Philippine Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Flashcards about Philippine biodiversity and natural resources.

What is the Philippines known for in terms of its geography?

An archipelago consisting of more than 7,641 islands.

How many languages are spoken in the Philippines?

At least 175 languages.

What is the national bird of the Philippines?

Monkey-Eating Eagle

Approximately how many species are found in the Philippines?

More than 52,100 species.

What is molecular biodiversity?

The richness of molecules found in life.

What is genetic diversity?

The biological variation that occurs within species.

What is species diversity?

The number of different species in a particular area and their relative abundance.

What is ecosystem diversity?

The variety of different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.

What does molecular biodiversity ultimately depend on?

Depends on inheritable DNA.

What does genetic biodiversity refer to?

Variety of expressed traits or genes within a species.

What is species diversity related to?

Variety of species found in a given area and the relative abundance of each species.

What is ecosystem diversity related to?

The variety of different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.

What is the Philippines' status in terms of mega-biodiversity?

One of 18 mega-biodiverse countries.

What percentage of the world’s plant and animal species are found in mega-biodiverse countries?

Between 70% and 80%.

What rank does the Philippines hold in terms of number of plant species?

Fifth.

What rank does the Philippines hold in the world for bird endemism?

Fourth.

In what year was the national list of threatened faunal species in the Philippines established?

2004

How many species of land mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians were listed as threatened in 2004 in the Philippines?

42 species of land mammals, 127 species of birds, 24 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians.

How many species of fish are in the Philippines?

At least 3,214 species.

How many fish species are critically endangered and endangered in the Philippines?

99 species critically endangered, 187 endangered, 176 vulnerable.

What is the ecological importance of biodiversity?

Regulation, balance, stability, and sustainability of ecosystems.

What is the economic importance of biodiversity?

Provides basic materials needed by humans; supports livelihoods and incomes.

What is the aesthetic importance of biodiversity?

Sense of satisfaction and pride; provides opportunities for recreational activities.

What is the cultural and spiritual importance of biodiversity?

Intrinsic value that is worth protecting for human survival.

What are anthropogenic factors?

Environmental change caused or influenced by people.

What factors caused Philippine biodiversity loss?

Habitat alterations/destruction, overharvesting, environmental pollution, climate change, introduced species, encroachment of habitat.

Examples of natural disasters

Earthquake, tsunami, flood, tornado, wildfire, landslide, hurricane, drought, heat wave.

What are the underlying causes of the loss of Philippine biodiversity?

Population growth, ignorance, poorly conceived policies, global trading system, inequality, apathy, interaction of underlying causes.

What is in situ conservation?

Maintenance of genetic variation at the location where it is encountered.

What is a protected area?

Geographical space managed for long-term conservation.

What is ex situ conservation?

Protecting species outside of its natural habitat.

What is biodiversity prospecting (bioprospecting)?

Exploring molecular, genetic, and species information for commercial purposes.

What are natural resources?

Raw materials derived from nature that are essential for human survival or have significant commercial value.

What are the types of natural resources?

Water, minerals, land, energy, and forest resources.

What are the Philippines' main sources of water?

Rivers, lakes, river basins, and groundwater reservoirs.

Where are rich, wide plains suitable for farming found in the Philippines?

Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southwestern Bicol, Panay, Negros, Davao, Cotabato, Agusan, Bukidnon.

How can the country’s mineral deposits be classified?

Metals and non-metals.

Examples of metals

Nickel, iron, copper.

Examples of non-metals

Cement, lime, marble, asphalt, salt, sulfur, asbestos, guano, gypsum, phosphate.

Most common minerals in rocks

Quartz, feldspar, biotite, mica, calcite, gypsum, hornblende, fluorite, augite, hematite.

Mix of renewable energy sources

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal.

Examples of Fossil Fuel

Oil, natural gas, coal.

Examples of Alternative Fuels

Biofuels, compressed natural gas, auto gas, hydrogen.

What is Geothermal energy?

Heat energy from the earth’s reservoirs of hot water

What is Hydroelectrical Energy?

Electricity consumed from hydroelectric power plants.

Classifications of Philippine Forests

Dipterocarp, Molave, Pine-type, Mangrove, and Mid Mountain forests

Principal Timber Species

The lauans, or Philippine Mahogany and Meranti

Important Philippine timber tree yielding a resin

Apitong

Fishery Resources

Territorial waters measuring as much as 1.67 million square kilometers

Philippine human resources

One of the country's outstanding attributes aside from other natural resources