1. Biodiversity Notes Environmental Science Swenson

2. Biodiversity Short for Biological Diversity –What does this mean?

3. Species diversity number of species in a given area. An island with 2 bird species and 1 lizard species is more diverse than an island with 3 bird species.

4. Genetic diversity Variations of genes within a species. Lots of distinct populations within a species (lots of varieties of rice in India--all from same species) OR Genetic Variation within the population as a whole (high in Indian rhinos, low in cheetahs)

5. Ecosystem diversity Variety of ecosystems within an area. Very hard to measure due to overlapping boundary areas also called ecotones.

6. Five Threats of Biodiversity Habitat destruction/fragmentation Invasive species Population growth Pollution Over consumption

7. Habitat Destruction Changing a habitat to suit human needs…for housing, farming, etc. This displaces animals. As the human population grows, so does habitat destruction!

8. Fragmentation Breaking up large habitats into smaller habitats. Creates an “edge” habitat where “inner” habitat used to be. Some plants and animals cannot adapt to these changes.

9. Introduce  Introduced species Flying Carp Zebra Mussel Asian Beetle

10. Population growth  OF HUMANS! Often relates to habitat loss and overconsumption but also exploitation of resources and contributing pollution

11. Population expected to reach 8 billion by 2020

12. Pollution egs oGlobal Climate Change--many species are intolerant to changes in temperature-- affects feeding relationships and breeding patterns. oAcid rain/Air pollution-these types of issues do not respect borders. US acid rain fell in Canada destroying sugar maple forests which upset the amount/quality of maple syrup produced.

13. Water Pollution Land Pollution Air Pollution

14. Overconsumption  Industrialized nations make up 25% of the world’s population, but use 75% of its resources.  US makes up only 5% of world’s pop--causes 33% of world’s pollution!