1. Bio-LIFE Diversity-VARIETY
Biodiversity
Bio-LIFE
Diversity-VARIETY

2. Benefits of Biodiversity
Biodiversity: number and variety of different species in an area
Do we know how many species there are?
Levels of biodiversity
Species
Ecosystem
Genetic
Stability of an ecosystem is linked directly to biodiversity
We depend on healthy ecosystems for a healthy biosphere to cycle nutrients and energy

3. Benefits (continued)
Every species is dependent on or depended upon by AT LEAST one other species
Remove a species…remove a thread from the web…how long before web collapses?
Keystone species: critical to the functioning of an ecosystem because it affects the survival and abundance of many other species in the community

4. Biodiversity
Gene: piece of DNA that codes for a specific trait and can be inherited
Genetic diversity is critical to population survival
Bottleneck—populations that drop can rebound, but with limited genes
Biodiversity gives us:
Agriculture
Industry
Medicine
Recreation—Ecotourism: tourism that supports conservation and sustainable development (in unique areas)

5. Biodiversity at Risk
Mass extinction: extinction of many species in a relatively* short amount of time
We are in the midst of a mass extinction
Endangered species: a species that is likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken immediately
Threatened species: on that has declining populations and is likely to become endangered

6. Humans and extinction Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Introduction of invasive species
Exotic species: not native to a region
Harvesting, hunting, poaching
Poaching: illegal harvesting of fish, game or other wildlife
Pollution

7. Critical biodiversity
Endemic species: native to and found ONLY within a limited area
Tropical Rain forests
7% of land area; 50% of species
Coral reefs and Coastal areas
Major amount of species, limited area
Islands
Biodiversity hotspots: many endangered species in the same area