1. Chapter 10
Biodiversity

2. 10-1 What is Biodiversity? Short for “biological diversity”
Variety of species in an area
Number of species on Earth is unknown
Know of 1.7 million (Most are insects)
Estimate over 10 million species on Earth
3 Types of Diversity: species, ecosystem, and genetic.

3. 10-1 Benefits of Biodiversity
Affects stability of ecosystems and populations
All species depend on other species
Keystone species:
If it leaves, the ecosystem can’t survive
Not all species are keystone
Genetic diversity increases chances of survival

4. 10-1 Benefits of Biodiversity
¼ of drugs are from organisms
Food, shelter, clothing, medicine
Avoid Famine:
Don’t rely on ONE species of crop to feed you
Hybrids combine genetic material
Ecotourism, pets, culture, aesthetics, religion,

5. 10-2 Biodiversity at Risk Extinction is NOT new
Human activity has accelerated it
Likely to become extinct:
Small population
Limited habitat/Specialized habitat
Need to migrate
Don’t adapt to other habitats

6. 10-2 Human Impact Habitat Destruction: Invasive Exotic Species:
Farming, housing, harvest resources, roads
Invasive Exotic Species:
Not indigenous (native)
No natural predators; overtake an ecosystem

7. 10-2 Human Impact Harvesting, Hunting, Poaching: Pollution:
Bison (fur), egret (feathers), elephant (ivory), pets, rare wood, herbal medicine
Pollution:
Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleaning products, trash, medicine
We don’t know all of the effects yet

8. 10-2 Critical Areas Certain area have more diversity
All are small areas or “Hotspots”
Tropical Rainforest – over ½ world’s species
Coral Reef/Coastal – travel route for species
Islands – evolve “endemic**” species b/c of separation **native/limited area
Hotspots are Most Threatened of these areas

9. 10-3 Future of Biodiversity
Programs to save species:
Captive-Breeding
Preserving Genetic Material:
Germ plasm banks like in Jurassic Park
Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, Gardens

10. 10-3 Future of Biodiversity
Programs to save ecosystems:
Conservation – ecosystems have complex relationships; save the whole thing instead of one species
Laws:
Endangered Species Act (List and no harm)
Habitat Conservation Plan
Biodiversity Treaty