Biodiversity Ch 3.5 Ecology and Environment

Vocabulary Biodiversity Keystone species Threatened species

Vocabulary Habitat destruction Habitat fragmentation Poaching Captive breeding

What is biodiversity’s value? Economic value Ecological value

Economic Value Plants, animals and other organisms used in: – Food – Clothing – Medicine – Other products Ecosystems important for tourism

Ecological Value Species depend on one another for a balanced ecosystem Keystone species – species which many other species in an ecosystem depend upon for survival

What factors affect biodiversity? Climate Area Niche Diversity Genetic diversity Extinction

Climate Tropical rainforests – Constant temps – Large amounts of rainfall Always vegetation and food Means there are more species

Area Larger areas have more species than smaller ones

Niche An ecosystem that can support more roles or niches has more biodiversity Example: coral reefs

Genetic Diversity Species with larger gene pools are more likely to survive and adapts

Extinction Disappearance of all members of a species Endangered species – species that is in danger of becoming extinct in the near future Threatened species – species that is in danger of becoming endangered in the near future Golden toad - extinctGiant panda - endangered Threatened species – polar bear

How do humans affect biodiversity? Negatively or positively! Examples?

Negative Impacts Habitat Destruction Habitat fragmentation Poaching Pollution Introduction of exotic species

Positive Impacts Captive Breeding Laws and Treaties Habitat Preservation