Cool organism of the day… Megalodon The largest shark to ever live 67 feet long and 103 tons Lived approx. 25 to 1.5 million years ago

Topic 7 – The Sixth Extinction? Pg

In the last 600 million years there have been five major declines in the Earth’s biodiversity.

The rate of extinction has been about one species per year over the history of the planet. Today the rate of extinction is closer to 70 extinctions per day!

As the rate of extinction increases, the scales are tipping to an overall trend of decreasing biodiversity

Over species of insects and other small organisms!

Human impacts on biodiversity How do human actions impact biodiversity?

Extirpation The extinction of a species in a specific location (localized) Examples: grizzly bears, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, pandas

Where have the grizzlies gone?

Disappearing Habitats Some areas of the world support greater biodiversity than others. One of the largest causes of extinction has been human interference and the loss of habitat.

Bioindicator Species The population of this species is an indication of the health/condition of that ecosystem. It is usually an animal on the top of a food chain. (carnivore) Some Bioindicator species include: – Grizzly bears, wolves

Population Explosion As the human population is increasing there is more need for food and farmland. The burning and destruction of the rainforest is the largest loss of habitat and cause for extinction. In 2009 the world population reached 6.8 billion.

How high can it go?

Extinct Animals: a species no longer existing Wooly mammoth – hunted to extinction 10,000 years ago

Extinct animals Passenger pigeon – went from being world’s most abundant bird to extinction in less than 100 years! In the 1800’s, hunters killed about 5 billion passenger pigeons!

Extinct animals Dodo - extinct in the mid 1600s

Extinct animals Quagga – hunted to extinction in the 1880s

Endangered Species or Species at Risk species that has a low population or loss of habitat is in danger of becoming extinct Examples: – Panda, tiger, whooping crane, burrowing owl

Whooping cranes

Topic 8 – Pains and Gains Pg

What can we do to stop or slow down the decline in biodiversity?

Role of Zoos provide education and information supports research captive breeding program protects endangered species

Calgary zoo

Seed Banks collect samples of seeds to protect diversity

Global Effort Global treaties have been drawn up to protect endangered plants and animals National parks and wildlife refuges are created.

CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species International laws are established to prevent the import or export of endangered plants or animals or animal products. It is illegal to buy or sell animal parts.

Review – key terms Extirpation Extinct Bioindicator species Seed banks Global treaties

Grizzly Panda Tiger Raven Indian elephant Extirpation

Check your understanding Answer questions 1 – 10 about topics 7 & 8 Quiz on topics 7 & 8 tomorrow