Biological Diversity Quiz

Biological Diversity

• The United States spent $5.6 billion in 2022 to protect biological diversity.
• Sumatran Rhinoceros: Fewer than 300 remain.
• Gray-Shanked Douc Langar: Fewer than 1000 remain in Vietnam.
• Whooping Crane: Rarest bird in North America. 600 remain.
• Iberian Lynx: 300 remain in central and southern Spain.
• Kirtland's Warbler: 4,000 remain.
• Spruce-Fir Moss Spider: High peaks Appalachian Mountains western NC and eastern TN. Numbers unknown.
• Houston Toad: 2,000-3,000 remain in central Texas.
• Indiana Bat: 300,000 remain.
• Tooth Cave Ground Beetle: Caves in Texas. Numbers unknown.

Four Values Assigned to Biological Diversity

• Direct Value

  • Organisms or products derived from organisms used by humans are sold in local, national, and/or international markets.
  • This supports jobs, livelihoods, and economies.
  • Examples: fruits, vegetables, livestock, lumber, fish, pearls, paper, medicines, spices, rice, corn etc.
  • Over 80% of the food humans consume comes from just 20 species of plants
    • Corn in the USA is worth $91.7 billion (2022) and is the largest producer and exporter.
    • Corn is used for ethanol (44%), animal feeds (44%), food additives (12%), and other products (wood products, cosmetics, etc.)
  • Latex is worth $33+ billion.
    • Used for various products, such as rubber gloves, tires, and boots

• Indirect Value

  • Services provided by living organisms for humans.
  • Examples: pollinators ($30B), decomposers, pest control, oxygen production

• Aesthetic Value

  • The beauty of nature. Humans gain pleasure from experiencing nature.
  • Examples: scenery, wildlife, flowers, etc.

• Optional Value

  • Potential use of unknown organism components, products, services and genes.
  • Potential uses coming from undiscovered species. -Examples of possible uses: medicine, materials for clothes and products.
    • Rosy periwinkle: used for cancer treatment
    • Pacific Yew: source of Taxol, used for cancer treatment
    • Snake Venom: used for pain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes treatment.
    • Salicylic Acid: used to produce Aspirin

How Can You Help Protect Biological Diversity

    - Use water and energy less efficiently.
    - Recycle everything.
    - Plant flowers, trees and shrubs to increase habitat
    - Limit red meat.
    - Support parks, conservation organizations and green spaces.
    - Vote, be informed.

Other Points

• Habitat Loss is the primary reason for species decline.
• This loss is caused by: population expansion and the need for greater goods.
• Humans depend on functioning ecosystems.
• Species extinction diminishes the integrity of life on earth, threatening humanity.
• Children must be taught to love nature for the future of the planet.
• Shark skin tiny scale-like structures called denticles. Nothing will grow on them.
• Sharklet Technologies uses shark skin to create other products such as plastics and paints.

Test your knowledge on biological diversity with this quiz! Answer questions about funding, species examples, and the importance of biodiversity. Challenge your understanding and learn more about the critical issues surrounding biological diversity today.