7 Biodiversity and ConservationC

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BiodiversityBiodiversity• Bio – Life Diversity – Variety

• Includes three types:• Genetic diversity: Differences in DNA among individuals• Species diversity: Variety of species in a given area• Ecosystem diversity: Variety of habitats, ecosystems, communities

• Bio – Life Diversity – Variety

• Includes three types:• Genetic diversity: Differences in DNA among individuals• Species diversity: Variety of species in a given area• Ecosystem diversity: Variety of habitats, ecosystems, communities

Lesson 7.1 Our Planet of Life

Genetic Diversity Species Diversity Ecosystem Diversity

Species DiversitySpecies Diversity

•Currently 1.8 million different species

•9,700 Birds •10,500 Reptiles and Amphibian •1 million Insects!!!

•Species – group of organisms that can breed with each other to produce fertile offspring

•Currently 1.8 million different species

•9,700 Birds •10,500 Reptiles and Amphibian •1 million Insects!!!

•Species – group of organisms that can breed with each other to produce fertile offspring

ClassificationClassification• Taxonomists classify species based on 2 criteria: 1.Physical appearance 2. Genetic makeup.

Species are given a two-part name Ex. Homo sapien

• Organisms are placed into taxa based on shared similarities:• Kingdom King• Phylum Phyl• Class Came• Order Over• Family For• Genus Great• Species Soup

Lesson 7.1 Our Planet of Life

Subspecies—populations with genetically based characteristics that differ area to area but can interbreed

Subspecies—populations with genetically based characteristics that differ area to area but can interbreed

SpeciationSpeciation

• Population may be separated by physical barriers (water, mountains, roads) and no longer be able to

interbreed.

• Somehow be exposed to different environmental conditions that exerts evolutionary pressure to develop in different ways.

• Result is 1 species evolves into 2 distinct species Ex. Kaibab squirrel – Grand Canyon White tail deer vs. Florida key deer

• Population may be separated by physical barriers (water, mountains, roads) and no longer be able to

interbreed.

• Somehow be exposed to different environmental conditions that exerts evolutionary pressure to develop in different ways.

• Result is 1 species evolves into 2 distinct species Ex. Kaibab squirrel – Grand Canyon White tail deer vs. Florida key deer

Biodiversity is Not Fully MeasuredBiodiversity is Not Fully Measured

• There are likely between 5 and 30 million species on Earth that have been undiscovered.

• Species can be difficult to find and identify. Possibly many have been driven to extinction without ever being first discovered.

• There are likely between 5 and 30 million species on Earth that have been undiscovered.

• Species can be difficult to find and identify. Possibly many have been driven to extinction without ever being first discovered.

Lesson 7.1 Our Planet of Life

Orangutan in an Indonesian rain forest

Did You Know? In general, biodiversity increases toward the equator.

Did You Know? In general, biodiversity increases toward the equator.

Genetic DiversityGenetic Diversity

•Diversity in the genetic information that determines traits

• Found among organisms in the same species which is necessary to help the population survive

• Ex. A gene that provides protection against a disease.• This variety makes it more likely that at least some

individuals will survive an environmental change and pass the trait to their offspring. - Process of Natural Selection

• “Survival of the Fittest” drives evolutionary change

•Diversity in the genetic information that determines traits

• Found among organisms in the same species which is necessary to help the population survive

• Ex. A gene that provides protection against a disease.• This variety makes it more likely that at least some

individuals will survive an environmental change and pass the trait to their offspring. - Process of Natural Selection

• “Survival of the Fittest” drives evolutionary change

Ecosystem DiversityEcosystem Diversity

•Mud puddles to Oceans…..

• Ecosystems come in all sizes

• Provide different living conditions to support the needs of different species

• Ecosystem diversity is necessary for supporting species diversity

•Mud puddles to Oceans…..

• Ecosystems come in all sizes

• Provide different living conditions to support the needs of different species

• Ecosystem diversity is necessary for supporting species diversity

Benefits of Biodiversity Benefits of Biodiversity

Biodiversity provides “Free” Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity provides “Free” Ecosystem Services

• Food, Fuel, Fiber, Fun!

• Provides oxygen and nutrient recycling (decomposition, N2 fixing)

• Captures sunlight and converts it into usable energy

• Controls Pests

• Purifies air and water

• Controls floods

• Food, Fuel, Fiber, Fun!

• Provides oxygen and nutrient recycling (decomposition, N2 fixing)

• Captures sunlight and converts it into usable energy

• Controls Pests

• Purifies air and water

• Controls floods

Lesson 7.1 Our Planet of Life

Other Benefits of BiodiversityOther Benefits of Biodiversity

Lesson 7.1 Our Planet of Life

• Agriculture: Wild strains are cross-bred with related crops to transfer beneficial traits.

• Medicine: Organisms contain compounds that are useful for treating disease.

• Ecotourism: Environmentally responsible tourism is a source of income for many nations.

Did You Know? Of the 150 most prescribed drugs in the United States, 118 originated in nature.

Did You Know? Of the 150 most prescribed drugs in the United States, 118 originated in nature.

The yew tree, an original source of Taxol, a cancer-fighting drug

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity LossLesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity losses caused by humans are common in our history. Hunting and forest cutting drove the passenger pigeon—once North America’s most numerous bird—into extinction.

Biodiversity losses caused by humans are common in our history. Hunting and forest cutting drove the passenger pigeon—once North America’s most numerous bird—into extinction.

Natural Biodiversity LossNatural Biodiversity Loss

•Background extinctions: • Extinction is a natural phenomena

•Mass extinctions:• When extinction rates far exceed

the normal background rate

• There have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history which caused 1/2 of all species to go extinct.

•Background extinctions: • Extinction is a natural phenomena

•Mass extinctions:• When extinction rates far exceed

the normal background rate

• There have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history which caused 1/2 of all species to go extinct.

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

Dinosaur extinctions were part of a mass extinction.

Biodiversity at RiskBiodiversity at Risk

• The current extinction rate is 100 to 1000 times greater than the natural background rate.

• Presently over 1300 species in the U.S. are classified endangered or threatened

• Endangered: At serious risk of extinction

• Threatened: Likely to become endangered soon through all or part of its range

• Extirpated: Loss of population from a given area but not of entire species worldwide

• The current extinction rate is 100 to 1000 times greater than the natural background rate.

• Presently over 1300 species in the U.S. are classified endangered or threatened

• Endangered: At serious risk of extinction

• Threatened: Likely to become endangered soon through all or part of its range

• Extirpated: Loss of population from a given area but not of entire species worldwide

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

Giant panda, an endangered species

Giant panda, an endangered species

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

• #1 Habitat changes(Loss, degradation, fragmentation)

• Invasive species

• Pollution

• Overharvesting

• #1 Habitat changes(Loss, degradation, fragmentation)

• Invasive species

• Pollution

• Overharvesting

Siberian tiger

Major Causes of Biodiversity LossMajor Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Habitat Change and LossHabitat Change and Loss

• Greatest cause of biodiversity loss

• Organisms, adapted to their habitat, decline in population when the habitat changes.

• Habitat fragmentation: Patches of suitable habitat surrounded by unsuitable habitat

• In general, larger habitat fragments can support greater biodiversity than smaller fragments.

• Greatest cause of biodiversity loss

• Organisms, adapted to their habitat, decline in population when the habitat changes.

• Habitat fragmentation: Patches of suitable habitat surrounded by unsuitable habitat

• In general, larger habitat fragments can support greater biodiversity than smaller fragments.

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

Did You Know? Habitat change or destruction is the primary cause of population decline in more than 80% of threatened birds and mammals.

Did You Know? Habitat change or destruction is the primary cause of population decline in more than 80% of threatened birds and mammals.

Env. EngineeringWildlife CorridorsEnv. EngineeringWildlife Corridors•Connect habitat fragments

enabling once-isolated populations to interbreed

• Interbreeding increases genetic diversity.

•Connect habitat fragments enabling once-isolated populations to interbreed

• Interbreeding increases genetic diversity.

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

• Invasive species can out-compete and displace native species. May be introduced and have no natural predators or competitors -- “Species Gone Wild!!”

• .Threats in PA –

• Stink bug – decimating apple crop in southcentral PA

• Hemlock Wooly Adelgid – this sucks!

Fluid sucking aphid insect which creates a protective

wooly “cocoon”killing our state tree

* Spotted Lanternfly Moth – newest invasive to Berks Co. 2014.

Brown Marmoted Stink BugBrown Marmoted Stink Bug

Hemlock Wooly AdelgidHemlock Wooly Adelgid

Spotted Lanternfly MothSpotted Lanternfly Moth

• September 22, 2014 – Invasive species first identified appearance in the United States in Berks County, PA•November 1, 2014 Quarantined movement of

materials

• September 22, 2014 – Invasive species first identified appearance in the United States in Berks County, PA•November 1, 2014 Quarantined movement of

materials

Destructive Pest to our EconomyDestructive Pest to our Economy

• Potential Effects to PA economy :• $20.5 million grape

• $134 million apple

• $24 million stone fruit industries

• $12 billion Pine and hardwood

• Potential Effects to PA economy :• $20.5 million grape

• $134 million apple

• $24 million stone fruit industries

• $12 billion Pine and hardwood

• Egg masses can also be found on trees, especially Ailanthus alitissima (Tree of Heaven) and other smooth bark trees. • Smooth surfaces outdoors such as• lawn furniture, • stone and brick work, and • outdoor recreational vehicles • These masses pose a great risk for the accidental transport of this pest to new areas. • Egg masses are present in October and •will hatch in the spring starting as early as April.

• Egg masses can also be found on trees, especially Ailanthus alitissima (Tree of Heaven) and other smooth bark trees. • Smooth surfaces outdoors such as• lawn furniture, • stone and brick work, and • outdoor recreational vehicles • These masses pose a great risk for the accidental transport of this pest to new areas. • Egg masses are present in October and •will hatch in the spring starting as early as April.

Any living stage of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This includes egg masses, nymphs, and adults.Brush, debris, bark, or yard wasteLandscaping, remodeling or construction wasteLogs, stumps, or any tree partsFirewood of any speciesGrapevines for decorative purposes or as nursery stockNursery stockCrated materialsOutdoor household articles including recreational vehicles, lawn tractors and mowers, mower decks, grills, grill and furniture covers, tarps, mobile homes, tile, stone, deck boards, mobile fire pits, any associated equipment and trucks or vehicles not stored indoors.

PollutionPollution

•Harmful chemicals and materials that make their way into habitats can poison people and wildlife.

• Ex. DDT concentrated in reproductive organs of top carnivorous birds of prey and prevented hardening of the eggshell

•Harmful chemicals and materials that make their way into habitats can poison people and wildlife.

• Ex. DDT concentrated in reproductive organs of top carnivorous birds of prey and prevented hardening of the eggshell

OverharvestingOverharvesting

, species can be driven toward extinction by hunting or overharvesting by humans

Ex. Passenger pigeons

Climate Change

• Increasingly becoming a factor in biodiversity loss• Unlike the other factors, climate change will have a potentially

global effect on biodiversity.

• Increasingly becoming a factor in biodiversity loss• Unlike the other factors, climate change will have a potentially

global effect on biodiversity.

Lesson 7.2 Extinction and Biodiversity Loss

Did You Know? Scientists predict that a 1.5–2.5C global temperature increase could put 20–30% of plant and animal species at increased risk of extinction.

Did You Know? Scientists predict that a 1.5–2.5C global temperature increase could put 20–30% of plant and animal species at increased risk of extinction.

Lesson 7.3 Protecting BiodiversityLesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

Just 2.3% of the planet’s land surface is home to 50% of the world’s plant species and 42% of its vertebrate animal species.

Just 2.3% of the planet’s land surface is home to 50% of the world’s plant species and 42% of its vertebrate animal species.

The Endangered Species ActThe Endangered Species Act

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

• U.S. law that protects biodiversity, passed in 1973• Has three major parts:

• Forbids governments and citizens from harming listed species and habitats

• Forbids trade in products made from listed species• Requires U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain

official list of endangered and threatened species, and to develop recovery plan for each listed species

Did You Know? In part because of the Endangered Species Act, 40% of populations that were once declining in the U.S. are now stable.

Did You Know? In part because of the Endangered Species Act, 40% of populations that were once declining in the U.S. are now stable.

International CooperationInternational Cooperation

•Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1975): Bans international trade in body parts of endangered species.

•Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): International treaty to conserve biodiversity and ensure its responsible use and distribution

•Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1975): Bans international trade in body parts of endangered species.

•Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): International treaty to conserve biodiversity and ensure its responsible use and distribution

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

Ivory products, made from elephant tusks

Single-Species Approaches to Conservation

Single-Species Approaches to Conservation

•Captive breeding programs: Raising and breeding organisms in controlled conditions, such as zoos or aquariums

• Species Survival Plan: Program to save individual species, includes captive breeding, education, and research

•Cloning: Inserting DNA from an endangered species into a cultured egg cell; process involves implanting eggs into mothers of closely related species

•Captive breeding programs: Raising and breeding organisms in controlled conditions, such as zoos or aquariums

• Species Survival Plan: Program to save individual species, includes captive breeding, education, and research

•Cloning: Inserting DNA from an endangered species into a cultured egg cell; process involves implanting eggs into mothers of closely related species

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

Did You Know? The Species Survival Plan for the golden lion tamarin started with only 91 individuals. As of 2007, there were nearly 500 tamarins in zoos, and 150 reintroduced into the wild.

Did You Know? The Species Survival Plan for the golden lion tamarin started with only 91 individuals. As of 2007, there were nearly 500 tamarins in zoos, and 150 reintroduced into the wild.

Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

Biodiversity HotspotsBiodiversity Hotspots• The “hotspot approach” focuses

attention on areas where the greatest number of species can be protected with the least effort.

•Hotspots have:

• At least 1500 plant species found nowhere else in the world

• Already lost 70% of their habitat as a result of human activity

• The 34 biodiversity hotspots are home to 50% of Earth’s plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

• The “hotspot approach” focuses attention on areas where the greatest number of species can be protected with the least effort.

•Hotspots have:

• At least 1500 plant species found nowhere else in the world

• Already lost 70% of their habitat as a result of human activity

• The 34 biodiversity hotspots are home to 50% of Earth’s plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrate species.

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity

Northern Pintail ducks, Honshu, Japan

Japan is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Economic Approaches to Conservation

Economic Approaches to Conservation

•Many conservation efforts today attempt to balance protection of land and wildlife with the economic interests of local people:• Debt-for-nature swap:

Conservation organizations raise money to pay off a nation’s debt in return for improved conservation measures.

• Conservation concession: Conservation organizations buy the rights to conserve resources, instead of harvesting them.

• “Clean and Green” in PA

•Many conservation efforts today attempt to balance protection of land and wildlife with the economic interests of local people:• Debt-for-nature swap:

Conservation organizations raise money to pay off a nation’s debt in return for improved conservation measures.

• Conservation concession: Conservation organizations buy the rights to conserve resources, instead of harvesting them.

• “Clean and Green” in PA

Lesson 7.3 Protecting Biodiversity