Biodiversity

Chapter 11
Types of Biodiversity
Genetic Diversity
The different versions of the same genes
within individual species.
Members of the same species look and
react differently even though they have
the same genes.

Types of Biodiversity
Species Diversity
The number of different kinds of organisms
within individual communities or
ecosystems.

Types of Biodiversity
Ecological Diversity
The variety of biological communities,
niches, trophic levels, and ecological
processess.

Benefits of Biodiversity
All our food comes from other organisms.
Living organisms provides us with many
useful drugs and medicines.
Provides ecological benefits, such as
carbon cycle, nitrgen cycle, water cycle.
Natural pest control.
Provides aesthetic and cucltural benefits.
HIPPO Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
Invasive Species
Pollution
Population of Humans
Overharvesting
Loss of Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
Clear-cutting forests
Converting grasslands to croplands or
rangelands
Mining, dam building, and some fishing
methods.
Growth of cities
Habitat area is diminished
Animal movement routes are blocked
Loss of Biodiversity
Introduced Species
Humans have taken species into new
territory for hundreds of years.
Speed of transportation has allowed this
process to increase rapidly.
New species are known as invasive
species.
Introduced species disturb the balance of
an ecosystem.
Invasive Species
Eurasian milfoil in USA
European green crab in USA
Kudzu vine in the USA
African Snails in Brazil
Zebra Mussels in USA
Wild Boar in Brazil
Invasive species
Generalist species: live in a variety of
habitats.
Excellent dispersal mechanisms
Produce many offspring
Mature and reproduce early
Superior defenses against predators
Superior skills as predators

Loss of Biodiversity
Pollution
Pesticides: marine mammals, alligators,
fish and birds.
Lead poisoning: ducks, swans, and cranes
and predatory birds
Acid rain
Coral bleaching
Leached water from mines
Loss of Biodiversity
Overuse or Overharvesting
Hunting: wild birds and buffalo in North
America.
Fishing efficiency has dramatically
depleted fish population.
Bushmeat trade: elephants, antelopes,
primates.
Poaching of African mammals like
elephants for ivory


Species
Historically defined by physical
characteristics.
Biologists further classify species
according to reproductive isolation are
members of a species split into very
separated groups taht cannot reproduce
DNA information has led to the discovery
of many subspecies.
Extinction
Extinction takes place when all members
of a specific species die.
Extinction is a natural process.
Humans seem to have been accelerating
the extinction rate.
About 2% of all species are endangered.
Endangered Species
Management
Endangered Species: those considered to
be in imminent danger of extinction.
Threatened Species: those that are likely
to become endangered.
Vulnerable Species: are naturally rare or
have been locally depleted by human
activities.
Endangered Species
Management
U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) of
1973.
Focused on indentifying all endangered
species and populations and preserving
the most biodiversity possible.
Before most laws were only for specific
anmals.
Endangered Species
Management
The ESA establishes rules regarding
taking endangered animals on purpose
or by mistake.
Fines go up to $100,000 and 1 year of jail.
For a species to enter the endangered list
it needs to through a long review process.
Environmentalists belief the single-
species approach is flawed.
Endangered Species
Management
Fish and Wildlife Services
Prepares a recovery plan for endangered
species.
About $150 million is spent per year on
recovery plans.
Most of the money goes to the popular
species: California Condor, Florida
Panther, and Grizzly Bear.
Endangered Species
Management
Types of endangered species
Keystone: those with major effects on the
ecosystem.
Indicator: population level shows
ecological conditions.
Umbrella: requires large habitats.
Flagship: attractive species to which
people react emotionally.
Endangered Species
Management
The economic burden of saving the
endangered species has been a political
and social problem.
Hydropower dams and lumber industry
suffer economic losses due to
endangered species.
Endangered Species
Management
Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) are
negotiated with private landowners.
The HCP allows owners to whatever they
want with their land as long as the
endangered species population is not
affected.
HCPs have been a cause for controversy
between environmentalists.
Endangered Species
Management
The ESA expired on 1992
Since then a new law has not been
approved yet.
Some people believe the ESA puts
animals rights above humans rights.
New versions of ESA focus on using a
system where ecosystems are preserved
rather than individual species.