1 Review Describe the different components of global biodiversity 2 Review What are the major threats to biodiversity 3 Review What is the goal of a species survival plan Form an Opinion Do you think that the hot spot strategy is a good one- explain

Ch 6 Humans in the Biosphere 6.3 Biodiversity

The Value of Biodiversity Total of all the genetically based variation in all organisms in the biosphere What value does it offer society.

Types of Biodiversity Ecosystem diversity Species diversity Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes Species diversity Number of different species in the biosphere, or in a particular area Genetic diversity Total of all different forms of genetic information carried by a particular species or by all organisms.

Valuing Biodiversity Medicine Agriculture Ecosystem Services Wild species were the beginnings of most medicines Agriculture Most crops and livestock have wild ancestors Ecosystem Services Interrelatedness of species.

Stability The greater number of organisms in a food web the more stable Why Especially true for producers Greater Variety Greater Stability.

Threats to Biodiversity Altering habitats, hunting, introducing invasive species, pollution, and contributing to climate change Most are human caused Current rate of species loss is approaching 1000 times the “typical” rate.

Simplify What gets planted in a farm field What happens if Why Potato blight (Ireland) Corn Borer Dutch Elm Disease Emerald Ash Borer.

Altered Habitats Natural habitats are lost for agriculture or for urban development Number of species drops, and some become extinct Habitat fragmentation Splitting up ecosystem and leaving small chunks surrounded by a different habitat.

Hunting and the Demand for Wildlife Products Over hunting can lead to extinction Food, pelts, skins, feathers, animal parts.

Introduced Species Species moved from one habitat to another Often can out compete native species Lack of predators or species to control their growth.

Pollution Can kill organisms, lower reproductive rate, alter environment.

Climate Change Most organisms have a specific tolerance and can survive in only a particular environment and climate.

Protecting Individual Species Book Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species survival plans (SSPs) More familiar Endangered Species List Threatened Species List.

Preserving Habitats and Ecosystems Government Parks Forests Wetlands Grasslands BLM CRP Shorelines Rivers Conservation Groups Nature Conservancy Private parks/reserves.

Ecological Hot Spot Place where significant numbers of species and habitats are in immediate danger of extinction.

Considering Local Interests United States government has offered tax credits for hybrid cars or green energy Communities in other countries, rather than farm or log, set aside land as nature reserves and make money off tourists Farmers are paid to plant trees along rivers and streams Carbon credits for industries.