1. Chapter Ten: Biodiversity

2. Section One: What is biodiversity?
A World Rich in Biodiversity
Biodiversity: the number of different species in a given area
There are only 1.7 million species known to science
It is estimated that greater than 10 million live on earth
Gene: a piece of DNA that codes for a specific trait that can be inherited by an organism’s offspring

3. Section One: What is biodiversity?
Benefits of Biodiversity
Every species has an important role in the ecosystem
When one species disappears, the food web is disrupted
Keystone species: a species that is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem in which it lives
Genetic diversity is critical for species survival
We depend on species for medical, industrial, and agricultural uses

4. Section One: What is biodiversity?
Benefits of Biodiversity
Ethical reasons to preserve biodiversity
Ecotourism: a form of tourism that supports the conversation and sustainable development of ecologically unique areas

5. Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk
Current Extinctions
Species prone to extinction
Endangered species: a species that is likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken immediately
Threatened species: a species that has a declining population and that is likely to become endangered if it is not protected

6. Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk
How do humans cause extinctions?
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Invasive and Exotic Species
Exotic species: a species that is not native to a particular region
Harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching
Poaching: illegally hunting, harvesting, fishing, and trading wildlife
Pollution

7. Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk

8. Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk
Areas of Critical Biodiversity
Endemic Species: species that are native to and found only within a limited area
Tropical Rainforests
Coral Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems
Islands
Biodiversity hot spots: the most threatened areas of high species diversity on Earth

9. Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk
Areas of Critical Biodiversity
Biodiversity hot spots in U.S.
Hawaii, Florida Everglades, and California Coastal Region

10. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
Saving Species One at a Time
Captive-Breeding Programs
California Condor and Panda
Preserving Genetic Material
Germ Plasm: any form of genetic material of plants and animal
Zoos, Aquariums, Parks and Gardens

11. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
Preserving Habitats and Ecosystems
Conservation Strategies
Okefenokee Swamp
Florida Everglades
National Parks

12. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
Legal Protections for Species
U.S. Laws
Endangered Species Act: a law designed to protect plant and animal species in danger of extinction
List of endangered and threatened species is compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

13. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
Legal Protection for Species
Habitat conservation plan: a plan that attempts to protect one or more species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements

14. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
International Cooperation
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)
CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
First effort to stop the ivory trade
Earth Summit
Biodiversity Treaty: an international treaty signed to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable and fair use of genetic resources in all countries

15. Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity
International Cooperation
Private Conservation Efforts
World Wildlife Fund
The Nature Conservancy