1. Environmental Studies IDC3O3 Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp
Biodiversity
Environmental Studies
IDC3O3
Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp

2. What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity or ‘biological diversity’, refers to the variety of life on Earth
It includes all living things, including plants, animals, micro-organisms, and their unique characteristics

3. What is Biodiversity?
‘We’ divide the concept of biodiversity up and look at it at 3 different levels – can you guess what they are?
Three levels of biodiversity:
1) Ecosystems
2) Species
3) Genes (genetic diversity)

4. Ecosystem Diversity
= the variety of habitats, living communities, ad ecological processes on Earth
Biodiversity at this level is important because ecosystems provide natural services for us:
Ecosystem services such as pollution breakdown and absorption
Biological resources, such as food
Social benefits, such as recreation and tourism
Ultimately, ecosystem diversity ensures the health of the entire planet!

5. Species Diversity = the variety of species in a given area
Species diversity is important because species ensure that ecosystems survive
Why? Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival
Creates a balanced ecosystem – which ensures ecosystem services function properly too!
Everything is interconnected

6. Species diversity
How can so many species live in the same area?

7. Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference?
Genetic Diversity
Yellow Warbler Mug Shots Can you see the difference?

8. Genetic Diversity
= the variety of genetic characteristics in a species
Genetic diversity ensures that parents pass on the traits that their offspring need to survive
E.g. of traits = disease resistance and physical features
Overall, genetic diversity in a population increases the ability to avoid inbreeding and withstand stress

9. Biodiversity Status
There are estimated to be between 5 million and 20 million species on Earth
We’ve only identified 1.8 million species
56% of species = insects
14% = plants
3% = vertebrates
It is estimated that Canada has ~ 140,000 different species

10. Biodiversity Threats
Unfortunately, we are losing species at an unprecedented rate – estimated to be up to 1000x greater than the natural rate of extinction!
Experts believe we are witnessing the next major mass extinction event – the last being the disappearance of the dinosaurs.
Major threats to biodiversity loss are:
Habitat loss and degradation
Climate change
Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution
Over-exploitation and unsustainable use
Invasive alien species

11. Biodiversity Threats
Video from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
biodiversity-and-extinctions
TED Talks – EO Wilson – On saving the life on earth. 4
As E.O. Wilson accepts his 2007 TED Prize, he makes a plea on behalf of all creatures that we learn more about our biosphere -- and build a networked encyclopedia of all the world's knowledge about life.