1. Chapter 5 Notes
Biological Diversity

2. -the variety of species in an area
Biodiversity
-the variety of species in an area
Important b/c:
Living things are interdependent
Ex: symbiosis
Diversity brings stability to an ecosystem
Humans depend on other organisms
-Ex. Plants make oxygen
-Many medicines come from plants

3. Loss of Biodiversity Levels Threatened Species – may become endangered
Endangered Species – in danger of becoming extinct
Extinction- the disappearance of a species, when the last member dies

4. Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat loss- loss of places for species to live
Biggest reason for decline in biodiversity
Caused by:
Clearing land
Fragmentation-separation of wilderness areas by humans
The edges of an ecosystem are areas with great biodiversity

5. Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Degradation- damage to a habitat by:
Acid rain- caused by air pollution
Ozone layer depletion causes high UV levels
Water pollution

6. Air Pollution Pollution-contamination of the environment
Air Pollution from burning fossil fuels
harmful gases(CO/CO2/NO/ SO/HC)
particulates-harmful soot particles
smog-smoke & fog

7. Acid Precipitation Acid Rain Raindrops+CO2+NO or SO= weak acids
weak acid +H2O +O +heat(sun) =Sulfuric or Nitric acid
SO from coal burning
NO from automobiles
Harms trees and Lake Ecosystems

8. Ozone Depletion Ozone(O3)-Absorbs most of the sun’s harmful radiation
-Depletion caused by CFC’s from Styrofoam and coolants
-CFC’s+UV light = Cl which reacts with O3

9. Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Degradation- damage to a habitat by:
Land pollution-
garbage
pesticides
Bringing in exotic species causes competition and sometime kills a native species and disrupts the ecosystem

10. Greenhouse Effect The process of heat retention by atmospheric gases
Keeps the earth warm
CO2 gas traps heat
Excessive CO2 from automobiles may cause Global Warming

11. Water Pollution
3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, 50%+ of it is frozen
Industrial Waste
Fertilizers causes excessive algae growth
Human waste causes waterborne diseases

12. Groundwater Pollution
Freshwater found underground
Agricultural and Industrial pollutants travel through the soil to contaminate groundwater
Overuse is the biggest threat

13. Land Pollution GARBAGE landfills
Biodegradable-food, wood, animal waste, leaves, grass
Nonbiodegradable-plastics, glass, styrofoam,metal...

14. Conservation Biology What is being done?
Conserve our Natural Resources
Water, Air, Soil, Plant and Animal resources
Legal species protection
Plant & animals
Preserve habitats
Species Preservation programs
Reintroduce species
Captivity

15. What can we do?
Preservation
Conservation
Recycle/Reuse