Biodiversity

Learning Objectives Define biodiversity and explain its value. Identify current threats to biodiversity. Describe how biodiversity can be preserved.

The Value of Biodiversity

The total of all genetically based variation in all organisms in the biosphere

Types of biodiversity:

• ecosystem diversity

• species diversity

• genetic diversity

Valuing Biodiversity

• Contributes to medicine and agriculture• Maintains ecosystem goods and services• Enables organisms and ecosystems to adapt

Biodiversity and Medicine

Many medicines were first discovered in wild species.

information carried by diverse species is like a “natural library.”

Genetic

Biodiversity and Agriculture

Genetic diversity is important in agriculture.

Wild plants may carry useful genes.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Biodiversity can influence an ecosystem’s: • stability• productivity• value to humans

The presence or absence of a single can completely change an ecosystem.The presence or absence of a single can completely change an ecosystem.

keystone species

Threats to Biodiversity

• Altered habitats• Hunting• Invasive species• Pollution in food webs• Climate change

Parks Area

Hunting and Wildlife Product Demand

• Meat• Commercial value • Body parts • Sale as pets

Introduced Species, Pollution, Climates

Organisms introduced to new habitats can become invasive.

Many pollutants threaten biodiversity.

Climate change is a threat to:

biodiversity

ecosystem stability

Conserving Biodiversity

Conserving biodiversity includes:• Protecting individual species• Preserving habitats and ecosystems• Enabling human neighbors to benefit from conservation

Protecting Individual Species

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) oversees plans to protect roughly 200 threatened and endangered species.

Ecological Hot Spots

Ecology and Local Interests

• Nature reserves as ecotourist attractions• Payment or tax incentives• Carbon credits

Overview

1. Areas that benefit from biodiversity include

, , and the stability and adaptability of ecosystems.

2. Humans reduce biodiversity by altering

.

3. Conserving biodiversity includes protecting

, preserving habitats and

ecosystems, and involving local .

medicinehabitatsspecies

ecosystemscommunitiesagriculture

medicine agriculture

habitats

ecosystems

communities