Understanding Biodiversity

What is Biodiversity?

• Unique species of organisms are constantly becoming extinct
• Scientists lack certainty on the exact number of species facing extinction
• Studying biodiversity aids in understanding extinction rates and potential prevention

A World Rich in Biodiversity

• Biodiversity is short for biological diversity
• It refers to the number of species in a specific location
• Tropical rain forests contain significant species diversity
• Understanding and preserving biodiversity is crucial due to complex interspecies relationships

Unknown Diversity

• The scientific task of cataloging all species on Earth remains incomplete
• Approximately 1.7 million species are scientifically known, with insects comprising the majority
• The actual number of species on Earth is unknown
• Conservative estimates suggest over 10 million distinct species exist
• A new species is "known" once it is properly classified and described

Levels of Diversity

• Species diversity refers to the variety of species in a given area
• Ecosystem diversity refers to the range of habitats, communities, and ecological processes
• Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population

Species are Connected to Ecosystems

• Healthy ecosystems are vital for a healthy biosphere

• Every species plays a role in the ecosystem, although some roles are subtle

• Every species is influenced by at least one other species

• The disappearance of one species has consequences for the wider ecosystem

• Keystone species are vital to an ecosystem's function

• The sea otter is a keystone species as evidenced by the loss of kelp beds along the Pacific Coast when the sea otter population was decimated

• Kelp forests were restored after the recovery of the sea otter population

Species and Population Survival

• Genetic diversity enables species survival
• Higher genetic diversity correlates to chances of surviving environmental changes
• Populations with low genetic diversity are less resilient to change
• Reduced genetic diversity results when a population contracts, even with subsequent population increases
• Reduced genetic diversity makes a population more vulnerable

Populations Need Diversity

• Genetic diversity makes populations more resilient
• Genetic variation can allow certain individuals to survive diseases
• Decreased disease spread is due to resistance among some individuals
• Cloned animals are vulnerable to diseases that can wipe out the entire group

Chimp Medicines

• Wild plant usage is not limited to humans

• 25% of prescription drugs in the US are plant derived

• Most traditional medicines come from plant-based chemicals

• Some plants and their medicinal properties are shown in the common medicines derived from plants

• Species are an untapped source of potential products

• Newly discovered species can lead to new materials and chemicals

• Humans derive many benefits from biodiversity

• Most crops worldwide originated in a few highly biodiverse regions

• Modern crops often result from combining genetic material from multiple populations

• Relying on single crops poses risks

• Famines are linked to disease-related crop losses

• Wild relatives can be crossbred with crops to save crops from diseases

Ethics, Aesthetics, and Recreation

• Biodiversity should be preserved for ethical reasons
• Species and ecosystems have inherent value
• Earth's organisms are seen as gifts in certain cultures and religions
• Aesthetic and personal enjoyment of biodiversity is valued
• Ecotourism generates income and supports conservation in ecologically unique areas