at an alarming rate Some scientists estimate that as many as 3 species per hour are going extinct and 20,000 extinctions occur each year. Some scientists estimate that as many as 3 species per hour are going extinct and 20,000 extinctions occur each year. When species of plants and animals go extinct, many other species are affected. When species of plants and animals go extinct, many other species are affected.

Threats to biodiversity Habitat loss Habitat loss Competition from invasive species Competition from invasive species Pollution Pollution Global climate change Global climate change Population growth Population growth Over harvesting Over harvesting Video Clip #2 “Web of Life” (30-54 minute mark) Video Clip #2 “Web of Life” (30-54 minute mark)

Preservation of Biodiversity The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity Natural Heritage Trust Natural Heritage Trust Wild life reserves- e.g. National Parks. Wild life reserves- e.g. National Parks. Flora and Fauna guarantee act Flora and Fauna guarantee act Endangered species Program Endangered species Program Quarantine Quarantine Education Education Breeding Programs Breeding Programs

What is happening to Biodiversity. In the past, Biodiversity has suffered greatly, primarily due to human misuse and abuse of the environment. Humans are now starting to realize the importance and value of biodiversity and are taking action to preserve it.