Introduction to Scienceskirbst.org/23-Biodiversity.pdf2. Changing communities 3. Intentional killing...

Biodiversity

Mr. Skirbst

Biodiversity

Variety and variability of life on Earth

3 Types of Diversity

1. Taxonomic (Species) Diversity

variety in numbers of species

3 Types of Diversity

1. Taxonomic Diversity

2. Ecological Diversity

Variety in number of ecosystems

3 Types of Diversity

1. Taxonomic Diversity

2. Ecological Diversity

3. Morphological (genetic) Diversity

Variety within a species (genetically)

Biodiversity dependent on:

Temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography, other species

Biodiversity dependent on:

Temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography, other species

Biodiversity highest in warm, moist, equatorial regions with fertile soil

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

- Variability in DNA

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

- Variability in DNA

- Promotes survival (w/ “back-ups”)

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

- Variability in DNA

- Promotes survival (w/ “back-ups”)

- One species goes, another takes place

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

- “Web of life” supports stability

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

- “Web of life” supports stability

- Missing links = instability

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

3. Human benefits

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

3. Human benefits

- Scientific value (info., medicine)

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Global stability

3. Human benefits

- Scientific value (information, medicine)

- Economic value (products, chemicals)

Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Habitat destruction

- deforestation, desertification, wetland destruction

Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Habitat destruction

2. Changing communities

- Exotic plant or animal species (taking over habitat or resources or

killing others)

Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Habitat destruction

2. Changing communities

3. Intentional killing

- Poaching (illegal hunting of protected species)

Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Habitat destruction

2. Changing communities

3. Intentional killing

4. Accidental killing

- Unintentional (traffic patterns, isolation)

Web of Life