2. What is meant by the term biodiversity?What is meant by the term biodiversity?
bio =bio = lifelife
diversity =diversity = varietyvariety
biodiversity = variety of life onbiodiversity = variety of life on
this planetthis planet
2
4. 3Types of Diversity 13Types of Diversity 1
GeneticGenetic Diversity — variationDiversity — variation
within a specieswithin a species
Different races of peopleDifferent races of people
Different tolerance levels ofDifferent tolerance levels of
Douglas Firs for sunlightDouglas Firs for sunlight
Different resistance to diseaseDifferent resistance to disease
of miceof mice
Different types of house catsDifferent types of house cats
4
5. 3Types of3Types of
Diversity 2Diversity 2
SpeciesSpecies Diversity — varietyDiversity — variety
of species, types ofof species, types of
organisms on the planet,organisms on the planet,
the sum total of allthe sum total of all
different forms of lifedifferent forms of life
Mammals vs. reptilesMammals vs. reptiles
Birds vs. fishBirds vs. fish
All the different types ofAll the different types of
fishfish
BirdBird
Different types of plantsDifferent types of plants
5
6. ThreeTypes of Diversity 3ThreeTypes of Diversity 3
EcosystemEcosystem Diversity —Diversity —
different types of habitats,different types of habitats,
biotic communities,biotic communities,
ecological processes andecological processes and
the tremendous diversitythe tremendous diversity
within an ecosystem inwithin an ecosystem in
terms of habitat differencesterms of habitat differences
and variety of ecologicaland variety of ecological
ForestsForests
GrasslandsGrasslands
DesertsDeserts
RiversRivers
OceansOceans
Etc.Etc.
6
8. Variation within a speciesVariation within a species
VariationVariation within awithin a
species createsspecies creates
stabilitystability and increasesand increases
likelihood species canlikelihood species can
adapt and surviveadapt and survive
environmentalenvironmental
pressurespressures
Disease hits cornDisease hits corn
Genetic reserveGenetic reserve
Beneficial insectsBeneficial insects
resistance to pesticidesresistance to pesticides
8
10. Variation within a species 3Variation within a species 3
IndividualIndividual species play criticalspecies play critical
roles in our environmentroles in our environment
Pollination of fruits andPollination of fruits and
vegetables by insectsvegetables by insects
Interdependence of organismsInterdependence of organisms
on each other = stabilityon each other = stability
Twenty-five percent of allTwenty-five percent of all
prescription medicines areprescription medicines are
derived from plantsderived from plants
10
11. Variation within a species 4Variation within a species 4
PollinationPollination of fruits and vegetablesof fruits and vegetables
by insectsby insects
Example: Honey BeesExample: Honey Bees
Introduced from Europe in the 1600sIntroduced from Europe in the 1600s
Have become widespread acrossHave become widespread across
North AmericaNorth America
Bred commercially for their abilities toBred commercially for their abilities to
produce honey and pollinate cropsproduce honey and pollinate crops
New problem — "colony collapseNew problem — "colony collapse
disorder" (or CCD)disorder" (or CCD)
It is believed many 1,00os of beeIt is believed many 1,00os of bee
colonies in the U.S. have diedcolonies in the U.S. have died
expressing symptoms of CCD sinceexpressing symptoms of CCD since
the fall of 2006.the fall of 2006.
States (in red) where beekeepers are
reporting significant honey bee losses
to CCD.
11
12. Importance of biodiversity 5Importance of biodiversity 5
””Colony Collapse Disorder"Colony Collapse Disorder"
CCDCCD
Pesticides may be having unexpected negativePesticides may be having unexpected negative
effects on honey bees.effects on honey bees.
A new parasite orA new parasite or pathogenpathogen may be attackingmay be attacking
honey bees.honey bees.
A perfect storm of existing stresses may haveA perfect storm of existing stresses may have
unexpectedly weakened colonies leading tounexpectedly weakened colonies leading to
collapsecollapse
These stresses could include high levels ofThese stresses could include high levels of
infection by the varroa mite (a parasite that feedsinfection by the varroa mite (a parasite that feeds
on bee blood and transmits bee viruses)on bee blood and transmits bee viruses)
Poor nutrition due to apiary overcrowding,Poor nutrition due to apiary overcrowding,
Pollination of crops with low nutritional value, orPollination of crops with low nutritional value, or
pollen or nectar scarcitypollen or nectar scarcity
Exposure to limited or contaminated waterExposure to limited or contaminated water
supplies.supplies.
Migratory stress brought about by increasedMigratory stress brought about by increased
needs for pollination might also be a contributingneeds for pollination might also be a contributing
factor.factor.
Healthy colonies of bees contain
thousands of worker bees.
Colonies suffering from CCD have few
or no bees remaining in the hive.
12
14. Loss of whole ecosystemsLoss of whole ecosystems
Loss of wholeLoss of whole ecosystemsecosystems can lead tocan lead to
the major global environmentalthe major global environmental
problemsproblems
DeforestationDeforestation as a cause of global warmingas a cause of global warming
DestructionDestruction of oceans = loss or food sourceof oceans = loss or food source
for peoplefor people
Loss ofLoss of wetlandswetlands = loss of clean water for= loss of clean water for
peoplepeople
Ecosystem loss =Ecosystem loss = extinctionextinction of plants andof plants and
animalsanimals
AestheticAesthetic value — different species enrichvalue — different species enrich
our livesour lives
EthicalEthical issues — uniqueness of eachissues — uniqueness of each
species; right to existspecies; right to exist
14
15. Three Ways toViewThree Ways toView
Three ways to viewThree ways to view
1.1. Loss ofLoss of geneticgenetic diversitydiversity
= no variation within a= no variation within a
speciesspecies
2.2. Loss ofLoss of speciesspecies diversitydiversity
= extinction of= extinction of
individual speciesindividual species
3.3. Loss ofLoss of ecosystemecosystem
diversity = habitatdiversity = habitat
destructiondestruction Ivory Billed Woodpecker
Campephilus principalis
The species is listed as critically endangered and
possibly extinct.
15
16. Loss of BiodiversityLoss of Biodiversity
Causes for loss of biodiversityCauses for loss of biodiversity
1.1. Hybridization ofHybridization of domesticdomestic
plants and animals — variety inplants and animals — variety in
the supermarketthe supermarket
2.2. Habitat destructionHabitat destruction causingcausing
extinction = 100 species perextinction = 100 species per
dayday
Filling/ drainingFilling/ draining wetlandswetlands
DeforestationDeforestation
Desertification (Desertification (the processthe process
by which fertile landby which fertile land
becomes desert)becomes desert)
16
17. Loss of Biodiversity 2Loss of Biodiversity 2
Causes for loss of biodiversityCauses for loss of biodiversity
3.3. FragmentationFragmentation of habitat —of habitat —
breaking up a forest meansbreaking up a forest means
that Grizzly bears can nothat Grizzly bears can no
longer survive, not enoughlonger survive, not enough
spacespace
4.4. OverexploitationOverexploitation of plants andof plants and
animalsanimals
Over-fishing the oceansOver-fishing the oceans
Ivory tradeIvory trade
17
18. Loss of Biodiversity 3Loss of Biodiversity 3
5.5. Pollution ofPollution of
a.a. SoilSoil
b.b. WaterWater
c.c. AtmosphereAtmosphere
Peregrine Falcon andPeregrine Falcon and
DDTDDT
5.5. Introduction ofIntroduction of non-nativenon-native
species — bullfrog eatingspecies — bullfrog eating
western tree frogwestern tree frog
6.6. GlobalGlobal climateclimate change — aschange — as
temperature increase, manytemperature increase, many
species will go extinctspecies will go extinct
18
20. Big Yellow TaxiBig Yellow Taxi
19701970
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel *, a boutiqueWith a pink hotel *, a boutique
And a swinging hot spotAnd a swinging hot spot
Don't it always seem to goDon't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've gotThat you don't know what you've got
Till it's goneTill it's gone
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
They took all the treesThey took all the trees
Put 'em in a tree museum *Put 'em in a tree museum *
And they charged the peopleAnd they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'emA dollar and a half just to see 'em
Don't it always seem to goDon't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've gotThat you don't know what you've got
Till it's goneTill it's gone
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
Hey farmer farmerHey farmer farmer
Put away that DDT * nowPut away that DDT * now
Give me spots on my applesGive me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the beesBut leave me the birds and the bees
Please!Please!
Don't it always seem to goDon't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've gotThat you don't know what you've got
Till it's goneTill it's gone
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
Late last nightLate last night
I heard the screen door slamI heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxiAnd a big yellow taxi
Took away my old manTook away my old man
Don't it always seem to goDon't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've gotThat you don't know what you've got
Till it's goneTill it's gone
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
They paved paradiseThey paved paradise
And put up a parking lotAnd put up a parking lot
20
21. ““I wrote 'BigYellowTaxi' on myI wrote 'BigYellowTaxi' on my
first trip to Hawaii. I took a taxi tofirst trip to Hawaii. I took a taxi to
the hotel and when I woke up thethe hotel and when I woke up the
next morning, I threw back thenext morning, I threw back the
curtains and saw these beautifulcurtains and saw these beautiful
green mountains in the distance.green mountains in the distance.
Then, I looked down and thereThen, I looked down and there
was a parking lot as far as the eyewas a parking lot as far as the eye
could see, and it broke my heart...could see, and it broke my heart...
this blight on paradise.That'sthis blight on paradise.That's
when I sat down and wrote thewhen I sat down and wrote the
song.song.””
—— Joni MitchellJoni Mitchell
21
22. Root Causes LossRoot Causes Loss
PopulationPopulation growthgrowth
IncreasingIncreasing
consumptionconsumption ofof
resourcesresources
IgnoranceIgnorance aboutabout
species andspecies and
ecosystemsecosystems
U.S. 307,844,492
World 6,794,518,700
22:40 UTC (EST+5) Nov 02, 200922
23. Root causes of biodiversity loss 2Root causes of biodiversity loss 2
GovernmentGovernment
policiespolicies
EncouragingEncouraging
agriculture oragriculture or
forestryforestry
Effects of globalEffects of global
trading systemstrading systems
Trend towardTrend toward
specializationspecialization
23
24. Root causes of biodiversity loss 3Root causes of biodiversity loss 3
InequityInequity of resourceof resource distributiondistribution
Richer countries vs. poorer countriesRicher countries vs. poorer countries
Value of biodiversity is ignoredValue of biodiversity is ignored
Value of non-timber goods the forest providesValue of non-timber goods the forest provides
FoodFood
MedicineMedicine
Etc.Etc. 24
27. #1 Leading Cause#1 Leading Cause
HabitatHabitat disruptiondisruption inin
currently the leadingcurrently the leading
cause of extinction.cause of extinction.
It is aIt is a disturbancedisturbance ofof
the physicalthe physical
environment in whichenvironment in which
a population lives.a population lives.
27
31. Other Reasons — OverhuntingOther Reasons — Overhunting
When aWhen a predatorpredator populationpopulation
increasesincreases or becomes moreor becomes more
efficient at killing the prey, theefficient at killing the prey, the
prey population mayprey population may declinedecline oror
go extinct.go extinct.
ExamplesExamples
Big game hunting, which has inBig game hunting, which has in
many places reduced themany places reduced the
predator (or in this case prey)predator (or in this case prey)
population.population.
In human prehistory we mayIn human prehistory we may
have caused the extinction ofhave caused the extinction of
the mammoths and mastodonsthe mammoths and mastodons
due to increased human huntingdue to increased human hunting
skill.skill.
31
32. Other Reasons — Species IntroductionOther Reasons — Species Introduction
AnAn exotic speciesexotic species isis
introduced into an areaintroduced into an area
where it may havewhere it may have nono
predatorspredators to control itsto control its
population size, or where itpopulation size, or where it
can greatlycan greatly out competeout compete
native organisms.native organisms.
Known asKnown as invasive speciesinvasive species
ExamplesExamples
Zebra mussels introducedZebra mussels introduced
into Lake Erieinto Lake Erie
Lake trout released intoLake trout released into
Yellowstone Lake whereYellowstone Lake where
they are threatening thethey are threatening the
native cutthroat troutnative cutthroat trout
populations.populations.
32
33. Invasive Species 1Invasive Species 1
InvasiveInvasive species are organismsspecies are organisms
introduced into aintroduced into a non-nativenon-native
ecosystemecosystem
They cause or are likely toThey cause or are likely to
cause, harm tocause, harm to
thethe economyeconomy
environmentenvironment
humanhuman healthhealth
They are perhaps theThey are perhaps the greatestgreatest
single factor to affect naturalsingle factor to affect natural
populations.populations.
33
English Ivy native to Europe and Asia
is a a vigorous growing vine impacting
all levels of disturbed and undisturbed
forested areas across the US.
34. Invasive Species 2 — PlantsInvasive Species 2 — Plants
Exotic plants will:Exotic plants will:
Crowd out sunlight andCrowd out sunlight and
nutrients from other plantsnutrients from other plants
Crowd out other plants,Crowd out other plants,
jeopardizing animals dependentjeopardizing animals dependent
on native vegetationon native vegetation
Overgrow, leading to excessiveOvergrow, leading to excessive
plant growth, which in turnplant growth, which in turn
leads to decay and excessleads to decay and excess
oxygen depletion, which resultsoxygen depletion, which results
in fish losses.in fish losses.
Crowd out navigation channelsCrowd out navigation channels
Clog machinery.Clog machinery.
34
Iris pseudacorus
Common Name: Yellow Iris
Native to Eurasia — growing to the
complete exclusion of other native
marsh plants throughout US.
35. Invasive Species 3 — AnimalsInvasive Species 3 — Animals
Exotic animals tend to:Exotic animals tend to:
Consume food sources thatConsume food sources that
native species would eat,native species would eat,
leaving insufficient food.leaving insufficient food.
Occupy safe or supportiveOccupy safe or supportive
habitat, leaving a reducedhabitat, leaving a reduced
amount of habitat for natives.amount of habitat for natives.
Serve as food for nativeServe as food for native
species but lack certainspecies but lack certain
essential nutrients, leading toessential nutrients, leading to
death of native offspring.death of native offspring.
Consume eggs, young, andConsume eggs, young, and
adults of native species .adults of native species .
35
Myocastor coypus
Common Name: Nutria
Native to southern South America —
causes over-grazing of wetland
habitats. Introduced in to Louisiana for
fur-farming.
36. Invasive Species 4Invasive Species 4
Pathways that contribute to the spread of invasive species.Pathways that contribute to the spread of invasive species.
What you see in the video above represents a 24-hour observation of aircraft travelWhat you see in the video above represents a 24-hour observation of aircraft travel
on the earth's surface.on the earth's surface.
Every dot of moving light represents an aircraft carrying people and goods.Every dot of moving light represents an aircraft carrying people and goods.
And, every dot represents potential for the intentional or unintentional movementAnd, every dot represents potential for the intentional or unintentional movement
of plant or animal species that may be travelling with those people and theirof plant or animal species that may be travelling with those people and their
goods, species that could become invasive once they establish in a newgoods, species that could become invasive once they establish in a new
environment..environment..
36
37. Invasive Species 5Invasive Species 5
More than 1,500 exotic insectMore than 1,500 exotic insect
species.species.
More than 25 families of alienMore than 25 families of alien
fish have been introduced intofish have been introduced into
North America.North America.
In excess of 3,000 plant speciesIn excess of 3,000 plant species
have also been introduced.have also been introduced.
Zebra mussels are prolific breeders
and can live for several days out of
water. Credit: USGS
37
38. Invasive Species 6Invasive Species 6
The majority ofThe majority of accidentalaccidental
introductionsintroductions may fail,may fail,
however, once an introducedhowever, once an introduced
species becomes established,species becomes established,
its population growth isits population growth is
explosive.explosive.
Kudzu, a plant introduced toKudzu, a plant introduced to
the American south fromthe American south from
Japan, has taken over largeJapan, has taken over large
areas of the countryside.areas of the countryside.
38
39. Invasive Species 7Invasive Species 7
Carp http://www.youtube.com/my_playlistsCarp http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists
Mussels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abImqGDzXBoMussels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abImqGDzXBo Grant’s Getaways https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jnMOZIWldc Start 3:35Grant’s Getaways https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jnMOZIWldc Start 3:35
Dock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt0XwFS8YPgDock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt0XwFS8YPg
Ctenopharyngodon
idella (grass carp)
Fish Exotic to United States
39
Dreissena polymorpha
(Zebra Mussel)
Japanese Tsunami Dock
Various Species
41. ExtinctionExtinction
PermanentPermanent loss of a speciesloss of a species
The end of a type of organismThe end of a type of organism
Species become extinct whenSpecies become extinct when
they arethey are no longerno longer able toable to
survivesurvive in changing conditionsin changing conditions
or against superioror against superior
competition.competition.
41
Dodo reconstruction (Dodo reconstruction (Raphus cucullatusRaphus cucullatus))
reflecting new research at Oxford University Museum of Natural Historyreflecting new research at Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Last confirmed sighting in 1662.Last confirmed sighting in 1662.
42. Secondary Extinction 1Secondary Extinction 1
The death of one species orThe death of one species or
population canpopulation can causecause thethe
decline or elimination ofdecline or elimination of
others, a process known asothers, a process known as
secondary extinction.secondary extinction.
Loss ofLoss of foodfood species can causespecies can cause
migrationmigration or extinction of anyor extinction of any
species depending largely orspecies depending largely or
solely on that species as a foodsolely on that species as a food
source.source.
42
Every year 15 million children die of hunger
world wide.
There are currently thousands of children
with severe acute malnutrition in the Kasai
provinces of southern Democratic Republic
of Congo.
43. Secondary Extinction 2Secondary Extinction 2
Destruction of bambooDestruction of bamboo
forests in China, theforests in China, the
food for the giantfood for the giant
panda, may cause thepanda, may cause the
extinction of the panda.extinction of the panda.
The extinction of theThe extinction of the
dodo bird has causeddodo bird has caused
the CalvariaTree tothe CalvariaTree to
become unable tobecome unable to
reproduce since thereproduce since the
dodo ate the fruit anddodo ate the fruit and
processed the seeds ofprocessed the seeds of
that tree.that tree. 43
45. How can we preventHow can we prevent
biodiversity loss 1biodiversity loss 1
Save itSave it
Enact political legislationEnact political legislation
ensuring preservation of speciesensuring preservation of species
____________________________________
__________ ______________________ ____________
19731973
Amended through theAmended through the
108th U.S. Congress108th U.S. Congress
Responsible agency:Responsible agency:
Department of the InteriorDepartment of the Interior
U.S. Fish andWildlifeU.S. Fish andWildlife
ServiceService
45
47. How can we preventHow can we prevent
biodiversity loss 3biodiversity loss 3
Study itStudy it
The more known aboutThe more known about
something, the moresomething, the more
its value can beits value can be
understood and then itunderstood and then it
is more likely to beis more likely to be
savedsaved
47
48. How can we preventHow can we prevent
biodiversity loss 4biodiversity loss 4
Use itUse it sustainablysustainably andand
equitableequitable
Do notDo not extractextract resourcesresources
at a faster rate than theyat a faster rate than they
can be renewedcan be renewed
Cut downCut down consumptionconsumption
levels in general so therelevels in general so there
is not such a disparityis not such a disparity
between the U.S. andbetween the U.S. and
developing nationsdeveloping nations
48
49. Reclaiming Lost HabitatReclaiming Lost Habitat
49
Restoring wetlands to the Klamath Basin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpD9mHLedJE
Removing the
Marmot Dam,
Sandy River
Oregon
51. 5 Reasons We Should Care5 Reasons We Should Care
1.1. EconomicEconomic
2.2. RecreationalRecreational
3.3. Human healthHuman health
4.4. Human rightsHuman rights
5.5. Spiritual / IntrinsicSpiritual / Intrinsic
valuevalue
52. 1. Economic1. Economic
Biodiversity canBiodiversity can
help people makehelp people make
money or keepmoney or keep
people from losingpeople from losing
money.money.
53. 2. Recreational2. Recreational
People lovePeople love
outdoor activitiesoutdoor activities
like fishing andlike fishing and
backpacking,backpacking,
which would notwhich would not
be possible ifbe possible if
ecosystems wereecosystems were
destroyed.destroyed.
54. 3. Human Health3. Human Health
Biodiversity canBiodiversity can
help people findhelp people find
better cures forbetter cures for
illnesses.illnesses.
55. 4. Human Rights4. Human Rights
If biodiversity isIf biodiversity is
protected,protected,
indigenous peopleindigenous people
can continue to livecan continue to live
in their nativein their native
lands.lands.
56. 5. Spiritual / IntrinsicValue5. Spiritual / IntrinsicValue
Biodiversity shouldBiodiversity should
be preserved for itsbe preserved for its
own sake.own sake.
Animals and plantsAnimals and plants
have a right to live.have a right to live.
People rely on wildPeople rely on wild
places and creaturesplaces and creatures
for spiritualfor spiritual
fulfillment.fulfillment.
57. A Few Last WordsA Few Last Words
Perhaps even more important,Perhaps even more important,
intactintact ecosystemsecosystems perform manyperform many
vital functions:vital functions:
purifying the airpurifying the air
filtering harmful substances outfiltering harmful substances out
of waterof water
turning decayed matter intoturning decayed matter into
nutrientsnutrients
preventing erosion and flooding,preventing erosion and flooding,
moderating climatemoderating climate
It is not known how many speciesIt is not known how many species
can be eliminated from ancan be eliminated from an
ecosystem without its functioningecosystem without its functioning
being impaired.being impaired.
57
