Chapter 5 Biological Diversity and Conservation Section 1 Vanishing Species

Biodiversity is the number of different types of species in a specific area. Biodiversity increases as you move closer to the equator. Which biome has the greatest biodiversity?

Important research in biodiversity has been done on islands.

On an island, if all species except trees are removed: Insects and spiders will return first. The farther away from mainland, the longer it takes to repopulate. The same number of species will return – community make- up will be different.

Why is biodiversity important?

Living things depend on other living things. If an organism is removed from a food chain, animals that feed on it will suffer. If a predator is removed from a food chain, its prey may exceed carrying capacity for for the ecosystem.

Biodiversity brings stability. If a species is clumped together, it is easier for disease to spread. If species are spread out and scattered among other species, it is harder for disease to spread.

Biodiversity is important to people. We depend on a large variety of species for –Food –Shelter –Medicine –Etc…

Loss of Biodiversity Extinction – disappearance of a species when the last member dies.

Loss of Biodiversity Endangered species – numbers are so low that extinction is possible Threatened species – a population of a species that is likely to become endangered.

Threats to Biodiversity Habitat loss Habitat fragmentation Edge effect Habitat degradation Exotic species

Habitat Loss Clearing land for homes and farms. Climate change and disease can cause habitat loss (coral reef)

Habitat Degradation Water pollution kills aquatic organisms. Land pollution affects many organisms. Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a certain area. Invasive species can eliminate native species by feeding on them. Invasive species can over populate an area if they have no predators. Invasive Species

Global Warming Increase of earth’s temperature Due to increase production of Carbon dioxide that gets trapped in atmosphere More CO2 in atmosphere due to increased burning of fossil fuels

Effects of Global Warming Rising sea levels as glaciers melt Unfreezing of permafrost in tundra Change of climate— cooler areas become warmer causing habitat changes

Loss of Ozone Layer Ozone forms a protective layer in the upper atmosphere that blocks many UV light rays Chlorine from CFC’s (in refrigerator coolants) breaks down in this layer and breaks the ozone down.

Effects of Ozone Depletion This allows more UV light radiation to earth, which increases genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer and other ecological problems.

Acid Rain Caused by increased particulates in exhaust from cars, factories, etc. This has increased due to increase of fossil fuel burning around the world Cleaner fuel and brushes in smoke stacks help.

Effects of Acid Rain Lowers the pH level of ecosystems beyond organisms’ tolerance levels Kills forests and ponds Causes smog and eats away faces of buildings

Effects of Human Population Because humans are in exponential growth, we need more and more space to live, grow food, dump wastes. This causes habitat loss and fragmentation. As we burn more and more fossil fuels, we create more and more pollution, acid rain, etc. Ecological problems become worse and worse.