Transcript BIODIVERSITY - MrsPage.com

4.1.1 Biodiversity
4.1.1 Define the terms biodiversity,
genetic diversity, species diversity and
habitat diversity.
Biodiversity
The amount of biological diversity
per unit area.
• Influenced by climate (what is the
most diverse biome?)
• It includes: genetic, habitat and
species diversity
•
Genetic Diversity
Is the total number of genetic
characteristics of a specific species
within a population.
Species Diversity
Is the number of
species or
organisms per unit
area found in
different habitats
of the planet.
Habitat Diversity
Variety of forests, deserts, grasslands, lakes,
oceans, coral reefs, wetlands, and other
biological communities,
(niches per unit area).
If habitat diversity is conserved than this usually leads
to the conservation of species and genetic diversity.
Why is biodiversity
important?

Diversity = stability
 Nature’s
insurance policy against
change
 The
source of all natural capital for
human use
 The
way chemical materials are cycled
and purified
 The
end result of millions of years of
evolution and irreplaceable
The 19 Most Biodiverse countries in
the world.
What is the Problem with this?
Biodiversity Hotspots need
special consideration
HOTSPOTS:

These areas need emergency conservation
attention

Especially rich in endemic plant and animal
species (found nowhere else in the world)

They cover on 1.4% of world land area

Mostly tropical forests

Contain 60% of identified terrestrial
biodiversity

55% of all primates, 22% of all carnivores

1.1 billion people living in poverty near
these sites

$500 million annually would go far to ensure
their preservation
State of US species.
Projected Status of Biodiversity
1998–2018
Arctic Circle
60°
EUROPE
NORTH
AMERICA
30°N
Tropic of Cancer
Pacific
Ocean
0°
150°
120°
90°
Tropic of Capricorn
ASIA
Atlantic
Ocean
AFRICA
30°W
SOUTH
AMERICA
0°
Pacific
Ocean
60°E
90°
150°
Indian
AUSTRALIA
Ocean
30°S
Antarctic Circle
60°
ANTARCTICA
Critical and endangered
Threatened
Stable or intact
Why Should We Care About
Biodiversity?
• Instrumental value:
Usefulness to us
• Intrinsic Value:
because they exist
(rather useful or not
to us).
Goods

Food, fuel, ecosystems, species, fiber, lumber, paper, …

90% of today’s food crops

40% of all medicines (85% of antibiotics)
Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea,
Europe
Digitalis for heart failure
Pacific yew
Taxus brevifolia,
Pacific Northwest
Ovarian cancer
Biological Value:

Flow of materials, energy, and information in the biosphere

Photosynthesis

Pollination

Soil formation and maintenance

Nutrient recycling

Moderation of weather extremes

Purification of air and water
Genetic Value:
 Genetic
information: adaptation and
evolution
 Genetic information for genetic engineering
 Educational and scientific information
Recreation:
• Hunting, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, water
skiing, . . . .
• Eco-tourism
Nonutilitarian:

Existence

Aesthetic

Protect natural capital for future generations