Notes: Diversity (pg 16)

Notes: Diversity (pg 16)

• Species Richness = The number of species in a community

Notes: Diversity (pg 16)

• Species Richness = The number of species in a community

• Species Evenness = measures how equal the species in a community are numerically

Notes: Diversity (pg 16)

• Species Richness = The number of species in a community

• Species Evenness = measures how equal the species in a community are numerically

• Species Diversity = The number and relative abundance of species in a community (includes richness AND evenness)

Biodiversity• The total of all the genetically based variation

in all organisms in the biosphere

Biodiversity• The total of all the genetically based variation

in all organisms in the biosphere• Why should we be concerned about

preserving biodiversity?1. Medicine: Plant species are the source of

many new medicines

Biodiversity• The total of all the genetically based variation

in all organisms in the biosphere• Why should we be concerned about

preserving biodiversity?1. Medicine: Plant species are the source of

many new medicines2. Agriculture: Wild relatives of crops can have

genes for pest or disease-resistance

Biodiversity• The total of all the genetically based variation in

all organisms in the biosphere• Why should we be concerned about preserving

biodiversity?1. Medicine: Plant species are the source of many

new medicines2. Agriculture: Wild relatives of crops can have

genes for pest or disease-resistance3. Ecosystem Services: Healthy and diverse

ecosystems help maintain soil, water, and air quality

Keystone Species

• Play a key role in maintaining the diversity and structure of an ecosystem

Keystone Species

• Play a key role in maintaining the diversity and structure of an ecosystem

• Example: Sea otter. Eats sea urchins, which allows kelp forests to grow. Many species of fish and other animals live in the kelp forest