Topic 7 – The Sixth Extinction

The sixth Extinction? In the last 600 million years there have been FIVE major declines in Earth’s biodiversity Scientists say that there has been at least one extinction of a species PER YEAR since the beginning of Earth’s history They now say that we lose 70 species PER DAY!

Insects have the largest diversity on planet Earth! Habitats with more heat, light and rainfall have the most biodiversity – WHY?!

Rate of Extinction Extinction is the disappearance of a species or the rate (how fast or slow) at which a species is disappearing Extirpation: Extinction of species from certain areas

Bioindicator Species A bioindicator species is a species sensitive to habitat (environmental) changes (human caused usually) What would be an example of a species like this? Lots of people think the grizzly bear is a bioindicator species. A large carnivore has been pushed to leave areas.

Tid-bits! The global human population is increasing FASTER AND FASTER! WHY is this? Better farming techniques so we have more food Better ways of preventing and treating diseases

Human impacts on the rain forest Clearing land for farming (pineapple and coffee plantations) Increased logging and mining 1% of rainforest is cut down PER YEAR

Where is habitat loss the WORST? The developing countries are affected the most Developing countries have damage that is difficult to repair Soil has little nutrients so farms are only good for a short amount of time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AOhpxL0qgo

Reasons for extinction/at risk lack of food due to overpopulation, disease, overspecialization catastrophic event such as volcanic eruptions, floods, fires, etc. human causes: habitat destruction, over- hunting introduction of non-native species

Hunted to extinction Woolly Mammoth Passenger Pigeon Banff Longnose Dace (fish) – 1982 Tasmanian Wolf

The Sixth Extinction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY- ltUIsnrQ

Topic 8 – Pains and Gains

Pains and Gains What can we do to stop the decreasing populations on Earth?! WHOSE JOB IS IT?! Biologists, Governments, and ordinary citizens all play a role in halting the decline

Zoos Zoo’s are MUCH more than just a place to show off animals Provide education Preserve endangered animals Maintain genetic diversity By exchanging animals between zoos. Supports research

Do zoo’s contribute to decreasing diversity? Yes! They only save a few of the world’s plants and animals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHBuAOp5upU

Seed Banks Seed banks are a place to store seeds from plants that are threatened by extinction The largest seed bank is the Royal botanical gardens in London, England

Why seed Banks? Companies can sell a large variety to farmers Governments and universities use them for research

Global Treaties Global treaties have been made to protect endangered plants and animals Example: Laws that make it illegal to hunt certain animals or to sell things like elephant tusks Canadian Wildlife Federation is an example CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species - illegal to import export endangered species ( plant or animal)