Humans the Environment Part 2 Biodiversity INTERESTING FACTS

Humans & the Environment Part 2: Biodiversity

INTERESTING FACTS • “Scientists estimate that there are between 10 million to 100 million organisms on Earth. Only 1. 4 million have been indentified. ” -Science Q&A Ecosystems • “About 118 of the top 150 prescription drugs in America contain chemicals derived from plants, fungi and other species. ” -International Biodiversity Observation Year • “Insects pollinate crops worth $6 -12 billion a year in the USA. ” -International Biodiversity Observation Year • “Scientists estimate that species extinctions are occurring 100 to 1000 times faster than without human influence. Without a change in our actions half of the world's species may be lost by 2100. ” -International Biodiversity Observation Year • “In the USA alone, nearly 4, 500 known species are threatened with extinction. ” -International Biodiversity Observation Year

BIO di VERSITY

Look at pages 150 -155!

VALUE THREATS BIODIVERSITY: sum total of the genetically based variety of all organisms in the biosphere CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES CHALLENGES

VALUE ANSWERS • Earth’s greatest natural resource • Food • Industrial products • Medicines BIODIVERSITY: sum total of the genetically based variety of all organisms in the biosphere THREATS • Altering habitats (Habitat Fragmentation) • Hunting species to extinction • Introducing toxics to food webs • Introducing invasive species STRATEGIES • Endangered Species Preservation Act • Captive Breeding Programs • National parks, forests, & other protected areas CONSERVATION: To describe the wise management of natural resources & Preservation of habitats and wildlife CHALLENGES • Saving the tropical rain forests in developing countries • Locating problem areas (“hot spots”) • Making a priority list