Chapter 5 Biological Diversity and Conservation

1. Chapter 5Biological Diversity and Conservation Section 1 Vanishing Species

2. Biodiversity is the number of different types of species in a specific area. Biodiversity increases as you move closer to the equator. Which biome has the greatest biodiversity?

3. Important research in biodiversity has been done on islands.

4. On an island, if all species except trees are removed: • Insects and spiders will return first. • The farther away from mainland, the longer it takes to repopulate. • The same number of species will return – community make-up will be different.

5. Why is biodiversity important?

6. Living things depend on other living things. • If an organism is removed from a food chain, animals that feed on it will suffer. • If a predator is removed from a food chain, its prey may exceed carrying capacity for for the ecosystem.

7. Biodiversity brings stability. • If a species is clumped together, it is easier for disease to spread. If species are spread out and scattered among other species, it is harder for disease to spread.

8. Biodiversity is important to people. • We depend on a large variety of species for • Food • Shelter • Medicine • Etc…

9. Loss of Biodiversity • Extinction – disappearance of a species when the last member dies.

10. Endangered species – numbers are so low that extinction is possible Threatened species – a population of a species that is likely to become endangered. Loss of Biodiversity

11. Threats to Biodiversity • Habitat loss • Habitat fragmentation • Edge effect • Habitat degradation • Exotic species

12. Habitat Loss • Clearing land for homes and farms. • Climate change and disease can cause habitat loss (coral reef)

13. Habitat Degradation • Damage to a habitat by pollution. • Acid rain damages forests and lakes. • CFCs damage ozone layer. • Water pollution kills aquatic organisms. • Land pollution affects many organisms.

14. Invasive Species • Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a certain area. • Invasive species can eliminate native species by feeding on them. • Invasive species can over populate an area if they have no predators.