Foothill High School Science Department Humans In The Biosphere Biodiversity

Foothill High School Science Department

The Value of Biodiversity Diversity = Variety Ecosystems Diversity Species Diversity Genetic Diversity

Foothill High School Science Department The Value of Biodiversity Key Concept Biodiversity is one of Earth’s greatest natural resources. Species of many kinds have provided us with foods, industrial products, and medicines. Many other discoveries are out there, but only if the organisms that contain them survive.

Foothill High School Science Department

Threats to Biodiversity Key Concept: Human activity can reduce biodiversity by –altering habitats –hunting species to extinction –introducing toxic compounds into food webs –introducing foreign species into new environments.

Foothill High School Science Department

Habitat Alteration & Fragmentation Creates Biological Islands Costa Rica Rainforest Project is attempting to reverse fragmentation.

Foothill High School Science Department Demand For Wildlife Products Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Foothill High School Science Department Demand For Wildlife Products Body Parts Fur, horns, gall bladders, feathers, etc.

Foothill High School Science Department

Pollution Biological MagnificationBiological Magnification –Toxic chemicals concentrate in tissues and are passed up the food chain. –Higher concentrations accumulate at each level until the animal is toxic to itself, or any organism that eats it. –DDT

Foothill High School Science Department Invasive Species Zebra Mussel Leafy Spurge Nutrias Kudzu Varroa Mites Dutch Elm Disease

Foothill High School Science Department Invasive Species Zebra Mussel Leafy Spurge Nutrias Kudzu Varroa Mites Dutch Elm Disease

Foothill High School Science Department Invasive Species Zebra Mussel Leafy Spurge Nutrias Kudzu Varroa Mites Dutch Elm Disease

Foothill High School Science Department Invasive Species Zebra Mussel Leafy Spurge Nutrias Kudzu Varroa Mites Dutch Elm Disease

Foothill High School Science Department Conserving Biodiversity Key Concept: –Conservation efforts focus on protecting entire ecosystems as well as single species National ParksNational Parks Marine SanctuariesMarine Sanctuaries Tropical MegareservesTropical Megareserves