Biodiversity Notes PDF

Biodiversity notes feb 3. Introduction to biodiversity: Ecological value- living organisms are dependent on the interactions between other living organisms and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. A reduction in biodiversity makes ecosystems less stable, weakens its natural cycles, and becomes more vuln...

Biodiversity notes feb 3. Introduction to biodiversity: Ecological value- living organisms are dependent on the interactions between other living organisms and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. A reduction in biodiversity makes ecosystems less stable, weakens its natural cycles, and becomes more vulnerable to extreme events. Economic value- biodiversity provides all the necessities of life and forms the basis for the economy. Everything that is bought and sold is derived from the natural world. Cultural value- most people have some connection with nature opn a personal or spiritual level and a loss of biodiversity could disrupt this natural connection. Major threats to biodiversity- 1.​ Pollution/ nutrient loading- causes bioaccumulation leading to toxicity in plants and animals. Nutrient loading can lead to an increase in certain plant growth (eutrophication) that deprives other plants and aquatic animals of oxygen. 2.​ Overexploitation- over fishing and hunting can reduce species to low levels. 3.​ Habitat loss- loss in habitat places additional pressures on organisms, reducing their survivability. 4.​ Invasive species- generally new organisms to an area have not yet adapted into an ecosystem resulting in increased competition for native organisms. 5.​ Climate change- an overall increase in air temperature disrupts a species natural niche and range of tolerance.