Module 5.4 – Biodiversity and Global Change

Biodiversity Hotspot

Area with high endemism and high habitat loss

Endemic Species

Species found only in one region

Instrumental Value

Value because it benefits humans

Instrumental Value Example

Medicine, crops, pollination

Intrinsic Value

Value because species have a right to exist

Intrinsic Value Example

Protecting species regardless of usefulness

Habitat Destruction

Loss of habitat due to human activity

Habitat Fragmentation

Breaking habitat into smaller patches

Edge Effect

Environmental changes along habitat edges

Overconsumption

Harvesting faster than replacement

Introduced Species

Species moved outside native range

Invasive Species

Introduced species that causes harm

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather

Most Threatened Animal Group

Amphibians

Why Amphibians Are Threatened

Disease, habitat loss, climate change

Threatened Species

High risk of extinction

Near-Threatened Species

Likely to become threatened

Least Concern Species

Low extinction risk

Major Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat loss, invasive species, overconsumption, climate change

How Scientists Identify Hotspots

Areas with many endemic species and severe habitat loss

Community Resistance

Ability to resist change after disturbance

Community Resilience

Ability to recover after disturbance