4 1 1 Biodiversity 4 1 1 Define

4. 1. 1 Biodiversity 4. 1. 1 Define the terms biodiversity, genetic diversity, species diversity and habitat diversity.

Biodiversity The amount of biological diversity per unit area. • Influenced by climate (what is the most diverse biome? ) • It includes: genetic, habitat and species diversity •

Genetic Diversity Is the total number of genetic characteristics of a specific species within a population.

Species Diversity Is the number of species or organisms per unit area found in different habitats of the planet.

Habitat Diversity Variety of forests, deserts, grasslands, lakes, oceans, coral reefs, wetlands, and other biological communities, (niches per unit area). If habitat diversity is conserved than this usually leads to the conservation of species and genetic

Why is biodiversity important? Diversity = stability Nature’s insurance policy against change The source of all natural capital for human use The way chemical materials are cycled and purified The end result of millions of years of evolution and irreplaceable

The 19 Most Biodiverse countries in the world. What is the Problem with this?

Biodiversity Hotspots need special consideration

HOTSPOTS: These areas need emergency conservation attention Especially rich in endemic plant and animal species (found nowhere else in the world) They cover on 1. 4% of world land area Mostly tropical forests Contain 60% of identified terrestrial biodiversity 55% of all primates, 22% of all carnivores 1. 1 billion people living in poverty near these sites $500 million annually would go far to ensure their preservation

State of US species.

Projected Status of Biodiversity 1998– 2018 Arctic Circle 60° EUROPE NORTH AMERICA 30°N Tropic of Cancer Pacific Ocean 0° 150° 120° 90° Tropic of Capricorn ASIA Atlantic Ocean AFRICA 30°W SOUTH AMERICA 0° Pacific Ocean 60°E 90° 150° Indian AUSTRALIA Ocean 30°S Antarctic Circle 60° ANTARCTICA Critical and endangered Threatened Stable or intact

Why Should We Care About Biodiversity? • Instrumental value: Usefulness to us • Intrinsic Value: because they exist (rather useful or not to us).

Goods Food, fuel, ecosystems, species, fiber, lumber, paper, … 90% of today’s food crops 40% of all medicines (85% of antibiotics) Foxglove Digitalis purpurea, Europe Digitalis for heart failure Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia, Pacific Northwest Ovarian cancer

Biological Value: Flow of materials, energy, and information in the biosphere Photosynthesis Pollination Soil formation and maintenance Nutrient recycling Moderation of weather extremes Purification of air and water

Genetic Value: Genetic information: adaptation and evolution Genetic information for genetic engineering Educational and scientific information

Recreation: • Hunting, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, . . • Eco-tourism Nonutilitarian: Existence Aesthetic Protect natural capital for future generations