1. Topic 7 – The Sixth Extinction

2. The sixth Extinction?
In the last 600 million years there have been FIVE major declines in Earth’s biodiversity
Scientists say that there has been at least one extinction of a species PER YEAR since the beginning of Earth’s history
They now say that we lose 70 species PER DAY!

3. Insects have the largest diversity on planet Earth!
Habitats with more heat, light and rainfall have the most biodiversity – WHY?!

4. Rate of Extinction
Extinction is the disappearance of a species or the rate (how fast or slow) at which a species is disappearing
Extirpation: Extinction of species from certain areas

5. Bioindicator Species
A bioindicator species is a species sensitive to habitat (environmental) changes (human caused usually)
What would be an example of a species like this?
Lots of people think the grizzly bear is a bioindicator species. A large carnivore has been pushed to leave areas.

6. Tid-bits! The global human population is increasing FASTER AND FASTER!
WHY is this?
Better farming techniques so we have more food
Better ways of preventing and treating diseases

7. Human impacts on the rain forest
Clearing land for farming (pineapple and coffee plantations)
Increased logging and mining
1% of rainforest is cut down PER YEAR

8. Where is habitat loss the WORST?
The developing countries are affected the most
Developing countries have damage that is difficult to repair
Soil has little nutrients so farms are only good for a short amount of time

9. Reasons for extinction/at risk
lack of food due to overpopulation, disease, overspecialization
catastrophic event such as volcanic eruptions, floods, fires, etc.
human causes: habitat destruction, over- hunting
introduction of non-native species

10. Hunted to extinction Woolly Mammoth Passenger Pigeon
Banff Longnose Dace (fish) – 1982
Tasmanian Wolf

11. The Sixth Extinction
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12. Topic 8 – Pains and Gains

13. Pains and Gains
What can we do to stop the decreasing populations on Earth?!
WHOSE JOB IS IT?!
Biologists, Governments, and ordinary citizens all play a role in halting the decline

14. Zoos Zoo’s are MUCH more than just a place to show off animals
Provide education
Preserve endangered animals
Maintain genetic diversity
By exchanging animals between zoos.
Supports research

15. Do zoo’s contribute to decreasing diversity?
Yes!
They only save a few of the world’s plants and animals

16. Seed Banks
Seed banks are a place to store seeds from plants that are threatened by extinction
The largest seed bank is the Royal botanical gardens in London, England

17. Why seed Banks? Companies can sell a large variety to farmers
Governments and universities use them for research

18. Global Treaties
Global treaties have been made to protect endangered plants and animals
Example: Laws that make it illegal to hunt certain animals or to sell things like elephant tusks
Canadian Wildlife Federation is an example
CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species - illegal to import export endangered species ( plant or animal)