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Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp

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1 Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp
Biodiversity Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp

2 What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity or ‘biological diversity’, refers to the variety of life on Earth It includes all living things, including plants, animals, micro-organisms, and their unique characteristics

3 What is Biodiversity? ‘We’ divide the concept of biodiversity up and look at it at 3 different levels – can you guess what they are? Three levels of biodiversity: 1) Ecosystems 2) Species 3) Genes (genetic diversity)

4 Ecosystem Diversity = the variety of habitats, living communities, ad ecological processes on Earth Biodiversity at this level is important because ecosystems provide natural services for us: Ecosystem services such as pollution breakdown and absorption Biological resources, such as food Social benefits, such as recreation and tourism Ultimately, ecosystem diversity ensures the health of the entire planet!

5 Species Diversity = the variety of species in a given area
Species diversity is important because species ensure that ecosystems survive Why? Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival Creates a balanced ecosystem – which ensures ecosystem services function properly too! Everything is interconnected

6 Species diversity How can so many species live in the same area?

7 Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference?
Genetic Diversity Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference?

8 Genetic Diversity = the variety of genetic characteristics in a species Genetic diversity ensures that parents pass on the traits that their offspring need to survive E.g. of traits = disease resistance and physical features Overall, genetic diversity in a population increases the ability to avoid inbreeding and withstand stress

9 Biodiversity Status There are estimated to be between 5 million and 20 million species on Earth We’ve only identified 1.8 million species 56% of species = insects 14% = plants 3% = vertebrates It is estimated that Canada has ~ 140,000 different species

10 Biodiversity Threats Unfortunately, we are losing species at an unprecedented rate – estimated to be up to 1000x greater than the natural rate of extinction! Experts believe we are witnessing the next major mass extinction event – the last being the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Major threats to biodiversity loss are: Habitat loss and degradation Climate change Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution Over-exploitation and unsustainable use Invasive alien species

11 Biodiversity Threats Video from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) biodiversity-and-extinctions TED Talks – EO Wilson – On saving the life on earth. 4 As E.O. Wilson accepts his 2007 TED Prize, he makes a plea on behalf of all creatures that we learn more about our biosphere -- and build a networked encyclopedia of all the world's knowledge about life.


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