Types of diversity and Changes to Biodiversity

Biodiversity The variety of all living things All the different plants, animals and micro organisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Levels of Biodiversity 1) Genetic Biodiversity 2) Species Biodiversity 3) Ecosystem Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity The variety of genes within a species. Each species is made up of individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This means that a species may have different populations, each having different genetic compositions. To conserve genetic diversity, different populations of a species must be conserved.

Example of Genetic Diversity Different Human Races: We all belong to the human race and therefore we are all part of the human species. However, different races have slightly different genetic make ups that can change their appearance, susceptibility to disease, etc.

Species Diversity The variety of species within a habitat or region. A habitat such as a rainforest or coral reef will have many different types of species. A habitat such as a polluted stream would have only a few types of species. Species that are native or occur naturally in an area are called endemic.

Example of Species Diversity Prairie Ecosystems: Has only one large endemic predator or tertiary consumer – black bear. Has many other varieties of secondary consumers such as mink, coyote and badger. As well as a large variety of primary consumers such as Canada Geese, Mallards and ground squirrels.

Ecosystem Biodiversity The variety of ecosystems in a given place. An ecosystem can be defined as a community of organisms and their physical environment interacting together.

Example of Ecosystem Biodiversity Large Ecosystem Biodiversity – Great Barrier Reef in Australia Small Ecosystem Biodiversity – Back of a spider crab’s shell.

How Biodiversity is Affected 1) Extinction – When the last of a species dies. Extinction can be a natural process. Species have been going through extinction cycles for billions of years. However, some scientists believe we are moving into the 6th mass extinction and that the direct result of this is human impact. Example – Dodo Bird

How Biodiversity is Affected 2) Endangered Species A population of a species that is at risk of becoming extinct. This can be due to loss of habitat or a decrease in numbers over time. Examples in Manitoba: Whooping Crane and Peregrine Flacon

How Biodiversity is Affected 3) Threatened Species Vulnerable to becoming endangered in the future. If factors affecting it’s growth are not changed it will becoming endangered. Examples in Manitoba: Ferruginous Hawk and Western Silvery Aster

How Biodiversity is Affected 4) Extirpated A species no longer existing in the wild in an area but occurring elsewhere in the world. A species may still be living in another area but is no longer found in its natural area. Examples in Manitoba: Swift Fox and Trumpeter Swan.

Human Activities that Affect Biodiversity Energy Consumption: Hydro Dams, Nuclear Power, Burning Fossil Fuels. Clear Cutting Forests Expanding Farm Land into Natural Habitats Overfishing Overhunting Pollution