1. Biodiversity

2. Biodiversity Outline
Definitions 1. Biodiversity 2. Extinction I. Causes of Extinction 1. habitat destruction 2. hunting 3. exotic species
II. Slow extinction 1. preservation 2. valuable products 3. aesthetic III. Endangered and Threatened species

3. Refers to the # and variety of species on earth.
High biodiversity=many different plants and animals
1.4 million species identified by scientists
Estimates range from million
Insects are more diverse than any other organism

4. Extinction When the last member of a species dies
Most extinctions occur in the tropical rainforest b/c it is the most diverse biome
The actions of humans are causing the extinction of plants and animals

5. How?? 1. Habitat destruction
Destroy habitats to build homes, businesses and harvesting of trees for income
Causes 75% of all extinctions
Ex. Florida panther (type of cougar/ mountain lion)-one of the most endangered animals in N. America

6. #2. Hunting
Not a major cause of extinction in countries with wildlife laws
In developing countries it is a major problem
*Poaching: illegal hunting of animals to take one or more of their parts
For example: African elephant; rhinocerous

7. #3 Introduction of an exotic species
Species not native to a particular area
Can threaten native species which have no natural defenses against them
For example: snakehead fish introduced in Virginia, Melalueca tree in Florida everglades

8. Kudzu

9. Why slow extinction?
1. To preserve ecosystems
Ensure a healthy biosphere by regulating the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients

10. 2. Loss of valuable products
Approximately 40% of all prescription drugs used are made from living things
Taxol comes from the Pacific Yew Plant and is an anticancer agent
Loss of biodiversity
will limit the
development of
future medicines

11. #3. Aesthetic Reasons
Lose objects of fascination, wonder, and beauty

12. Endangered Species Act 1973
Designed to protect any plant or animal species in danger of extinction

13. Endangered Species
Likely to become extinct in the near future if protective measures are not taken immediately
In North America: red wolf, northern flying squirrel, jaguar (habitat destruction has caused them to move to S. America), green sea turtle, atlantic salmon, Florida manatee, brown bear

14. Threatened species: likely to become endangered if they are not protected
the grizzly bear, gray wolf (on endangered list until Feb. 2009), polar bear (moved from endangered list in 2008)
Bald eagle removed from list in June 2007