Learning Goals Define biodiversity Explain why biodiversity is important in an ecosystem Identify factors that limit biodiversity in an ecosystem

Biodiversity Variety of living things; variety of life in an ecosystem. Ecological diversity –different habitats, niches, species interactions Species diversity –different kinds of organisms, relationships among species Genetic diversity –different genes & combinations of genes within populations

Measuring Biodiversity The common measure of biodiversity is the number of species that live in an area

Measuring Biodiversity A coral reef is home to many different species of organisms. The coral reef has a greater biodiversity that the shallow waters of the shoreline.

Differences in Biodiversity Biodiversity INCREASES as you move toward the equator WHY?

Differences in Biodiversity It is warmer as you move towards the equator Ecosystems with the highest biodiversity usually have warm, moist climates. What is an ecosystem that is located close to the equator? Think about the biodiversity of those ecosystems.

Tropical Rainforests

Tropical Rain Forest

Di8fferences in Biodiversity Think of an ecosystem that is far away form the equator. What can you say about the biodiversity of this ecosystem?

Tundra

Importance of Biodiversity Would you rather have a summer picnic on a paved parking lot or on cool grass under a shade tree near a stream?

Importance of Biodiversity Beauty and pleasure are not the only reasons biodiversity is important

Importance of Biodiversity Humans need Biodiversity Think of some things that we get because of the great biodiversity that exists.

Benefits of Biodiversity New food sources –Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish

Benefits of Biodiversity Medicines Plants Jellyfish & sea anemones Nudibranchs Marine slugs

Natural Resources Vital economic natural resources – Renewable Forests (plants, wildlife) Soils Fresh water (lakes, rivers) Wildlife and fisheries Rangeland – Nonrenewable Minerals Fossil Fuels

What Reduces Biodiversity? Loss of Species – Extinction – Endangered Species – Threatened Species Habitat Loss – Divided Habitats – Introduced Species Pollution – Water Pollution – Air Pollution – Global Warming – Ozone Depletion

Loss of Species

What is the difference between extinct, endangered, and threatened? Visit Dialogue For Kids to Find OutDialogue For Kids to Find Out

Habitat Loss Divided Habitats Introduced Species

Habitat Loss Habitat loss is a major reason why species become threatened, endangered, or extinct

Habitat Loss When people alter an ecosystem, perhaps by replacing a forest with pavement or buildings and houses with lawns, the habitats of some species may become smaller or disappear completely

Introduced Species An introduced species is a species that moves into an ecosystem as a result of human action They often do not have competitors or predators in the new area so their populations grow rapidly. Why do you think this is a problem?

Pollution Biodiversity is also affected by pollution of land, water, or air.

Pollution Water Pollution Air Pollution Global Warming Ozone Depletion

Water Pollution Organisms that live in the water are easily harmed by pesticides, chemicals, oil, and other pollutants that contaminate the water Storm drains flow into nearby waterways. They should never be used to dispose of pollutants such as motor oil, paints, or other liquid wastes.

Water Pollution

Air Pollution Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide releases by industries and automobiles combine with vapor in the air. It washes nutrients from the soil and makes it less fertile

Global Warming Carbon dioxide gas is released into the atmosphere when wood, coal, gas, or any other fuel is burned. An increase in carbon dioxide could raise the Earth’s average temperature. This rise in temperature is called global warming. It may lead to climate changes that can affect biodiversity.

Ozone Depletion The atmosphere includes the ozone layer that protects life on Earth by preventing damaging amounts of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation from reaching the surface. The thinning of the ozone layer is called ozone depletion. Ozone depletion allows for increased amounts of UV radiation that can harm living organisms

Protecting Biodiversity How can we protect biodiversity – Stop overharvesting Sustainable yield Hunting & fishing laws (every state ?) – in developing nations ? – Protect habitat Refuges, parks, preserves – Endangered Species Act

Protecting Biodiversity Endangered Species Act (1973) – Goal to “recover” species so they no longer need protection under ESA – Implements U.S. participation in CITES “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species” Prohibits trade in listed species – whole organisms – parts: skins, bones, teeth, flowers, leaves, etc. Other laws: – Marine Mammal Protection Act – Migratory Bird Treaty Act – Anadromous Fish Conservation Act – etc.

Protecting Biodiversity Endangered Species Act (1973) – Listing of “endangered” and “threatened” species – Restricts development of habitats – Captive breeding programs Release of captive bred stocks to enhance or recover wild populations. endangered/ endangered/

Biodiversity Web Quest

Quest #1: What is Biodiversity? Go to the “Global Issues – Biodiversity” web site 69/biodiversity 69/biodiversity 1. What is the definition this website gives for biodiversity? On this web site, scroll down and click on “Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions” 2. What is the current rate of extinction listed here (compared to the “background rate”? 3. List three different statistics related to biodiversity that you find here

Quest #2: Why Does Biodiversity Matter? Go to the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation web site: hat.html Scroll down to the paragraph labeled “Why is Biodiversity Important?” List five of the benefits of biodiversity that are listed there

Quest #3: Biodiversity Threats Go to :Global Issues ArticleGlobal Issues Article rticle/171/loss-of-biodiversity- and-extinctions List and describe five examples of declining biodiversity listed there.

Quest #4: How Can You Help? Go to: American Museum of Natural History Biodiversity American Museum of Natural History Biodiversity Scroll Down to: How To Help Biodiversity y/?fid= y/?fid=29452 Identify 5 ways that you can help conserve biodiversity

Biodiversity Game Join your team of experts as they identify and count species to understand the biodiversity of a region. Click here for Biodiversity GameBiodiversity Game

Web Quest

Biodiversity Web Quest 1.What is the definition this website gives for biodiversity? 2. What is the current rate of extinction listed here (compared to the “background rate”? ) 3. List three different statistics related to biodiversity that you find

Biodiversity Web Quest List five of the benefits of biodiversity Lis t and describe five examples of declining biodiversity Identify 5 ways that you can help conserve biodiversity

Biodiversity Web Quest Identify 5 ways that you can help conserve biodiversity