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BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species and genetic diversity within an ecosystem. It is crucial for stable food webs, the discovery of new medicines, and genetic variety for survival. However, the loss of biodiversity can disrupt food webs, lead to the extinction of species, limit the availability of "miracle drugs," and reduce recreational opportunities. Habitat destruction, pollution, biomagnification, and invasive species are some of the major threats to biodiversity.

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BIODIVERSITY

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  1. BIODIVERSITY Differences are Good

  2. Definition • Biodiversity = the wide variety of different species living in an ecosystem • Also includes genetic diversity which refers to the variety of genes within a species

  3. It’s good because… • Food webs are intact so ecosystems are stable. • Have a source of new medicines. • Have genetic variety within a species to help survival. • Have a genetic sources that can be used in genetic engineering

  4. When we lose biodiversity… • Food webs are disrupted • Disease may wipe out a species. • We may lose a source of “miracle drugs” • Lose recreational opportunties

  5. Example • Mountain lions were almost hunted to extinction --> deer population greatly increased--> overgrazing of land--> plants couldn’t hold soil in place--> erosion--> permanent ecological damage

  6. Threats to Biodiversity • Habitat destruction - single biggest threat to biodiversity e.g. cutting down the rainforest, altering the Everglades, daming rivers

  7. Pollution - plastic bags and 6 pack rings kill turtles - overuse of chemicals

  8. Biomagnification • The increase in the amount of chemicals in organisms as go up food chain - each organism eats more of the previous level so the chemical levels accumulate

  9. Invasive Species • A species that is transported out of its natural habitat and is introduced into a new habitat. • The new habitat may lack natural predators so they may grow uncontrollably and wipe out other species.

  10. Examples • Zebra mussels - filter feeders, clean the water of phytoplankton which removes the base of an aquatic food chain, clog pipes • Purple loosestrife - replacing cattails in wet areas which takes away a food source for beavers • Sea Lamprey - attach themselves to “good” fish and suck out blood and body fluids • Northern snakehead fish - can wipe out fish, amphibians, and other animals from a pond • Mediterranean fruit fly - can destroy crops • Asian Carp – eat all types of fish and have no predators.

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