Biodiversity Objectives: 1.Explain what diversity is. 2.Describe the different types of diversity. 3.Explain why diversity is so important.

The range of species in one place is the place's biodiversity. 4.1 Life on Earth

Species To be better able to study the diversity of life, scientists must be able to observe and describe each different kind of living thing. Scientists chose species as a way of determining if a living thing is of a similar or different kind.

Species Recall that a species is a group of similar organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Members of different species usually don’t breed with each other!

Diversity Species are composed of individuals with different traits. The study of diversity focuses on distinctions within and between species.

What Types of Biodiversity are There? Genetic Diversity – variety of inherited characteristics within a species –Species vary in their genetic make up Ecosystem Diversity – variety of ecosystems on Earth Species Diversity – variety of species in an ecosystem. –The greater the number of species in an ecosystem, the greater the species diversity

Ecosystems Ecosystems are made up of many different species and their physical environment. (Animals, Trees, Sun, Weather) Structural diversity: physical differences and distribution of individuals as well the different habitats and communities in an ecosystem. The greater the structural diversity in an ecosystem, the greater the species diversity will be (therefore more biodiversity)!

Why is biodiversity important? (Think about these questions.) Why is genetic diversity important? Why is species diversity important? Why is ecosystem diversity important? With all this variety and diversity, scientists have to employ methods to identify and classify organisms of the same species (Tuesday..)

Food chains- Protection- Many species depend on others for protection Transportation-Many species move with the help of another species Reproduction-Some plants depend on insects for pollination Hygiene- Digestion- Species interact with each other and their environment.

Ecosystem Services Ecosystem Services the benefits provided by the ecosystem to the organisms living in it. Water and Food Shelter Pollination Decompose Waste Clean Air (Regulation of CO 2 )

So What Why are we Talking about this???? Humans have a great, big impact on Biodiversity.

4.1 Taking stock Missing? The Yangtze River Dolphin hasn't been photographed since 2002.

Could there still be dolphins here? 4.1 Taking stock

These scientists went to look 4.1 Taking stock

They searched the river for six weeks 4.1 Taking stock

Fish struggle to survive in China's polluted rivers 4.1 Taking stock

Dolphins get tangled in fishing lines and drown 4.1 Taking stock

4.1 Different species There are 32 species of dolphin spotted dolphin not endangered

4.1 Different species There are 32 species of dolphin bottlenose dolphin not endangered

4.1 Different species There are 32 species of dolphin white-sided dolphin not endangered

4.1 Different species There are 32 species of dolphin Maui’s dolphin critically endangered

Maui's dolphin critically endangered 4.1 Different species There are 32 species of dolphin Fishing and pollution have brought some species close to extinction Bottlenose dolphin not endangered Spotted dolphin not endangered White-sided dolphin not endangered

Our most endangered seawater dolphin The last of the Maui live in shallow seas around New Zealand 4.1 Different species

What is biodiversity important? There is concern that the diversity of life is decreasing…EXTINCTIONS!!! It will affect us humans in many ways… -

Plenary There is concern that the diversity of life is decreasing…EXTINCTIONS!!! It will affect us humans in many ways… -

Your Task Learn more about the impact that humans have had on biodiversity. Read page 554—555 Describe three conditions that lead to greater biological diversity. How? How can invasive species cause biological diversity to decrease? H/W: Read handout and answer questions