Day 2- Importance of The Environment

Importance of the environment Biodiversity = Cast of characters Many different types of organisms Organisms depend upon one another Photoautotrophs plants, algae Chemoheterotrophs d herbivores, carnivores

Importance of the environment Food chain Photoautotrophs obtain energy from sunlight Energy passed on to primary consumers and then secondary consumers Each level up receives a lesser amount of energy

Importance of the environment Natural resources Non-renewable and renewable resources Non-renewable includes fossil fuels (petroleum, coal) Renewable includes animals, plants, water, wind, etc. But, even renewable resources can run out and there are trade offs or consequences to using certain resources

Importance of the environment Natural resources Agriculture has many purposes such as food, textiles, wood, paper

Importance of the environment Natural resources Advances in biochemistry have allowed us to make synthetic chemicals such as antibiotics, glues, or use organisms to restore environments (bioremediation) Bacteria can be genetically altered to consume crude oil and other contaminants

Importance of the environment Natural resources Renewable energy sources include wind power, geothermal energy, ocean currents