1. Unit 6: Lesson 1 Biodiversity
The key to sustainability of an ecosystem

2. TEKS: 7.10B
Describe how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem

3. What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area due to the number of different organisms.
It increases the stability and contributes to sustainability (the capacity to endure or last).

4. Genetic Diversity:
The variety of genes or inherited traits present in a population.
Genetic diversity increases the chances that some species will survive during changes in the environment.
Ex: outbreak of disease

5. Species Diversity:
The number of different species and the abundance of each in a biological community.
A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
A community is known as two or more different species interacting within a specific area.
Species diversity increases as you move towards the equator.

6. Ecosystem Diversity:
The variety of ecosystems that are present in the biosphere (life sphere of Earth)
An ecosystem is made up of interacting biotic (living) and the abiotic (non-living) factors.
Biotic examples: animals, plants, etc.
Abiotic examples: temperature, water, air, wind, soil, etc.

7. Order of Biodiversity on the Earth:
Classification of biodiversity from general to specific; or largest to smallest
Biome
Ecosystem
Community
Population
Species

8. Biodiversity Analogy:
Biome = Royse City School District
Ecosystem = Royse City Middle School
Community = All people at RCMS
Population = All teachers at RCMS
Species = Science Teachers

9. Threats to Biodiversity:
Extinction and population reductions
Hunting and overharvesting
Habitat loss
Pollution
Climate change
Invasive species

10. Protecting Biodiversity:
Stop overharvesting
Hunting & fishing laws
Protect habitats
Refuges, parks, preserves
Legal protection
Endangered Species Act
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Fish Conservation Act