CH16 Biological Diversity - EVR 1001

biological diversity

number, variety, and variability of Earth's organisms

biological diversity components

-genetic diversity
-species richness
-ecosystem diversity

why we need organisms

food, clothing, shelter, pollination of crops, antibiotics and medicines, biological processes (nitrogen fixation)

ecosystem services

removal of species can decrease ecosystem services

scientific importance of genetic diversity

-genetic engineering
-new vaccines
-productive farm animals
-agricultural plants with desirable characteristics

medical importance of organisms

-important to pharmaceutical industry
-most prescription drugs are either natural, slightly modified natural, or synthetic

industrial importance of organisms

oils, lubricants, paper, and lumber

ethical and aesthetic importance of organisms

mental health, inspiration, recreation

agricultural importance of organisms

numerous species can contribute to a more diverse diet which is more nutritional

extinction

death of the last member of a species

endangered species

-species that face threats that may cause it to become extinct within a short period of time

threatened species

species whose population has declined to the point that it may be at risk of extinction

habitat fragmentation

break up of large areas of habitat into small, isolated patches

causes of declining biodiversity

land use, invasive species, over-exploitation, pollution, increased human population

conservation biology

the scientific study of how humans impact organisms and of the development of ways to protect biodiversity

conservation biology practices

-protecting habitats
-restoring damaged or destroyed habitats
-zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens
-seed banks

connecting fragmented habitats

habitat separated by roads or other human development

habitat corridors

allow animals to move from one fragment to another safely

restoration ecology

the study of the historical condition of a human-damaged ecosystem, with the goal of returning it as close as possible to its former state

restoration ecology benefits

-creates biological habitats
-regeneration of soil damaged by agriculture or mining

restoration ecology disadvantages

-expensive
-takes a long time to restore an area

wildlife management

the application of conservation principles to manage wild species and their habitats for human benefit or for the welfare of other species