Biodiverstiy Part 5-Lesson 1

Introduction Biodiversity is the variety of organisms that exist in an environment. Balanced ecosystems have a high level of biodiversity.

Introduction Tropical rainforests have the greatest degree of biodiversity. Why do you think this is true? How would a rainforest's biodiversity compare with ours?

Humans and Biodiversity What type of effect do you think humans have on biodiversity? Humans have had a significant and generally negative impact. How do you fit?

Humans and Biodiversity In urban areas buildings and roads cover large areas which were once inhabited by organisms. Most of the organisms that once lived in these areas are no longer found there…

Humans and Biodiversity In rural areas the clearing of land for grazing and crops destroy habitats. A diverse distribution of vegetation is usually replaced with a few grasses and weeds. If crops are planted vegetation is narrowed down to only a single plant in the area. How do you think this affects biodiversity?

Humans and Biodiversity The reduction of plant diversity reduces the number of insects and micro-organisms which live on them. It also reduces the number of consumers which rely on certain plants to live.

Humans and Biodiversity The use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers interfere with biodiversity. These generally cause one species to explode and others to die out. Examples of such include Blue-green algae blooms and locust plagues. The overall consequence is a huge loss in biodiversity

Humans and Biodiversity Preserving biodiversity is one of the main environmental issues faced around the world this century. Why do you think this is important?

Humans and Biodiversity Biodiversity is important for a number of reasons. Some reasons include: Normal maintenance of ecological systems Genetic variation Medical research Biotechnology Aesthetics See pages Prelim Spotlight Text

Homework Read pages Prelim Spotlight Text Update electronic vocab Complete DOT Point page 61

Biodiversity Part 5-Lesson 2

Biodiversity in My Local Environment Activity Complete Activity 2.24 pg 79 Prelim Spotlight Text

Homework ‘To Think About’ pg Prelim Spotlight Text Study for Quiz

Pop Quiz Part 5-Lesson 3

Quiz Students to complete quiz independently