Biodiversity

Levels of biodiversity Ecosystem diversity Species diversity 3. Genetic diversity

Protecting ecosystems protects all organisms that live there Ecosystem diversity Number and variety of ecosystems in an area Variety of communities Variety of habitats Ex: Forests have more ecosystem diversity than farmland Protecting ecosystems protects all organisms that live there

Species diversity Species are unevenly distributed More species are found in the tropics This is called the Latitudinal gradient Certain categories of species are of importance to ecologists. These are studied to help make conservation decisions.

1. Umbrella species - By protecting their habitat, other species are protected as well. Umbrella species characteristics: they are easily observed or sampled they have large home ranges they have a long lifespan. Ex: wolf, grizzly bear

2. Keystone species - Their presence is necessary for other species to survive and thrive. Their removal causes changes in ecosystem structure and often loss of diversity. They may be habitat modifiers. Ex: prairie dogs, beavers, sea otters

3. Indicator species - particularly sensitive to environmental conditions a decline in their health can signal air and water pollution, soil contamination, climate change or habitat fragmentation Ex: Canaries in coal mines. If the canary dies the miners know the air is unsafe. Ex: Mutated frogs indicate contaminated water.

Genetic diversity variations in DNA among members of a population or species Having more variations gives the species a better chance to adapt to environmental change Ex: variations in coat thickness allowed some tigers to survive in the tropics, while others live in Siberia

Benefits to biodiversity Ecosystem services Agriculture Medicine Ecotourism

1. Ecosystem services - Clean water – estuaries filter pollutants Breathable air Natural climate control Flood control Protect shorelines from erosion

2. Agriculture - New food sources Wild strains are cross-bred with crops to increase pest and disease resistance New plants may have other uses

3. Medicine - Every species that goes extinct is a lost opportunity to find a cure. 118 of the 150 most often prescribed drugs come from nature, not labs.

4. Ecotourism - Emphasizes conservation, education, sustainability, and community participation Can bring millions of dollars into the nation Ex: is a vital source of income in Costa Rica and Kenya