[STS LT4] Biodiversity

biodiversity

variety of animals, plants, fungi, and other lifeforms in the planet

high biodiversity

• combination of high richness + high evenness

• richness: the number of species in a location

• evenness: the distribution of these species (baka nemen 99% kasi ng community isang species lang)

• Two communities may have the same richness, but different evenness

• example on mushrooms

• example: pollinator pockets (wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, different moths, insects)

levels/scales of biodiversity

• species diversity

• genetic diversity

• ecological diversity

species diversity

• a level/scale of biodiversity

• different kinds of organisms within communities or ecosystems

• diverse community/ecosystem

• in an agricultural setting, increases resilience, capitalizes on species-species interactions

  • example: tomato and basil. having basil nearby helps with tomato growth.

• there is interaction among different species that affect their growth and functions.

genetic diversity

• a level/scale of biodiversity

• a measure of the variety of different versions of the same genes within individual species

• think diversity of dogs

ecological diversity

• a level/scale of biodiversity

• the richness and complexity of a biological community, inc. niches, trophic levels, and food webs, and ecological processes

• think rich, think complex, think amount of roles

• how game of thrones is itis eis

species

• biological species concept: organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring

• phylogenetic concept: according to descent from a common ancestor, defined by common physical characteristics, and traits

• genetic concept: species have “significantly different genes” from another species

biological species concept

species: organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring

phylogenetic concept

species: descend from common ancestor; defined by common physical characteristics and traits

genetic concept

species: have “significantly different genes” from another species

why is genetic diversity important

When the environment changes drastically, a population with high genetic diversity (pooled and hybrid) will have greater chances to survive.

It is important to maintain genetic diversity for population survival, but because of our practices (e.g. dog breeding, dog inbreeding), nagkakasakit yung mga organisms. Aspins are the most resilient.

ecosystem diversity, ecological connectivity

_____ ____, ______ ____ are important to maintain diverse communities and populations that are more resilient to environmental changes and provide max. ecosystem services that are dependent on their connectivity.

• example: Once upon a time, we are in a coastal ecosystem. The coral reefs are the first buffer against storm surges, lowering the energy to seagrass and then to mangroves. Same idea with mangroves against erosion, runoff.

• coral reefs, seagrass provide habitats, oxygen (ecosystem functions andami)

  • corals are animals with symbiotic relationship w/ algae

  • algae, living in corals, takes in CO₂ as it grows in corals. It is crucial for lowering CO₂ levels in the sea.

why is biodiversity important

• climate change resilience (biodiverse populations and communities are generally more resilient)

• food producers (complex food web and food producers leads to higher variety in food, beneficial for organisms in gen but also us, our culture, our survival)

• agriculture (see species diversity: agricultural companions such as tomato and basil)

• see ecosystem services (serveeee!!)

ecosystem functions

beneficial “behaviors” of an ecosystem that emerge from their parts or components and their relationships.

• example: symbiotic relationship between coral reef and algae, sheltering algae. and algae regulates Co2 levels. and algae provides energy for coral reefs.

ecosystem services

ecosystem functions that are beneficial to humans.

• provisioning (e.g. food, raw materials, medicinal resources)

• regulating (local climate, erosion and fertility, waste-water treatment, natl. disasters)

• culture (e.g. tourism, dishes, recreation and health)

• habitat (e.g. species and ecosystems)

provisioning

• biodiversity ecosystem service

• giving food, raw materials, medicinal resources

regulating

• biodiversity ecosystem service

• containing erosion and fertility, natural disasters, waste-water treatment, local climate

habitat

• biodiversity ecosystem service

• conducive space for species and ecosystems, genetic diversity (for population resilience and survival)

culture

• biodiversity ecosystem service

• biodiversity is weaved into our culture: tourism, recreation/health activities, food or dishes, spirituality, aesthetics/art

four categories of ecosystems

1. Forests and Terrestrial Ecosystems

2. Freshwater Ecosystems

3. Coastal & Marine

4. Urban Ecosystems

why are forests important

• these are part of Forests and Terrestrial Ecosystems

• A tree by itself has numerous benefits, but a forest is more than just a sum of indiv. parts.

1. habitat (ph eagles)

2. clean air

3. erosion control

4. oxygen

5. food

6. timber

freshwater ecosystems

• category of ecosystems

• highest rate of decline because of what it “catches”

• one of the most exploited since time immemorial despite onyl occupying a small % of Earth’s surface

• earliest civilizations lives here for transpo, trade, agriculture, food sources, water, energy (hydropower)

• uses today: fish cages in Taal Lake, Angat Dam and reservoir, Pasig Ferry Service, Irrigation system

coastal & marine ecosystems

• category of ecosystems

• recreation (Boracay), food (Navotas Fish Port), protection against storm surges (mangroves, coral reefs)

• coral reefs are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems in the world despite occupying <0.2% of ocean’s surface.

• “Commons.” Accessible by anyone.

Coral Triangle

We are part of the ___ ____, hailed as the center of marine biodiversity.

1994-2018

From _________, Philippine Coral Reef Biodiversity has declined significantly, and the conditions were not even good to start with.

• in 2019, the highest hard coral cover of bioregions is in “fair” (26%-50%).

commons

Coastal & marine ecosystems as “____.”

• Ecosystems accessible by everyone.

• They are primarily threatened by overexploitation, though there are other activities that also cause significant harm.

• Illegal sea turtle poaching, crown of thorns invasion, eutophication, illegal use of bottom travelers (those giant nets that scoop up everything)

sea surface temperature

• __ ___ _____ has raised by more than 1 degree F in most places.

• Climate change has drastic, often underappreciated impacts on marine life.

livelihood and economic sectors

The ____ ___ _____ ____ most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in the oceans and coastal systems:

• coastal populations

• small-scale fisheries

• shellfish gatherers

urban ecosystems

• category of ecosystems

• Urban setting may be just as environmentally complex as natural environments, but the resulting biodiversity may not be as “pretty”

  • Hydraena ateneo - water beetle endemic to Ateneo streams

• Urban patches or green spaces are important for the benefits offered by other types of ecosystems (e.g. forest and terrestrial ecosystem → clean air, recreation/health)

green spaces in metro manila

Urban patches or green spaces are important for the benefits offered by other types of ecosystems (e.g. forest and terrestrial ecosystem → clean air, recreation/health)

• Arroceros Park in Manila

• LPPCHEA in Laguna

  • internationally recognized for supporting migrating birds as an ecosystem

69%

Since 1970s, global biodiversity has significantly declined by 69%. And that’s a 2018 dataset.

3% vs 50%

biodiversity loss of utilized vs. non-utilized species of birds, mammals fish

Our activities have only respected the biodiversity of species immediately beneficial to us, showing our lack of concern.

catches

Freshwater ecosystems have highest rate of decline because of what it ____.

A river ____ all the accumulated water, impacts, and pollution within its watershed or drainage basin

land/sea use change

The highest driver of biodiversity loss is _______ __ ____.

The 2nd highest is direct exploitation.

The 3rd highest is invasive species.

responsible consumption

As individuals, we too can contribute, not only through _____ _____, but through active participation in creating awareness of the amazing life around us and within us.

active participation

As individuals, we too can contribute, not only through responsible consumption, but through ___ _____ in creating awareness of the amazing life around us and within us.

ignorance

_____ of environment and biodiversity can be harmful due to lack of understanding of our interactions.

• mahogany tree planting: invasive species

• mangrove planting must be planted within the right zone

social problems

Environmental problems are really ___ _____ anyway. They begin with people as the cause, and end with people as the victims

• cause: corruption, greed, ignorance

• effect: vulnerable communities (small scale fisheries, coastal communities, urban poor)