What You’ll Learn You will explain the importance of biological diversity and how it differs in ecosystems. You will distinguish environmental changes that may result in the loss of species. You will describe that biodiversity contributes to the stability of an ecosystem. Chapter Intro-page 110

What You’ll Learn You will be able to explain scientific concepts related to a given source You will describe how sustainable development could help with a current resource issue Chapter Intro-page 110

5.1 Section Objectives – page 111 Explain biodiversity and its importance. Relate various threats to the loss of biodiversity. 5.1 Section Objectives – page 111

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Biological Diversity Biodiversity refers to the variety of species in a specific area. The simplest and most common measure of biodiversity is the number of different species that live in a certain area. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Where is biodiversity found? Areas around the world differ in biodiversity. Biodiversity increases as you move toward the equator. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Where is biodiversity found? Tropical regions contain two-thirds of all land species on Earth. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Where is biodiversity found? The richest environments for biodiversity all seem to be warm places: tropical rain forests, coral reefs, and large tropical lakes. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Studying biodiversity How do ecologists perform experiments related to biodiversity? Today you can read about projects in rain forests that require scientists to live 150 meters up in the canopy for weeks while they collect species that live only at that level. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Studying biodiversity Other researchers catalogue the organisms that live in coral reefs and others attach radio collars to sea turtles. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Studying biodiversity Still others work in laboratories comparing the DNA of members of isolated populations to see how or if these populations might be changing. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Importance of biodiversity to nature Living things are interdependent. Living things can be niches for other living things. Populations are adapted to live together in communities. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Biodiversity brings stability Biodiversity can bring stability to an ecosystem. A pest could easily destroy all the corn in a farmer’s field, but it would be far more difficult for a single type of insect or disease to destroy all individuals of a plant species in a rain forest. Ecosystems are stable if their biodiversity is maintained. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Importance to people Humans depend on other organisms for their needs. Food Shelter Medicine Clothing Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Loss of Biodiversity Extinction is the disappearance of a species when the last of its members dies. Extinction is a natural process and Earth has experienced several mass extinctions during its history. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Loss of Biodiversity There is also a certain level of natural extinction, called background extinction, that goes on. Scientists estimate that background extinction accounts for the loss of one to ten species per year. However, the current rate of extinction exceeds that by many times. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Loss of Biodiversity A species is considered to be an endangered species when its numbers become so low that extinction is possible. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Loss of Biodiversity When the population of a species is likely to become endangered, it is said to be a threatened species. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Complex interactions among species make each ecosystem unique. Changes to habitats can therefore threaten organisms with extinction. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat loss One of the biggest reasons for decline in biodiversity is habitat loss. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat fragmentation Habitat fragmentation is the separation of wilderness areas from other wilderness areas. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat degradation Another threat to biodiversity is habitat degradation, the damage to a habitat by pollution. Types of pollution: air, water, and land pollution. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat degradation Pollutants enter the atmosphere in many ways—including volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat degradation Burning fossil fuels is also a major source of air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide. Acid precipitation—rain, snow, sleet, and fog with low pH values—has been linked to the deterioration of some forests and lakes. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Habitat degradation Ultraviolet waves emitted by the Sun also can cause damage to living organisms. Ozone, a compound consisting of three oxygen atoms, protects organisms on Earth from UV waves. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Water pollution Water pollution degrades aquatic habitats in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. A variety of pollutants can affect aquatic life. Detergents, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals in runoff can cause death in aquatic organisms. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Land pollution Trash, or solid waste, is made up of the cans, bottles, paper, plastic, metals, dirt, and spoiled food that people throw away every day. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Land pollution The average American produces about 1.8 kg of solid waste daily. That’s a total of about 1000 pounds of waste per person per year. Although some of it might decompose quickly, most trash becomes part of the billions of tons of solid waste that are buried in landfills. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Land pollution The use of pesticides and other chemicals can also lead to habitat degradation. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Invasive species People sometimes introduce a new species into an ecosystem, either intentionally or unintentionally. These species can cause problems for the native species, species naturally found in an ecosystem. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120 Threats to Biodiversity Invasive species When invasive species are introduced, these species can grow at an exponential rate due to the fact that they are not immediately as vulnerable to local competitors or predators as are the established native species. Thus invasive species can over take an ecosystem. Section 5.1 Summary – pages 111-120

Question 1 The term that refers to the variety of species in a specific area is _________. A. ecology B. conservation biology C. biodiversity D. endangered species Section 1 Check

The answer is C. The simplest measure of biodiversity is the number of different species that live in a certain area. Section 1 Check

Question 2 Describe the possible effect on a biological community of removing one species. Section 1 Check

Because living things are interdependent, removing a single species from a community can remove a food source or otherwise break symbiotic relationships causing remaining organisms to suffer. This decreases the stability of the ecosystem. Section 1 Check

Question 3 When the population of a species begins to significantly decline in numbers, it is __________. A. threatened B. extinct C. fragmented D. diverse Section 1 Check

The answer is A. When the population of a species is declining and likely to become endangered, it is said to be a threatened species. Results of Species Search* Scientific Name Common Name Group Listing status Current Range Loxodonta africana African elephant Mammals T Africa *U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Threatened and Endangered Species System (TESS) Through the Fish and Wildlife Service, information is available to the public on all species threatened or endangered T, under Listing Status, refers to threatened. An E would indicate endangered. Section 1 Check

Task for day 1 Divide into six even groups. Read and discuss the non-native species arrival story. Complete the understanding invaders worksheet as related to your story, you may work as a group. Complete the content questions, individually. Section 1 Check

Task for day 2 Gather information related to your non-native species (the one from yesterday). With your team, pool your answers. Prepare and interesting and well organized presentation for the rest of the class about the species you researched. Limit to 5 minutes. Due tomorrow! Section 1 Check

Day 2 : Questions to answer What are the main characteristics of your non-native species? Where did it come from and how did it get to its new location? What effects has this non-native species had on the ecosystem? If recently arrived, what do scientist predict will happen? (Benefits and Drawbacks) What factors contribute to the spread of the species? What factors might constrain its spread? What methods have people suggested or tried to contain this species? Section 1 Check

Non-Native controversy Class discussion related to each invasive species. Is the method of control controversial? Methods scientists use to control invasive species: Biological – control with another organism Chemical – control by application of herbicides or pesticides Mechanical – mowing, pulling, and barriers Invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity, with habitat destruction begin first! Section 1 Check

Non-Native controversy Divide into 6 teams. Using the “Non-native controversy” handout, create a skit to explain the controversy your assigned. FYI, some methods to control invasive species are quite controversial. You have 10 minutes to prepare your skit! Section 1 Check

Non-Native controversy Present controversy skits. One assigned team will be a decision maker on the issue presented. They will have 2 minutes to review the different sides and come up with a decision as what should be done about the invasive species. Class discussion on decision. Was the decision fair to all parties? Did it resolve the conflict? Section 1 Check

Class discussion on decision. Was the decision fair to all parties? Non-Native controversy Class discussion on decision. Was the decision fair to all parties? Did it resolve the conflict? Section 1 Check

5.2 Section Objectives – page 121 Describe strategies used in conservation biology. Relate success in protecting an endangered species to the methods used to protect it. 5.2 Section Objectives – page 121

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Conservation Biology Conservation biology is the study and implementation of methods to protect biodiversity. Effective conservation strategies are based on principles of ecology. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Conservation Biology Natural resources are those parts of the environment that are useful or necessary for living organisms. Natural resources include sunlight, water, air, and plant and animal resources. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Legal protections of species In response to concern about species extinction, the U.S. Endangered Species Act became law in 1973. This law made it illegal to harm any species on the endangered or threatened species lists. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Preserving habitats Establishing parks and other protected regions has been an effective way to preserve ecosystems and the communities of species that live in them. Saguaro National Park, Arizona Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Habitat corridors A general strategy for protecting the biodiversity of an area probably is to protect the largest area possible. However, research is showing that keeping wildlife populations completely separate from one another may be resulting in inbreeding within populations. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Habitat corridors Therefore, another strategy for preserving biodiversity is to connect protected areas with habitat corridors. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Habitat corridors Habitat corridors are protected strips of land that allow the migration of organisms from one wilderness area to another. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Working with people Parks and protected areas usually hire people, such as rangers, to manage the parks and ensure the protection of organisms. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Reintroduction and species preservation programs Reintroduction programs release organisms into an area where the species once lived. The most successful reintroductions occur when organisms are taken from an area in the wild and transported to a new suitable habitat. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Captivity Some species no longer exist in the wild, but a small number of individual organisms is maintained by humans. An organism that is held by people is said to be in captivity. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Protecting plant species The ideal way to protect a plant species is to allow it to exist in a natural ecosystem. But seeds can be cooled and stored for long periods of time. By establishing seed banks for threatened and endangered plants, the species can be reintroduced if they become extinct. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Protecting plant species Reintroductions of captive animals are more difficult than for plants. Animals kept in captivity may lose the necessary behaviors to survive and reproduce in the wild. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Working with people The philosophy of sustainability strives to enable people to use natural resources in ways that will benefit them and maintain the ecosystem. Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125 Examples of sustainability Using renewable rather than nonrenewable resources Resources that will not run out Wind, solar, tidal, and hydroelectric energy Using recycled resources Paper, plastic, rubber, and glass Section 5.2 Summary – pages 121-125

Question 1 Which of the following is a natural resource? A. habitat fencing B. air C. acid precipitation D. species reintroduction Section 2 Check

The answer is B. Natural resources are parts of the environment that are useful to living organisms. Human activities and consumption of natural resources can have a negative effect on Earth's ecosystem. Section 2 Check

Question 2 Why are reintroduction programs more difficult to complete for animals than for plants? Section 2 Check

Keeping animals in captivity before reintroduction is expensive Keeping animals in captivity before reintroduction is expensive. They require space, care, and proper food. The animals may lose those behaviors needed for survival and reproduction in the wild. Section 2 Check

Question 3 Sustainability benefits __________ in a particular ecosystem. A. people who reside B. threatened species C. habitats D. all of the above Chapter Assessment

The answer is D. The philosophy of sustainable use enables people to use natural resources in ways that will benefit them and yet maintain the ecosystem. Chapter Assessment