Biodiversity What is Biodiversity n The number and

Biodiversity

What is Biodiversity? n The number and variety of species in an area **Diverse areas tend to be more stable

Species diversity n Keystone species: species that are critical to an ecosystems health n n n North American sea otters Prairie dogs Cats

Sea Otters n http: //player. discoveryeducation. com/index. cf m? guid. Asset. Id=A 1 FA 660 E-268 B-4763 -BCF 9 3 A 8 F 8485554 E&bln. From. Search=1&productc ode=US

Why is biodiversity important to us? n Medicine n n ¼ of medicine in U. S. is derived from plants Almost all antibiotics come from fungi

Plant-based Drugs n http: //www. rain-tree. com/plantdrugs. htm Pacific Yew

Why is biodiversity important to us? n Food n Most new crops are genetic hybrids *Why might it be important to have a large variety of crop choices? ? ?

Preservation of biodiversity for aesthetic reasons

Biodiversity at Risk n Mass Extinction: the elimination of many species in a short period of time ****Scientists speculate that humans are the main cause of current extinctions

Which species are at risk? Species n n n with small populations that migrate that have low tolerance ranges Endangered species: species likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken Threatened species: species with decreasing populations, at risk of becoming endangered

Human Impact n n Habitat destruction Introduction of exotic species Illegal hunting, poaching pollution

Areas of high risk n Tropical rain forests

Areas of high risk n Coral reefs

Areas of high risk n Islands

The Future of Biodiversity n Captive-Breeding Programs n Breeding species in captivity (zoos, nature centers) and reintroducing to the wild Pros: Cons:

Future of Biodiversity n Preservation of Genetic Material n The storage of genetic material for future use n Germ plasm: any form of genetic material

Future of Biodiversity n Zoos, wildlife preserves, aquariums, and botanical gardens areas in which species are housed and displayed Pros: Cons:

Future of Biodiversity n Preserving natural habitats n n n Best way to protect species Conservationist focus on whole ecosystems rather than individual species Areas are identified, protected, and/or restored

Future of Biodiversity n Legal protection for species n 1973 -Endangered Species Act (ESA) to be carried out by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Identification of all endangered and threatened species n All identified species are to be protected from human harm n The government cannot jeopardize a listed species n The USFWS must prepare a species recovery plan for each listed species n

Future of Biodiversity Why do you think the protection of a habitat can cause controversy? ? ? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Future of Biodiversity n International Cooperation n Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Habitats (IUCN) Works with gov. agencies and conservationists to protect habitats n Created CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to prevent poaching of endangered animals n

Future of Biodiversity n Biodiversity Treaty n n n Est. 1992 at the first Earth Summit Goal: preserve genetic biodiversity Could affect trade and commerce if their actions impact the biodiversity within an area

Future of Biodiversity n Many private organizations fight to protect biodiversity n n World Wildlife Fund Nature Conservancy Conservation International Greenpeace

What do you think? Should human needs ever outweigh the need to protect endangered or threatened species? ? ?