1. Biodiversity, Human Impact, and Conservation

2. Lecture 1: Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variation of lifeforms within a given ecosystem.
Genetic Diversity: individual genetic variation within a population and the genetic variation between populations
Species Diversity: the variety of species in an ecosystem
Ecosystem Diversity: the variety of the biosphere’s ecosystems
An Ecosystem is the sum of all the organisms in a given area as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact.
A Biodiversity Hotspot is a relatively small area with an exceptional concentration of endemic species and a large number of endangered or threatened species.
Endemic Species: A species only found in one region or part of the world
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and the environment.
Definitions from: Campbell, Neil, and Jane Reece. Biology. Seventh. San Francisco: Pearson Education Inc., Print. 

3. Understanding Ecology
Studying ecology will reveal the richness of the biosphere.
Ecological interactions can determine both the distribution of organisms and their abundance.
With this understanding, one will be able to help conserve and sustain biodiversity.

4. Flowchart of Factors Limiting Geographic Distribution
Understanding the Flow Chart:
Behavior Limits: refer to habitat selection
Biotic Factors: mainly refer to predation and the presence or absence of food resources but may also include parasitism, disease, or competition
Abiotic Factors: include temperature, water, sunlight, wind, and climate conditions
Flowchart replicated from Campbell, Neil, and Jane Reece. Biology. Seventh. San Francisco: Pearson Education Inc., Print. 

5. Biodiversity is not limited to animal species but plant species as well.
Tropical Rainforests are comprised of species of trees pre hectare. And few trees are common, while many are rare
The Tropical Rainforests have increased faunal diversity and density
Rainforest are considered to be the most biodiverse in the world.

6. Coral Reefs are among the most Diverse Ecosystem
Coral Reefs are the richest in species of any marine environment
Coral Reefs are the keystone species of the marine environment
Note a keystone species is a species whose presence has a disproportionate effect on the ecosystem and contributes to the diversity of the ecosystem. Without this species, there is a direct correlation to extinction in other species

7. Biodiversity is Effected by Several Biotic and Abiotic Factors, but the Greatest Threat to Biodiversity is Human Impact