Biodiversity

Many different types of living things

Why do we need biodiversity? All things on the planet are connected and rely on one another. Biodiversity allows each living thing to live and keep the planet balanced. All living things are connected by what they eat and breathe Living Things are animals, plants, protists, bacteria, and fungi

Extinction Complete loss of a specific species In the past organisms have become extinct because of climate change. Now it is due to human’s effect on the planet

Two steps before Extinction Threatened- declining population Endangered- likely to become extinct if action is not taken ASAP

Humans cause for Extinction Habitat Destruction Invasive Species- introducing a species that is not part of that ecosystem Hunting/Harvesting Pollution

Areas of Concern Tropical Rain Forests Coral Reefs and Coastal Wetlands Islands

How can we prevent extinction? Single species targets that specific species Whole ecosystems protects all of the organisms in that ecosystem. Single species is easier by creating zoos or captive breeding Whole ecosystems creates laws and limits land use and human consumption