Understanding Biodiversity and Biological Classification

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity includes the variety of life forms within an ecosystem, biome, and the entire planet.
• Biodiversity includes the genetic variability within species, and ecosystem differences.
• It provides ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation and is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience.
• Conservation efforts focus on protecting species, genetic diversity, and ecosystems to maintain ecological balance and prevent extinctions.
• Human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, can pose significant threats to biodiversity, making conservation an urgent priority.

Biological Classification

• Biological classification (taxonomy) is a hierarchical system showing the relationship between organisms based on physical structures and molecular sequences.
• Classification helps scientists identify, study, and share information about species.
• The system uses shared characteristics and is internationally accepted.
• The order from largest to smallest is domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
• Koalas are in the domain Eukarya
• Koalas are in the kingdom Animalia
• Koalas are in the phylum Chordata
• Koalas are in the class Mammalia
• Koalas are in the order Diprotodontia
• Koalas are in the family Phascolarctidae
• Koalas are in the genus Phascolarctus
• Koalas are in the species Phascolarctus cinereus
• Artificial classification groups organisms by limited similar characteristics like winged or aquatic animals.
• Dichotomous keys identify and categorize species based on statements.
• Artificial classification is limited as it relies on similarities in function rather than evolutionary relationships.
• Natural classification considers evolutionary relationships and organizes species based on inherited characteristics from a common ancestor.
• Homologous characteristics inherited from a common ancestor are considered.
• Mammalian forelimbs have similar structures despite different functions.

Basis of Classification

• Physical features include body structures, symmetry, and exoskeletons.
• Reproductive strategies include methods like placental birth, marsupial pouches, and egg-laying.
• Molecular sequencing examines DNA and protein similarities such as Cytochrome C

Adaptations

• Adaptations are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
• Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
• Adaptations happen from natural selection and can lead to speciation when populations of a species evolve in different environments.
• Giraffes having long necks and chameleons using camouflage are examples.
• Bird migrations and nocturnal animal activity are examples of behavioral adaptations
• Camels storing water and Arctic fish producing antifreeze proteins are examples of physiological adaptations

Ecosystem Diversity

• Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems in a geographical location, encompassing different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
• Ecosystem diversity boosts overall biodiversity through varying niches for species.
• Healthy ecosystems offer services like nutrient cycling, water filtration, and carbon storage.
• Conservation aims to maintain ecosystem services and biodiversity.
• Deforestation, urbanization, and pollution threaten ecosystem diversity, leading to habitat loss and reduced ecological resilience.

Energy and Matter in an Ecosystem

• Energy flows through ecosystems in food chains and webs, beginning with producers (plants), then consumers (animals), and decomposers (fungi and bacteria).
• Matter cycles through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and nutrient uptake.
• The cycles mentioned above ensure the transfer of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
• During photosynthesis, plants turn carbon dioxide into glucose for energy.
• Animals consume plants and other animals, transferring energy through trophic levels.
• Decomposers return nutrients to the soil for plant uptake.
• Understanding these processes helps in managing ecosystems sustainably and mitigating human impacts.

Niche and Keystone Species

• A niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including its interactions with other species.
• Keystone species disproportionately impact their ecosystems relative to their abundance.
• Keystone species play roles needed to maintaining ecosystem structure and function.
• The removal of the keystone predator, such as the sea otter, can lead to an overpopulation of sea urchins and a decline in kelp forests.
• Keystone species regulate population sizes, promote biodiversity, and support ecosystem stability.

Ecosystems Change Over Time

• Ecosystems change over time due to natural processes and human activities.
• Succession is the process of change in species composition in an ecosystem.
• Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, such as lava flows, where soil needs to form.
• Secondary succession happens in areas where a disturbance, such as fire or flood, has disturbed the area but soil remains.
• Human impacts, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, can accelerate or alter these processes, leading to changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Understanding these changes is essential for effective ecosystem management and restoration efforts.

Humans' Impact on Ecosystems

• Humans affect ecosystems through habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species.
• Human activities can lead to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecological processes, and decline in ecosystem services.
• Conservation efforts focus on reducing human impacts, protecting habitats, and restoring damaged ecosystems to ensure sustainability of natural resources and biodiversity.
• Conservation strategies include creating protected areas, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Climate Change

• Climate change alters things like temperature, precipitation patterns, and sea levels, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate change can disrupt habitats, species distributions, and ecological interactions.
• Species may adapt, migrate, or face extinction
• Efforts to mitigate climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and enhancing ecosystem resilience through conservation and restoration .
• Understanding the impact of climate change on ecosystems is important for developing effective strategies to protect biodiversity and ensure ecosystem stability.

Explore biodiversity's importance, including ecosystem services and conservation. Learn about biological classification (taxonomy), a hierarchical system crucial for organizing and studying life forms.