Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp Biodiversity Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp http://www.learner.org/courses/envsci/unit/unit_vis.php?unit=9 http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions http://www.iucn.org/what/tpas/biodiversity/about/biodiversity_crisis/

What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity or ‘biological diversity’, refers to the variety of life on Earth It includes all living things, including plants, animals, micro-organisms, and their unique characteristics

What is Biodiversity? ‘We’ divide the concept of biodiversity up and look at it at 3 different levels – can you guess what they are? Three levels of biodiversity: 1) Ecosystems 2) Species 3) Genes (genetic diversity) http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Ecosystem Diversity = the variety of habitats, living communities, ad ecological processes on Earth Biodiversity at this level is important because ecosystems provide natural services for us: Ecosystem services such as pollution breakdown and absorption Biological resources, such as food Social benefits, such as recreation and tourism Ultimately, ecosystem diversity ensures the health of the entire planet! http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Species Diversity = the variety of species in a given area Species diversity is important because species ensure that ecosystems survive Why? Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival Creates a balanced ecosystem – which ensures ecosystem services function properly too! Everything is interconnected http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Species diversity How can so many species live in the same area?

Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference? Genetic Diversity Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference?

Genetic Diversity = the variety of genetic characteristics in a species Genetic diversity ensures that parents pass on the traits that their offspring need to survive E.g. of traits = disease resistance and physical features Overall, genetic diversity in a population increases the ability to avoid inbreeding and withstand stress http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Biodiversity Status There are estimated to be between 5 million and 20 million species on Earth We’ve only identified 1.8 million species 56% of species = insects 14% = plants 3% = vertebrates It is estimated that Canada has ~ 140,000 different species http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Biodiversity Threats Unfortunately, we are losing species at an unprecedented rate – estimated to be up to 1000x greater than the natural rate of extinction! Experts believe we are witnessing the next major mass extinction event – the last being the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Major threats to biodiversity loss are: Habitat loss and degradation Climate change Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution Over-exploitation and unsustainable use Invasive alien species http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html

Biodiversity Threats Video from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of- biodiversity-and-extinctions TED Talks – EO Wilson – On saving the life on earth. http://video.ted.com/talks/podcast/EOWilson_2007.mp 4 As E.O. Wilson accepts his 2007 TED Prize, he makes a plea on behalf of all creatures that we learn more about our biosphere -- and build a networked encyclopedia of all the world's knowledge about life. http://www.thewildclassroom.com/home/ecogeeksvideos/biodiversity.html