Understanding Biodiversity: Genetic, Species, Ecosystem

Diversity Review

• Genetic Diversity refers to different breeds of domestic animals like cats.
• Ecosystem Diversity can be exemplified by a rainforest.
• Species Diversity is represented when different species share an environment, such as fish, frogs, and aquatic plants in a lake.

Levels of Biodiversity:

• Genetic Diversity means differences in genes within the same species, examples being different colors of roses/different breeds of dogs.
• Species Diversity refers to many kinds of plants, animals, and other living things in one place, such as a forest with birds, rabbits, trees, and insects.
• Ecosystem Diversity refers to different places for living things; oceans, forests, rivers, and grasslands are great examples.

Species Diversity

• Species means the largest group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
• Diversity means a state of being diverse or variety as well as a range of different things.
• Species Diversity refers to the number of different species that are represented in a given community.
• Species Diversity incorporates both the number of species in a community (species richness) and the evenness of species abundance (species evenness).

Type of Species

• Endemic species is one whose habitat is restricted to a particular area; they are often endangered.
  • Endemic differs from "indigenous" or "native"; though it occurs naturally in an area, it is also found in other areas.
  • Examples include the Philippine Eagle, Tarsier, and Tamaraw.
• Exotic species is any species intentionally or accidentally transported and released by people into an environment outside its present range.
  • These are severe agents of habitat alteration and degradation, which are major causes of the continuing loss of biological diversity worldwide.
  • Examples include the Golden Apple Snail and Janitor Fish.
• Cosmopolitan species are pertinent or common to the whole world.
  • Distributions can be observed in both extinct and extant species.
  • Examples include Cats and Rats.

Species Diversity Table

• Endemic Species description is they are found only in a specific geographic location.
  • Key characteristic is they are highly specialized/vulnerable to extinction.
• Exotic Species description is they are introduced to new environments by humans.
  • Key characteristic is they can become invasive and disrupt ecosystems.
• Cosmopolitan Species description is they are found in many parts of the world.
  • Key characteristic is they are highly adaptable and can be beneficial or harmful.

Philippine Setting

• The Philippines is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species, with 70-80% found nowhere else on Earth.
• There are over 3,600 native tree species, including those collectively called Philippine mahogany.

Exotic Trees

• Exotic trees might seem appealing, but they actually compete with native plants for water and nutrients, making it harder for native species to survive.
• Unlike native trees, exotic trees don't support local wildlife and lead to barren areas where no animals or plants can thrive.

Reasons to Planting Native Trees

• Native trees are strong and easy to grow.
• Native trees are a home for the wildlife.
• Native trees are part of our culture.

Examples of Endemic Trees in the Philippines

• Kalumpang/Bubog
• Talisay
• Narra

Activities

• Tarsier is an Endemic Species
• Janitor Fish is an Exotic Species
• Mahogany is an Exotic Species
• House Mouse is a Cosmopolitan Species
• Narra is an Endemic Species
• Cats are Cosmopolitan Species

Assessment Key

• Q1: D. Species
• Q2: B. Endemic Species
• Q3: C. Exotic Species
• Q4: A. Cosmopolitan Species
• Q5: C. I, II, and III only

Explore biodiversity through its levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Examples include breeds of domestic animals, rainforest ecosystems, and coexisting species in a lake. Learn how these levels contribute to the variety of life on Earth.