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Global & Local Issues. AP Biology ch. 56. Biological Diversity. ~2 million species identified on Earth ~8 million species to find ~1 billion extinct species EX: Mycena luxaeterna (eternal light mushroom). Levels of Biodiversity. Genetic Diversity (humans ~1%) Species Diversity
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Global & LocalIssues AP Biology ch. 56
Biological Diversity ~2 million species identified on Earth ~8 million species to find ~1 billion extinct species EX: Mycena luxaeterna (eternal light mushroom)
Levels of Biodiversity Genetic Diversity (humans ~1%) Species Diversity (9,000 birds) Ecosystem Diversity (US wetlands (marshes, fens, rivers…)
Humans depend upon Nature • Ecosystem provides $33 trillion/year • Purification of air and water • Reduction of severity of natural disasters • Generation of fertile soils • Detoxification of waste • Pollination of crops
Big Problem: Biodiversity Crisis • Gene pools, species, and ecosystems are disappearing at a faster rate than at any time in the past 100 thousand years • Human population is causing 6th mass extinction
1. Habitat Destruction • Occurs when humans destroy native habitats! • Solution: restore and conserve natural areas
2. Overharvesting • Occurs when wild organisms are harvested at a rate greater than the population can replenish • Solution: practice sustainability
3. Invasive species • Occurs when species are moved by humans and thrive at the expense of other organisms • Solution: Plant native species
4. Pollution • Occurs when contaminants enter the environment • Solution: EPA guidelines
4b. Ozone Depletion • Occurs when chlorofluorocarbons break the chemical bonds of ozone • Solution: Global ban of CFC’s
5. Global Climate Change • CO2 & global temperatures are increasing • Polar ice caps are melting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaKqhRTqSlg • Sea levels are rising http://geology.com/sea-level-rise/ • Solution: alternative energy
5b. Ocean Acidification • Excess CO2 is dissolved into the Ocean lowering pH
Overview of Human Impact • Humans use ecosystem services to live • The human population rose exponentially • Humans have altered natural biogeochemical cycles • Humans must protect these biogeochemical cycles upon which our survival is dependent