Biomes and Biodiversity Lecture PDF

BIOMES AND BIODIVERSITY Biomes and Biodiversity Lecture Brian H. Lower, Steven K. Lower, Kylienne A. Shaul, Ella M. Weaver The Ohio State University School of Environment & Natural Resources 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road Columbus,...

BIOMES AND BIODIVERSITY Biomes and Biodiversity Lecture Brian H. Lower, Steven K. Lower, Kylienne A. Shaul, Ella M. Weaver The Ohio State University School of Environment & Natural Resources 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road Columbus, Ohio (USA) 43210 National Science Foundation Biomes & Biodiversity Objectives 1. Define a biome and identify its abiotic and biotic components. 2. Differentiate the physical and biological factors affecting the evolution of life within a biome. 3. Recognize the biodiversity that is present within biomes and define the resilience of biomes. 4. Identify current threats to Earth’s biomes, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Objective 1: Define a biome and identify its abiotic and biotic components. Abiotic Factors Non-living chemical and physical components in the environment, which are essential for life Inorganic compounds that are not organic (i.e., they lack carbon-hydrogen bonds) Impact an organism’s ability to survive, grow, reproduce, and determine the types and numbers of organisms that can exist within a biome Examples of abiotic factors: Air (oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen), Water, Sunlight, Soil Minerals, Humidity Biotic Factors Living components of an ecosystem Made up of organic compounds, meaning that they are composed of carbon-hydrogen molecules Can have both direct and indirect effects on a biome, can impact an organism’s interactions with other organisms, predation, place within a food chain, waste cycle, disease, etc. Examples of biotic factors: 1. Living organisms: virus, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, insects, parasites 2. Organic molecules: DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates  Hierarchy of Life on Earth biotic biotic biotic abiotic + biotic abiotic + biotic Biome 1 Biome 2 Biome 3 Organism Population Community Ecosystem Biome A living Many individuals of the Many individuals from A community and all Ecosystems that individual same species that can different species its abiotic components occupy a large organism breed and produce interacting with one geographic area. offspring another What is a biome? A major community that has been established by global climate (i.e., long-term temperature and precipitation patterns) and is defined by the organisms and vegetation that are adapted to live in this large geographical area.  What is climate? Climate is long-term average Earth’s Monthly Mean Surface Air Temperature (1961-90) weather patterns that occurs at a location over decades, centuries and eons. The two main factors that control climate are temperature and precipitation. Earth’s Monthly Mean Surface Air New, M., Lister, D., Hulme, M. and Makin, I., 2002: A high-resolution data set of surface climate over global land Precipitation (1961-90) areas. Climate Research 21: 1–25. These GIFs are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Major Factors that Control Climate Temperature – location can be hot, warm or cold Precipitation – location can be wet or dry Tilt of Earth on its axis – causes seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) Sun – produces heat and energy for our planet Latitude – distance from equator (hot), poles are cold Elevation – orographic precipitation, higher altitudes are cold Mountain ranges and shape of the land – rain shadow effect Ocean currents – distance from ocean, warm or cold currents Winds – direction of prevailing winds can bring rain, cold, heat Vegetation – trees of tropical rainforest release moisture producing clouds and rain Human activity – deforestation, burning fossil fuels, urbanization Climograph – single graph that displays data for two variables (1) monthly average temperature and (2) monthly average precipitation for a single location on Earth. Climograph is a simple way to graphically describe a location’s climate. Climograph for Biome 1 Biome 1 N cold & dry Biome 2 Climograph for Biome 2 S hot and wet  March = Sun shines Earth’s equally on both March N December = Sun shines directly on Southern hemispheres. Spring 4 Seasons north of equator. Fall Hemisphere and indirectly on Northern Hemisphere. south of equator. Summer south of equator. Winter north of equator. June N Earth is tilted on its axis N and this causes seasons as S Earth orbits our Sun. Sun’s direct radiation hits different parts of Earth throughout the year. N S S December June = Sun shines directly on Northern Hemisphere and indirectly on Southern September = Sun shines equally on Hemisphere. Summer both hemispheres. Spring south of equator. Fall north of equator. north of equator. Winter S September south of equator. https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/  Ohio State University Biome Type Image by Ville Koistinen, Wikimedia Commons Earth’s Biomes The exact number of biomes on the planet depends on how the biomes are classified. Not all scientists classify these regions in the same way. Some scientists use broad classifications and count as few as 5 or 6 biomes on Earth. Others use very precise classification and count hundreds of specific biomes. Biomes are also difficult to delineate because there are no defined boundaries between them. There are often areas between them that may share similar characteristics called transition zones or ecotones. Climate change also shifts biomes over time, making it more challenging to map out all of Earth’s biomes accurately. Earth has THREE broad categories of biomes that are based on climate (i.e., temperature and precipitation) and determined by predominant vegetation. Marine Biomes Freshwater Biomes Terrestrial Biomes Climate The climate of Earth’s major biomes is defined by temperature and precipitation. 90o North Pole (cold) 60o North Temperature varies with latitude and altitude. As 30o North latitude and altitude increase, temperatures 0o Latitude (hot) Equator decrease. 30o South 60o South 90o South Pole (cold) Image by Dcasey98, Wikimedia Commons  Image by Navarras, Wikimedia Commons Conversion: Whittaker’s biome-types 1 inch = 2.54 cm Hot & Wet Conversion: Whittaker defined climates oF = oC x 1.8 + 32o based on the affects of both temperature and precipitation on terrestrial vegetation. These factors (temperature and precipitation) will determine the major type of vegetation that occurs within a biome. Cold & Dry For example, tropical rainforest is hot and wet; tundra is cold and dry. Vegetation – assembly of dominate plant species Terrestrial biomes vary by type of vegetation, and vegetation is a function of climate (i.e., temperature and precipitation), latitude, elevation, animal species (e.g., types of herbivores) and other abiotic factors (e.g., avalanche, coastal location, fire, flooding). Each biome requires us to consider the types of interactions between and among plant and animal species, as well as, the nutrient requirements for all organisms living within the biome. Species interactions vary depending on climate (i.e., temperature and precipitation) and the ability of organisms to maintain homeostasis within narrow tolerance limits, which they have evolved to live within (e.g., oak trees have evolved to live in temperatures of about -10oC to 35oC. Biomes can be further distinguished by individual ecosystems based on interactions between biotic and abiotic components. abiotic abiotic biotic biotic abiotic  Terrestrial Biomes Tropical rainforest Savanna Desert Image by Ikiwaner, Wikimedia Commons Image by Russavia, Wikimedia Commons Image byFrameme, Wikimedia Commons Terrestrial Biomes Temperate forest Savanna Mediterranean Tundra Image by Fahrtenleser, Wikimedia Commons Freshwater Biomes Marine Biomes Image by Ville Koistinen, Wikimedia Commons Ponds Oceans Lakes Coral reefs Streams Estuaries Rivers Mangroves Springs Wetlands Image Ellis and Ramankutty via NASA Anthropogenic Biomes? While there are many natural biomes around the globe, there are also large areas of land that have been altered by human activity. Humans need places to live, raise livestock, grow crops, etc. Some scientists argue that this creates anthropogenic biomes or anthromes. Objective 2: Differentiate the physical and biological factors affecting the evolution of life. Image by CFCF, Wikimedia Commons Different species of plants and animals have adapted to live within each of Earth’s biomes. equator Each biome contains a unique number and type of species that can survive the conditions and thrive in the biome. This map shows the number of amphibian species across the globe. Evolution = natural process Evolution is often a slow process by which organisms diversify over time because of changes in their heritable characteristics. Better-adapted individuals will survive and pass on their genes and traits to their offspring. This changes how common certain variants of genes are found in the population, some will 5-million years of evolution between increase, others decrease. This process Australopithecus and modern-day leads to the evolution of a species. Homo sapiens  Example of Evolution by Natural Selection based on Precipitation L M M L L L S S M M L S S L S S S M L S M L S L L L S M M S S M M MM Wet climate favors trees Intermediate precipitation favors Dry climate favors trees with with short roots (S) trees with medium roots (M) long roots (L) Evolution by natural selection is a slow process that takes thousands to millions of years. Likewise, climates change naturally over long periods of time (e.g., thousands to millions of years). Organisms evolve to adapt to new climates. Extinction of a species occurs when climate changes faster than an organism can adapt. Human activity can cause fast and dramatic changes in climate that takes place in just a few decades. Organisms can’t evolve and adapt to these climatic changes in such a short period of time, which can lead to their extinction. For example, polar bears face the real threat of Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) on sea ice, Barter Island, Alaska (USA). Photo by Alan Wilson, http://www.naturespicsonline.com, January extinction because rapid global warming is causing the 1, 2007. CC BY-SA 3.0 dramatic loss of Arctic sea ice where they live. Forces of Evolution Mutation Gene Flow Genetic Drift Natural Selection Charles Darwin’s finches from Galapagos (1835) Mutation = occurs when the DNA sequence of a gene is Original changed, altered or damaged. DNA: This sequence change can ATCGGCAT result in different phenotypes results in Mutated (i.e., observable red color DNA: characteristic). For example, ATTTGCAT red-colored flower changes to results in yellow. yellow color Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to an organism. Image by LepoRello, Wikimedia Commons Image by LepoRello, Wikimedia Commons Gene Flow = the movement of genetic variation between populations of organisms ati on m igr  Many different genes Gene frequency Genetic Drift = the change in the frequency of a gene for a population over time due to random mating. A few different genes Gene frequency This results in the loss of some gene variability. All the same gene Gene frequency Image by Professor marginalia, Wikimedia Commons  Natural Selection = the process by which organisms that are best adapted to a particular environment survive, reproduce and produce more offspring than lesser- adapted individuals. Offspring inherit their parent's genes and traits. Image by Ccaldwell19, Wikimedia Commons  Natural Selection a) Stabilizing selection Favors the norm and selects against extremes b) Directional selection Continually favors a particular extreme of the trait (bigger, darker, etc.) c) Disruptive selection Favors the extremes and selects against intermediate forms Definitions from Environmental Science for a Changing World textbook Image by CFCF, Wikimedia Commons Adaptation = a characteristic that allows an individual survive and reproduce Populations within a biome have shared adaptations that allow them to live in that particular biome. Adaptations can lead to changes in an individual’s physical appearance (structural) or changes in behavior (behavioral). Physical adaptations Physical adaptations are those that affect an organism’s physical features such as the beak of a bird. Encoded in the organism’s DNA. Involves part of the organism’s body such as its shape, color, coverings, movement, size, etc. Occur over an extended period of time. Result from changes in an organism’s DNA that controls changes in its physical traits. Webbed Feet Strong Beak Camouflage Scales Behavioral adaptations Behavioral adaptations are those that affect the activities that an organism performs in order to survive and reproduce. Can be something an organism is born with and contained within their DNA (e.g., instinct) or something that is learned (e.g. mother teaches offspring to fish). Behavioral changes can occur rapidly. Defense Mechanisms Migration Hibernation Mating Dances/Calls  Populations need genetic diversity to evolve. Genetic diversity = total number of genes and traits among individuals of a single population. The greater genetic diversity a population has the better able it will be to adapt to changes in its environment. Image by Ville Koistinen, Wikimedia Commons Objective 3: Recognize the biodiversity that is present within biomes and identify the resiliency that this diversity provides.  Earth currently has about 1.8 million identified species. But there are millions of species not yet discovered. Scientists estimate Earth has between 3 – 100 million species that are still not known. Species Identification Gap Image by Greg Hagedorn, Wikimedia Commons Biodiversity = the immense variety of life on Earth Includes diversity within species, between species, and ecosystems. Provides connections between individual species and between species and the environment. Forms a foundation for ecosystem services that support human health and well-being. Types of Biodiversity Genetic Diversity – total number of genetic traits within a single species or population (e.g., humans red hair, yellow hair, brown hair). Species Diversity – total number of different populations within a community (e.g., elk, moose, black bear, cougar). Population Diversity – species diversity, their distribution and range. Diversity of Ecosystems – population diversity plus all abiotic factors (e.g., water, elevation, temperature). Biodiversity Hotspot = a biologically rich area on Earth that contains numerous endangered and endemic species Biodiversity Hotspots: Make up less than 3% of Earth’s land area. Contain more than 40-50% of all Earth’s plant and animal species. Are typically in tropical biomes, isolated terrestrial biomes or isolated marine biomes. Are threatened by human activities (e.g., urbanization, burning fossil fuels, plastic waste).  equator Image by CFCF, Wikimedia Commons Biodiversity Hotspots Biodiversity in managed ecosystems When people think about biodiversity they usually think natural systems. But it is also extremely important to maintain biodiversity in human- managed ecosystems, as well. Farms Croplands Rangelands Aquaculture Parks Urban landscapes Human Health Many medications are created using natural substances (e.g., plants extracts or ingredients, bacteria, fungi, animal venom). Many plants have natural medicinal purposes. Humans rely on medications and pharmaceuticals to treat and complete research to cure human diseases and illnesses that impact our wellbeing.  Agriculture Cultivated crops have been bred from wild ancestor species. Humans have grown accustomed to a wide variety of plant, animal, fungi food supplies. We require diverse varieties of crops based on our food demands, differing growing conditions, and resistance to pests. It is important to maintain genetic diversity of wild species to ensure our future food supply of domesticated plant species. Ecosystem services = Earth’s natural ecological processes that are essential for human life and well being. Provisioning Regulating Social Supporting Food Climate Spiritual Soil formation Water regulation Aesthetic Nutrient cycling Fiber Pollination Recreation Photosynthesis Fuel mitigation Education Water Building Good air Exercise purification materials quality Relaxation Healthy living Erosion control  Value of Ecosystem Services BILLIONS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR (1994 U.S. DOLLARS) Genetic resources 79 Pollination 117 Habitat 124 In 1994 pollination was valued at $117- Pest Control 417 billion! And nature does this for FREE! Soil formation/erosion control 629 Climate regulation 684 Raw material Today this value is much higher due to 721 Recreation 815 increase in population and increased Food production 1,386 demand for fruits, vegetables and nuts. Disturbance regulation 1,779 Natural waste treatment 2,277 Water supply and regulation 2,807 Cultural uses 3,015 Nutrient cycling 17,075 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000 Data from Environmental Science for a Changing World textbook Objective 4: Identify current threats to biomes, biodiversity and ecosystem services.  The well-being of a biome and the adaptability of a biome’s organisms is dependent on Earth’s Changes in plant species major climate patterns and from the the immediate climate years 2000 to 2100 (e.g., temperature and precipitation) within the smaller geographical area Image by NASA/JPL-Caltech of the individual biome itself. Human-induced climate change will likely cause Human-induced climate change will likely cause little change to biome (purple). dramatic changes to biome (red). Earth’s Biomes have constantly changed In about 200 years time human population over time. But what TWO things are different today compared to past events? explodes to 8-billion people 1. Humans are present in great numbers: 8-billion humans on Earth. 2. Extinction rates are 10 to 10,000 times greater than background rates. No humans on Earth for most of Earth’s history Major Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Loss Overharvesting of Natural Resources Pollution Invasive Species Climate Change Human Population Growth  Agriculture/aquaculture 63 Human Activities that Logging 48 Threaten Vertebrates Residential/commercial development 32 *Numbers add up to more than 100 Invasive alien species 28 because some species are affected by Pollution 24 more than one threat Hunting/trapping 21 Climate change/severe weather 17 Change in fire regime 13 Energy production/mining 12 Dams/water management 12 Fisheries 10 Human disturbance 9 Transport/service corridors 8 Native species 5 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Percentage of threatened vertebrate species affected An endangered species is a species that is at a high risk of becoming extinct. This status is categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Endangered is the second most severe status for wild populations before a species becomes extinct. https://www.iucn.org http://www.iucnredlist.org How can we protect and preserve biodiversity? Pass legislation and form treaties Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, CITES Restore damaged ecosystems and biomes Re-introducing species, removing invasive species Set aside areas of land and water to preserve and protect from human activity Parks, wildlife preserves, wildlife sanctuaries Target individual species directly with captive breeding programs Zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquariums Purchase and use locally grown and sourced products How can we protect and preserve biodiversity? Many of the threats to Earth’s biodiversity come from humans. These are called anthropogenic threats. Protecting and preserving Earth’s biodiversity involves changing human activities, behavior, beliefs and values. By making simple changes in your life, you can be part of the solution!