Con bio lecture 1

Lecture 1 of conservation

Conservation biology

The study and sustainable management of biodiversity for the benefit of human beings

Biodiversity

The variety of life on the earth (usually we concentrate on the species level)

Linnaean Shortfall

Represents only a fracation of the total species thought to occur on earth. ~5-10 million species

What is the largest taxonomic group

Insects

T/F: Historical, conservation biology was an offshoot of wildlife management

True

What are the 4 points of Medicinal Value

-Most of the prescribed drugs used in the US were originally derived from living organisms

-Researches believe that based on the biodiversity found in the tropical rain forest, an additional 328 types of drugs are yet to be found

-Agricultural value

- Wild plants act as gene pools for those plants used in aggie ( increase resistance to viruses, faster growth...)

Consumptive value

New products such as nuts and fruits, new chemicals

Indirect value of natural communities

-Control air pollution

-Prevent soil erosion

-Clean polluted water

-Provide recreational value