Brain Pop Explain if you feel that Keystone species are vital to the ecosystem?

Biodiversity at Risk

A World Rich in Biodiversity Biodiversity aka Biological diversity= number of different species in a given area Biodiversity aka Biological diversity= number of different species in a given area

3 levels of diversity.. 1. Species diversity 2. Ecosystem diversity 3. Genetic diversity Known Diversity Known Diversity Number is 1.7 million; Number is 1.7 million; most are insects most are insects Unknown species Approximately 10 million

Species Diversity : Number of different species in an area; most popular of the three Genetic Diversity: all the different genes contained within all members of a population Genetic Diversity: all the different genes contained within all members of a population Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecological habitats, communities and structural processes within

Benefits of Biodiversity Humans benefit from this.. How? Humans benefit from this.. How? Keystone species: vital to the functioning of ecosystem Keystone species: vital to the functioning of ecosystem Survival of a species is based upon genetic diversity (GD) Survival of a species is based upon genetic diversity (GD) Genetic diversity: increase the chances that some species will survive the changes in the environment Genetic diversity: increase the chances that some species will survive the changes in the environment

Medical, Industrial & Agricultural Uses Medical: Companies have used plants to create drugs; help maintain health of population Medical: Companies have used plants to create drugs; help maintain health of population Cross hybrids are eaten on a daily bases; Combining the genetic material from more than one population Cross hybrids are eaten on a daily bases; Combining the genetic material from more than one population

Ethics, Aesthetics, Recreation Ecotourism: Form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of an ecological unique area. Ecotourism: Form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of an ecological unique area.

Extinctions The extinction of almost ½ of the world species was caused by change in Earth’s climate 65 million years ago The extinction of almost ½ of the world species was caused by change in Earth’s climate 65 million years ago Mass extinction: extinction of many species in a short period of time Mass extinction: extinction of many species in a short period of time Years : up to 25% of species will become extinct Years : up to 25% of species will become extinct What is the major contributing factor? What is the major contributing factor? Humans Humans

Species Prone to Extinction 3 factors 3 factors 1. Those that migrate 2. Those who need large specific habitats 3. Exploited by humans Endangered species: Likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken Threatened species: Has a declining population and are likely to become endangered if not protected

How do Humans cause Extinction 4 ways 1. Destroying habitats 2. Introducing non-native species 3. Pollution 4. Overharvesting of crops

Habitat Destruction & Fragmentation Habitat Destruction & Fragmentation Losing their habitat causing 75% extinction Invasive Exotic species Exotic species that are not native to a particular region and can result in threatening species already living there (competition or predation) Harvesting, hunting, and poaching Poaching: illegally harvesting, fishing, or trading wildlife Pollution-DDT has been known to cause harm in the bald eagle population

Areas of Critical Biodiversity Endemic Species: Species that are native to and found only in a limited area Endemic Species: Species that are native to and found only in a limited area Tropical rainforest: Unknown species and its diversity are decreasing due to habitat destruction Tropical rainforest: Unknown species and its diversity are decreasing due to habitat destruction Biodiversity hotspots: Are on Earth with most diversity, highly threatened

Classroom Assignment 1. Is it possible to put a price on a single species? Explain your answer. 2. Which of the various threats to biodiversity do you think will be most difficult to stop? Which are hardest to justify? Write a paragraph to explain your opinion.