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Unit One Biological Diversity. Is truth stranger than fiction?. Unit One – Biological Diversity Topic One – Biological Diversity and Survival. http://taggalaxy.com/. Biology is the study of living things ( plants, animals, bacteria, fungus ).
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Unit One Biological Diversity
Unit One – Biological Diversity Topic One – Biological Diversity and Survival http://taggalaxy.com/ Biology is the study of living things (plants, animals, bacteria, fungus) Diversity refers to the number of differences between objects Therefore, Biological Diversity is the study of the differences between all living things on the planet
-in almost all animals and plants, there is a wide variety of differences we can see -these differences are known as VARIATIONS
-Variations are found in ALL groups of living things! What are some variations between students in our class?? So what’s the point? Why is variation important?
-Biological Diversity looks at the variation within species (genetic diversity)….
The greater the amount of variations, the greater the diversity!! The more diversity, the greater the chance for making new discoveries and for species survival!
For example, many of our medicine comes from the different variety of trees. The Pacific Yew tree found in B.C. makes a cancer-fighting chemical called Taxol
As animals and plants become extinct, then the diversity of life on our planet decreases. As rain forests get cut down, we lose species of trees that may have medical value that may help save lives. Fact: In the Amazon Rain Forests, biologists have only studied five percent of the plants that exist there for medical treatment. Fact: Up to 70% of all the plants that have been studied in the rainforest have cancer-fighting properties Fact: In the last 50 years, half of the world’s rain forests have been wiped out.
Variations For Survival ADAPTATIONS are features that increase anorganism’s chances ofsurvivingandreproducingin a particular environment Animals that live in similar environments have similar adaptations.
Adaptations include two things: • Structural Adaptations: physical features that help an organism to survive in its environment a. Fins are used by marine life for mobility. b. Fur allows animals to retain body heat during cold conditions. c. Animals use color to help blend into their surroundings for protection and to hunt prey.
Mimicry Xylophanes caterpillar has such tiny eyes that you would need a hand lens to see them. The red "eyes" and pointed "stinger" are both fake.
2. Behavioural Adaptation: -how an animal acts -can be taught how to act by their parents or they are born with the knowledge (instinct) a. The migration of birds and whales. b. Birds dancing to attract a mate. c. Humans using sounds to communicate information. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mb0GOITRUU&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 Cuckoo bird clip
So, what’s the big deal about diversity then? The larger the variation between animals, the greater the chances of organisms surviving if their environment changes or their food source runs out. E.g. During the ice age, animals that had more fur or could eat a variety of food sources survived.
Organisms that are not adapted to their environment or are weak, die off leaving the strong or best-fitted to their environment to survive.
Variation Within Species -a group of organisms are classified as a SPECIES if: 1. They are similar in appearance to other of its kind. 2. They are able to mate in nature with each other and their offspring are able to breed. E.g. Grizzly bears are a species because they have a distinct look and mate with other grizzly bears. Their offspring can also give birth.
While they often look the same, there is great variety within a species. Some are bigger than others, some are faster, some have larger teeth, some are smarter, some are different colors
These differences between animals within the same species allows for even greater diversity and allows individual animals to be different.
Variation Among Species Lynx, Bobcats, and Cougars look similar but all are differencespecies. All are thought to have developed from a common ancestor but over time, the cats evolved to fit into there own environment and food sources.
This process of a new species being formed after many generations is called SPECIATION. (SPEE – SEE – AI –SHON)
Members of the same species often adapt for life in a more specialized environment creating sub species. This reduces the competition between individuals.
Niche A niche is the series of roles an organism plays in its environment. What is your niche? The general niches occupied by organisms are: 1. Producer--photosynthetic organisms which grow using energy from the sun
2. Consumer—eat other organisms for nutrients a. Herbivore—eats producers
b. Omnivore—eat consumers and producers c. Carnivore—eat other consumers
Decomposer—breaks down dead organisms and releases nutrients which are used by other living things
Broad Niche Organisms AKA Generalists • Organisms have more general adaptations suited to a greater variety of habitats and food sources • These organisms often found in large populations • Not as many different species found in the regions inhabited by generalists • Often located in regions with diverse seasonal changes
Narrow Niche Organisms AKA Specialists • Organisms have more specialized adaptations suited to a specific habitat and food source • These organisms often found in relatively small populations • Many specialists located in a single area
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a specialist and a generalist?
Symbiotic Relationships Symbiosis: A close relationship in which two species live closely together in a relationship that lasts over time. What is the meaning of these pictures?
Parasitism Endoparasites
Zombie Snails http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWB_COSUXMw&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active Body Invaders http://ngccommunity.nationalgeographic.com/ngcblogs/inside-ngc/2009/06/must-see-video-body-invaders.html Guinea Worms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la9ptX7oktg&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
Cat Tapeworms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmZhChxVRkI&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
worm Blood cell
