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BIODIVERSITY

BIODIVERSITY. the variety and number of life forms on Earth Over 1.7 million kinds of living things had been identified by 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity. Levels of Diversity.

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BIODIVERSITY

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  1. BIODIVERSITY the variety and number of life forms on Earth Over 1.7 million kinds of living things had been identified by 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity

  2. Levels of Diversity • Biodiversity is a product of millions of years of evolution as organisms have adapted to changes in the environment. • Since biodiversity allows systems to adapt to changing circumstances over time, it is often used to measure the health of biological systems.

  3. Genetic Diversity All of the different forms of genes present in a particular species Within a species, slight differences in genes occur from one individual to another These small differences allow populations to adapt to changes in environmental conditions and evolve over time which helps to ensure the survival of the species.

  4. Genetic Diversity • Pros and cons of monoculture; animal breeding; genetic engineering; antibiotics and their effects on the diversity of bacterial populations

  5. Genetic Diversity

  6. Species Diversity • the variety of species in an ecosystem and the number of individuals within each of those species • Having a variety of species allows ecosystems to survive environmental changes such as drought, plagues, or disease outbreaks.

  7. Species Diversity • Each species contributes to the whole ecosystem and, without the actions of each species, the ecosystem and other organisms may not be as successful.

  8. Ecosystem Diversity • Refers to a diverse range of habitats, the various organisms that live in the habitats, and the relationships that connect them • Ecosystems range in size: from single organisms with the microorganisms living in their intestines, to organisms in soil profiles (right photo) to a tropical rainforest

  9. Diversity of Interactions within an Ecosystem • Species support each other and contribute to the stability and productivity of their ecosystems. • Species depend on each other for: • Food supply • Protection • Transportation • Reproduction • Hygiene • digestion

  10. Diversity of Habitats within an Ecosystem • The range of physical sizes, shapes, and distribution of the individuals, as well as habitats and communities in an ecosystem, are together referred to as STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY. • Creates microhabitats with a variety of abiotic conditions

  11. Structural Diversity Tree plantation vs. Old-growth forest

  12. The Importance of Biodiversity • Ecosystems that have a high biodiversity tend to be healthier and more resilient to changes in the environment. • Biodiversity provides the raw materials for medicine, food and agriculture.

  13. The Importance of Biodiversity Biodiversity helps to maintain life-sustaining services, conditions, and processes such as: • pollination of plants • micro-organisms make nutrients available and break down toxic substances in water and soil • ecosystems cycle C, N, and O, and clear air, purify water, control erosion, prevent floods, and modify climate

  14. Human Interference • Many human activities are causing species extinction and therefore, reducing biodiversity . • Examples: loss of natural habitat due to agriculture, forestry, urban expansion, mineral extraction; introduction of invasive species; over-harvesting of wild populations; air and water pollution; production of greenhouse gases causing human-induced climate change

  15. The Effects of Reduced Biodiversity Loss of biodiversity : • threatens our food supply • eliminates sources of natural medicines and potential new medicines • has a significant economic impact on tourism and forestry when accompanied by habitat destruction • has the potential to cause serious disruptions in biogeochemical cycles, including normal carbon uptake by natural ecosystems.

  16. Keystone Species • Often the presence or absence of a single keystone species can have a dramatic impact on an ecosystem.

  17. To Bee or Not to Bee (The Nature of Things; 2010) Focus Questions: • Outline the importance of the honeybee in our global environment. • What is colony collapse disorder? • What are some causes of colony collapse? • Discuss the relationship between genetic diversity and the decline in honeybee populations. • How has a decline in honeybees affected species diversity in various ecosystems?

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