Unit 6 Lesson 1 Biodiversity The key to

Unit 6: Lesson 1 Biodiversity The key to sustainability of an ecosystem

TEKS: 7. 10 B • Describe how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem

What is Biodiversity? • Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area due to the number of different organisms. • It increases the stability and contributes to sustainability (the capacity to endure or last).

Genetic Diversity: • The variety of genes or inherited traits present in a population. • Genetic diversity increases the chances that some species will survive during changes in the environment. • Ex: outbreak of disease

Species Diversity: • The number of different species and the abundance of each in a biological community. • A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. • A community is known as two or more different species interacting within a specific area. • Species diversity increases as you move towards the equator.

Ecosystem Diversity: • The variety of ecosystems that are present in the biosphere (life sphere of Earth) • An ecosystem is made up of interacting biotic (living) and the abiotic (non-living) factors. • Biotic examples: animals, plants, etc. • Abiotic examples: temperature, water, air, wind, soil, etc.

Order of Biodiversity on the Earth: • Classification of biodiversity from general to specific; or largest to smallest • Biome • Ecosystem • Community • Population • Species

Biodiversity Analogy: • Biome = Royse City School District • Ecosystem = Royse City Middle School • Community = All people at RCMS • Population = All teachers at RCMS • Species = Science Teachers

Threats to Biodiversity: • Extinction and population reductions • Hunting and overharvesting • Habitat loss • Pollution • Climate change • Invasive species

Protecting Biodiversity: • Stop overharvesting • Hunting & fishing laws • Protect habitats • Refuges, parks, preserves • Legal protection • Endangered Species Act • Marine Mammal Protection Act • Migratory Bird Treaty Act • Fish Conservation Act