Biodiversity and Endangered Species

Definition of Biodiversity

• Encompasses the variety of life within an ecosystem
• Includes diverse species, genetic variations, and ecosystems
• Essential for ecological equilibrium, sustainability, and human survival

Species Population

• Refers to the count of species and individuals in a habitat at a specific time
• Influenced by birth rate, death rate, migration, and environmental factors

Endangered Species in the Philippines

• Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is hunted and affected by deforestation
• Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is found only in Mindoro, population declining due to habitat loss
• Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is threatened by home destruction and fishnet entanglement

Primary Causes of Extinction

• Habitat destruction through deforestation and urbanization is a leading cause
• Climate change causes rising temperatures and habitat shifts
• Overexploitation involves overhunting and illegal wildlife trade
• Pollution of water and air impacts species
• Invasive species are foreign plants and animals which compete with native species

Ecological Factors Affecting Population

• Birth Rate (+) increases population
• Death Rate (-) decreases population
• Density-independent factors include natural disasters
• Tropical Storm Washi (Sendong) in 2011 caused floods and landslides, disrupting ecosystems with mixed saltwater and freshwater
• Crocodiles were forced to migrate or adapt
• Density-dependent factors include symbiotic relationships such as predator-prey dynamics
• Crocodiles consume fish, crustaceans, and frogs.
• If crocodile populations decline, prey populations increase
• Human impact includes habitat destruction from building and infrastructure
• Fishing activities can lead to fishnet entanglement and food scarcity for crocodiles

Climate Change Definition

• Consists of long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
• Primarily caused by human activities

Causes of Climate Change

• Greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, methane from livestock and rice paddies, and nitrous oxide from fertilizers and industrial waste cause climate change
• Deforestation contributes to less carbon absorption and higher CO₂ levels
• Industrialization from manufacturing releases pollutants

Effects of Climate Change

• Rising sea levels occur due to melting glaciers, affecting island nations
• Extreme weather events such as typhoons, heatwaves, and droughts become more frequent
• Biodiversity loss occurs as many species struggle to adapt
• Ocean acidification is created through CO₂ absorption, which changes marine life

Climate Change in the Philippines

• Greenhouse gas emissions mainly come from fossil fuels used for electricity
• Vulnerabilities include geographic exposure to typhoons and floods, and social factors like poverty and weak infrastructure
• Government is taking action through climate laws and policies (e.g., Paris Agreement commitment)

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

• Mitigation reduces impact through renewable energy (solar, wind), energy efficiency (less waste), and reforestation (planting trees)
• Adaptation adjusts to changes through flood defenses (dams, seawalls), disaster preparedness (evacuation plans), and sustainable agriculture (drought-resistant crops)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Definition

• Organisms whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering to create desirable traits

Why Scientists Use GMOs

• GMOs offer pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and higher nutritional value

GMO Examples in the Philippines

• Bt Corn is engineered with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to resist pests like Asiatic Corn Borer
• Bt Eggplant resists eggplant fruit and shoot borers
• Golden Rice (Malusog Rice) is bioengineered to produce Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A) to combat malnutrition

Benefits of GMOs

• Crops show increased yields, nutrients, and disease resistance, plus longer shelf life
• Animals become more productive livestock (meat, eggs, milk)
• Environmental benefits include less pesticide use and conservation of soil and water
• Society sees improved food security for growing populations

GMO Issues and Concerns

• Safety risks include potential allergic reactions and unintended gene transfer (e.g., cross-pollination)
• Possible environmental harm to non-target species and loss of biodiversity if GMOs dominate
• Ethical concerns include "tampering with nature" by mixing genes from different species
• Concerns regarding some opposing animal genes in plants, access & intellectual property, controlled by large corporations, and biopiracy

GMO Regulations in the Philippines

• National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) was established under Executive Order No. 430 (1990) to oversee GMO safety
• Executive Order No. 514 (2006) strengthened biosafety regulations in genetic engineering
• Philippine FDA Guidelines ensure all genetically modified foods pass food safety tests based on international standards