Understanding Biological Diversity & Conservation: Threats, Loss, and Solutions

Unit 2Chapter 5Biological Diversity and Conservation

Biodiversity • The variety of species in a specific area • Ecosystems are stable if their biodiversity is maintained

Loss of biodiversity • Extinction • The disappearance of a species when the last of its species dies

Loss of biodiversity • Endangered species • When numbers become so low that extinction is possible

Threats to Biodiversity • Habitat destruction • Loss of a habitat that cannot be reestablished easily, causing certain organisms to become vulnerable to extinction

Threats to Biodiversity • Ozone layer • Absorbs some of the ultraviolet waves, reducing the ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth’s surface

Threats to Biodiversity • Acid Rain • Any precipitation with low pH, linked to the destruction of forests & lakes

Threats to Biodiversity • Pollution • Degradation of water, land or air environments, due to use of pesticides, algal blooms, etc

Conservation Biology • The study and implementation of methods to protect biodiversity • Preserving habitats • Ex: creation of parks & preserves Zilker Park, Austin,

Conservation Biology • Natural resources • The parts of the environment that are useful and necessary for living organisms • Ex: sunlight, water, air, etc

Conservation Biology • Sustainable use • Enabling people to use natural resources in ways that will benefit them and maintain the ecosystem

Conservation Biology • Reintroduction programs • When organisms are taken from an area in the wild and transported to an new suitable habitat Reintroducing Otters into the wild

Layers of the atmosphere Click on image to play video.

Understanding Biological Diversity & Conservation: Threats, Loss, and Solutions