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The Biodiversity Crisis

The Biodiversity Crisis. Chapter 55. Types of biodiversity. Genetic diversity: Genetic differences within a single population and among geographically separate populations Species diversity: All the different species on our planet Ecosystem diversity:

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The Biodiversity Crisis

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  1. The Biodiversity Crisis Chapter 55

  2. Types of biodiversity • Genetic diversity: • Genetic differences within a single population and among geographically separate populations • Species diversity: • All the different species on our planet • Ecosystem diversity: • The variety of interactions within and among Earth’s different ecosystems

  3. Loss of biodiversity • Extinction is a natural biological process • The rate of extinction is now 50-500 times the natural rate • Other mass extinctions have occurred in Earth’s history • This one is different in that it is: • due to human activities • compressed into a short time frame • happening much faster than new species evolution can occur

  4. Ways to protect biodiversity • Protection of habitats • Habitat loss/degradation is the number one cause of threatened and endangered species in the U.S. • Most of these species are ‘specialists’ – species that occupy a narrow niche and have specific requirements • Habitat fragmentation makes it worse • Degradation of habitat through pollution can also cause problems

  5. Ways to protect biodiversity… • Control invasive species • Biotic pollution introduces a non-native species into an area • It may prey on native species or compete for food or habitat • There may not be any natural controls in that ecosystem – such as predators or disease – to limit their population

  6. Ways to protect biodiversity… • Control other human activities • Pest eradication practices • Overhunting • Poaching • Commercial harvesting

  7. Conservation Biology • In situ conservation • Preservation of ecosystems • Biodiversity hotspots – areas in critical need of help • Restoration ecology – try to return an ecosystem to it’s former state • Ex situ conservation • Preservation of the individual species • Artificial insemination • Host mothering

  8. Legal protections • U.S. Endangered Species Act • Species listed must be protected • Species are listed without regard for economic impact of the listing • Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) • Enforcement varies from country to country

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