Chapter 5 Notes Biological Diversity

-the variety of species in an area Biodiversity -the variety of species in an area Important b/c: Living things are interdependent Ex: symbiosis Diversity brings stability to an ecosystem Humans depend on other organisms -Ex. Plants make oxygen -Many medicines come from plants

Loss of Biodiversity Levels Threatened Species – may become endangered Endangered Species – in danger of becoming extinct Extinction- the disappearance of a species, when the last member dies

Threats to Biodiversity Habitat loss- loss of places for species to live Biggest reason for decline in biodiversity Caused by: Clearing land Fragmentation-separation of wilderness areas by humans The edges of an ecosystem are areas with great biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Degradation- damage to a habitat by: Acid rain- caused by air pollution Ozone layer depletion causes high UV levels Water pollution

Air Pollution Pollution-contamination of the environment Air Pollution from burning fossil fuels harmful gases(CO/CO2/NO/ SO/HC) particulates-harmful soot particles smog-smoke & fog

Acid Precipitation Acid Rain Raindrops+CO2+NO or SO= weak acids weak acid +H2O +O +heat(sun) =Sulfuric or Nitric acid SO from coal burning NO from automobiles Harms trees and Lake Ecosystems

Ozone Depletion Ozone(O3)-Absorbs most of the sun’s harmful radiation -Depletion caused by CFC’s from Styrofoam and coolants -CFC’s+UV light = Cl which reacts with O3

Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Degradation- damage to a habitat by: Land pollution- garbage pesticides Bringing in exotic species causes competition and sometime kills a native species and disrupts the ecosystem

Greenhouse Effect The process of heat retention by atmospheric gases Keeps the earth warm CO2 gas traps heat Excessive CO2 from automobiles may cause Global Warming

Water Pollution 3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, 50%+ of it is frozen Industrial Waste Fertilizers causes excessive algae growth Human waste causes waterborne diseases

Groundwater Pollution Freshwater found underground Agricultural and Industrial pollutants travel through the soil to contaminate groundwater Overuse is the biggest threat

Land Pollution GARBAGE landfills Biodegradable-food, wood, animal waste, leaves, grass Nonbiodegradable-plastics, glass, styrofoam,metal...

Conservation Biology What is being done? Conserve our Natural Resources Water, Air, Soil, Plant and Animal resources Legal species protection Plant & animals Preserve habitats Species Preservation programs Reintroduce species Captivity

What can we do? Preservation Conservation Recycle/Reuse