Transcript Ch 6 Humans in the Biosphere

1 Review Describe the different components of
global biodiversity
2 Review What are the major threats to biodiversity
3 Review What is the goal of a species survival plan
Form an Opinion Do you think that the hot spot
strategy is a good one- explain
CH 6 HUMANS IN THE BIOSPHERE
6.3 Biodiversity
The Value of Biodiversity

Biodiversity
 Total
of all the genetically based variation in all
organisms in the biosphere

What value does it offer society.
Types of Biodiversity

Ecosystem diversity


Species diversity


Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes
Number of different species in the biosphere, or in a
particular area
Genetic diversity

Total of all different forms of genetic information carried by
a particular species or by all organisms.
Valuing Biodiversity

Medicine
 Wild

species were the beginnings of most medicines
Agriculture
 Most

crops and livestock have wild ancestors
Ecosystem Services
 Interrelatedness of
species.
Stability

The greater number of organisms in a food web
the more stable
 Why

Especially true for producers

Greater Variety Greater Stability.
Threats to Biodiversity



Altering habitats, hunting, introducing invasive
species, pollution, and contributing to climate
change
Most are human caused
Current rate of species loss is approaching 1000
times the “typical” rate.
Simplify

What gets planted in a farm field
 Why

What happens if
 Potato
blight (Ireland)
 Corn Borer
 Dutch Elm Disease
 Emerald Ash Borer.
Altered Habitats



Natural habitats are lost for agriculture or for
urban development
Number of species drops, and some become
extinct
Habitat fragmentation
 Splitting
up ecosystem and leaving small chunks
surrounded by a different habitat.
Hunting and the Demand for Wildlife
Products


Over hunting can lead to extinction
Food, pelts, skins, feathers, animal parts.
Introduced Species



Species moved from one habitat to another
Often can out compete native species
Lack of predators or species to control their
growth.
Pollution

Can kill organisms, lower reproductive rate, alter
environment.
Climate Change

Most organisms have a specific tolerance and can
survive in only a particular environment and
climate.
Protecting Individual Species



Book
Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA)
Species survival plans
(SSPs)



More familiar
Endangered Species
List
Threatened Species
List.
Preserving Habitats and Ecosystems

Government

Conservation Groups
 Parks
 Nature
 Forests
 Private
 Wetlands
 Grasslands
 BLM
 CRP
 Shorelines
 Rivers
Conservancy
parks/reserves.
Ecological Hot Spot

Place where significant numbers of species and
habitats are in immediate danger of extinction.
Considering Local Interests




United States government has offered tax credits
for hybrid cars or green energy
Communities in other countries, rather than farm
or log, set aside land as nature reserves and make
money off tourists
Farmers are paid to plant trees along rivers and
streams
Carbon credits for industries.