Biodiversity 1
Jan 14, 2011 Aim: What factors contribute to biodiversity? Do Now: List the following in the order from least to most biodiversity. Add in as many different environments as you can. Classroom floor, parking lot, forest, school yard 2
Biodiversity – Many Kinds of Life Variety of life in an ecosystem Can measure by number of species present Increases as you go closer to the equator (temperatures are warmer) because they have more sunlight and rain -> longer growing seasons -> they have more food 3
4
Humans need Biodiversity List as many things you regularly use (besides food) that comes from living things. Sponges Cotton clothing Glue Paper Food Drink 5
Biodiversity and Human illness We need a high number of different species so that living things can withstand changes in the world around them Many plants and animals make substances that can be used for medicine We can learn more about diseases Plants grow well in drought conditions 6
Using Plants for Medicine Cinchona tree bark has quinine which cures malaria Velvet bean plant has hormone used to treat Parkinson’s 7
Reducing Biodiversity Name as many different reasons biodiversity can be reduced Global warmingkills species Extinction Over hunting Not enough are reproducing Habitat loss Building of cities 8
Extinction and Endangerment Extinction is when a species that was alive on Earth but has now died out Mass extinction 65 million years ago wiped out 2/3 of all species Mass extinction usually followed by presence of new species Endangered species: species that could soon disappear, in danger of becoming extinct, will require human intervention to survive 9
Recently Extinct Species http://dnr.state.il.us/espb/datelist.htm Yangtze River Dolphin (Baji) Lived in China Declared extinct in 2006 10
Extinct: Saint Helen's Olive Found ONLY on Mount Saint Helen's, a volcano in Northwestern US Last known individual died in captivity in 2003
Most Likely Extinct Galapagos sunstar Has not been seen in over 25 years
Endangered African black rhinoceros 13
Loss of Habitat threatens species Threatened species: species is likely to become endangered in the near future There is still time to help species recover on its own 14
Does the government have the right to ban trade? 15
Feb 1, 2011 AIM: How can introduced species damage an ecosystem? DN: Write down what you know about bedbugs, and why do you think NYC has such a problem with them right now. HW #1 – Exam corrections due Wed. Explain what the question wants, what you need to know, and the correct answer.
The problem of Introduced Species Native Species – species that were already living in that place Introduced Species – were brought to a place by people. Sometimes on purpose, other times by accident. If an introduced species does so well that is out- competes the natives, then it is considers an Invasive Species.
Cane Toads – Big Problem! Native to Hawaii Introduced to Australia as a form of natural pest control Spreading everywhere, eating EVERYTHING Killed several endangered species
Bed Bugs – an invasive species in NY? Becoming epidemic (widespread) May be brought here accidentally by travelers “Hitchhikers” Sturdy, hard to kill Why do you think they spread so fast in NYC?
Burmese Pythons Invade Florida! People bought them as tropical pets Got too big, scary, pet owners released them into Florida's Everglades swamps Why do you think this was a TERRIBLE idea?
Burmese Pythons Invade Florida! Pythons flourished (grew and reproduced quickly) in the swamps Little competition Prey have no defenses Can take on alligators Over 300 were captured in 2010 Hope the unusually cold winter will kill them
Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Invade US Brought over by accident on boats, planes Eat and kill trees FAST, destroy entire forests Trees have no defense Immune to pesticides No natural predators
Kudzu – Invasive Plant in Southern US Native to Japan Introduced on purpose to US for its usefulness Grows super-fast
Kudzu Grows Fast March 2006 October 2006
What Can Be Done? Be careful – check suitcases, bags, bedsheets, and clothes when traveling Checkpoints at state and country borders Ban (forbid) transport of organisms tagged as potentially invasive
Quick Quiz What is the difference between threatened, endangered, and extinct species? How can introduced species result in other species becoming endangered or even extinct? 26