HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND BIODIVERSITY Activity 2

Biodiversity—variety of organisms in an area

Why is biodiversity important? Everything that lives in an ecosystem is part of the web of life, including humans. Each species of vegetation and each creature has a place on the earth and plays a vital role. Plant, animal, and insect species interact and depend upon one another for what each offers, such as food, shelter, oxygen, and soil enrichment.

Ecosystem diversity

Species Diversity—number of species that exist in an area

Genetic Diversity—variations of genes within a population of organisms

How do humans alter the biodiversity of groups of taxa? Habitat destruction Introduced species —invasive species (non-native species introduced in an area where they are not normally found; considered invasive if it causes harm to health economy, or environment) Pbs—Biological invaders Pbs Leafy splurge Warming climate and insect Overexploitation —harvest plants or animals for food, medicine, lumber, etc. (rate of harvesting exceeds ability of population to recover)

On a white board: Your assigned Scenario:Type(s) of human impact:Type(s) of biodiversity altered. Be prepared to share aloud to the class…