Importance of Biodiversity Why does it matter Scientist

Importance of Biodiversity Why does it matter?

Scientist of the Week Majora Carter ● Environmental activist and urban revitalization strategist from the South Bronx, New York City, New York ● Since the 1990’s, Majora Carter has been working to restore access to green spaces in the deeply urban neighborhoods of South Bronx. Her work helped create the first waterfront park in the Bronx in 60 years! ● She started the Majora Carter Group to help people realize they don’t have to move to a different neighborhood to live in a healthy environment or have access to nature. Her company works to create urban policies that focus on environmental protection and restoration.

Biotic vs Abiotic Living Nonliving

Biotic vs Abiotic Activity!

Organisms are Interdependent ● Organisms depend on resources ○ ○ Biotic Abiotic ● Resources are limited ● Organisms must compete for those resources ● A healthy ecosystem needs multiple species getting the resources they need in a stable web Energy flow ●

Saguaro - Keystone Species Bobcats Javelinas Lesser Long Nosed Bat Gila. Flicker Woodpecker Gilded White Winged Dove Cactus Long Horned Beetle Red Tailed Great Hawks Horned Owl Screech Owl Cactus (Solitary) Bees

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Javelinas Gilded Flicker White Winged Dove Cactus Long Horned Beetle Red Tailed Hawks Screech Owl

1935 2010

Biodiversity Affects Us

Ecosystem Services Provisioning Food/water Regulating Soil fertility and erosion control Supporting Cultural Healthy habitat Tourism, recreation, and mental/physical wellness Air and water quality Raw materials for construction, fuel, cooking, medicine, etc. Pollination and pest control Genetic diversity biodiversity hotspots Culture and spirituality (art, identity, language, and design)

We Affect Biodiversity - Urban Ecosystems Urban - areas within cities where many people live Urban ecosystem - the interaction between humans, plants and animals in an urban setting Cooper’s Hawk on an electrical wire Coyote crossing the street Javelina feasting on Halloween pumpkins

How do Humans Impact Ecosystems? Habitat Removal or Pollution Species Introduction Water Decline

Colorado River Water Supply Usage

Park Simulation Game https: //games. legendsoflearning. com/games/Wy. Jn. YW 1 lcy. Is. NDMy. XQ== ● Lets try it! - can we successfully maintain a healthy ecosystem? As we play, think about this: ● What happens if you either fill up or empty a category? ● Why is it important to balance the four categories Environment, Wildlife, People, and Money?

Evaluation Activity