Biodiversity PDF

BIODIVERSITY -refers to the various plants, animals, and even land formation in a particular place. There are plants and animals and type of land specific to a particular region on Earth. There are lives on Earth thst survive only in a particular area - it identifies local species although there is...

BIODIVERSITY -refers to the various plants, animals, and even land formation in a particular place. There are plants and animals and type of land specific to a particular region on Earth. There are lives on Earth thst survive only in a particular area - it identifies local species although there is verification beyond mere identification of local species. - tries to see how these local species allowed themselves to thrive, multiply, and free-floe un their respective area. TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY GENETICS -different lives or organisms grow and multiply in a specific place. -their multiplication and diversity are parents to offspring. -the variety of genes within a given population or species is known as genetic diversity SPECIES -measures the number of different species found in a given territory. -species-rich habitats are more adaptable and and can be more productive -species diversity is under sever threat, scientists believe we are facing a new mass-extinction event ECOLOGICAL -diversity of ecosystems, natural communities, and habitats. -variety of ways that species interact with each other and their environment. -interconnectedness of species living together and their food chains and food webs. IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY ECONOMIC VALUE Biodiversity supports industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Plants, animals, and microorganisms contribute to food production, medicine, and raw materials. ECOLOGICAL STABILITY A diverse range of species ensures healthy ecosystems. The interconnection between organisms, from microbes to large trees, creates a balanced environment. If one part of this system is lost, it can lead to a collapse, affecting the entire ecosystem and human life. RECREATION AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Nature and biodiversity offer recreational spaces and cultural importance, with various species playing key roles in human traditions, spiritual practices, and lifestyles. SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING Biodiversity is a rich source of knowledge, providing opportunities for scientific research and technological innovations. Studying the natural world helps solve problems in health, agriculture, and environmental conservation. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY REDUCE WASTE Reducing waste involves mindful consumer choices like buying only what you truly need, repairing items rather than discarding them, and choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Opting for reusable items instead of single-use products, buying in bulk, and supporting recycling efforts can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Proper waste management, including composting organic waste and following local recycling guidelines, helps prevent harmful materials from entering ecosystems and contributing to habitat destruction. LIMIT WATER CONSUMPTION Conserving water is crucial for protecting biodiversity, as many species rely on freshwater sources. By adopting water-saving habits such as using flow-reducing devices, switching to water-efficient appliances, and reducing garden irrigation, you can minimize your water usage. Additionally, choosing products with lower water footprints, such as solid cosmetics and eco-friendly cleaning products, helps reduce indirect water consumption. Being mindful of your water usage can support healthier ecosystems and help preserve the habitats that depend on fresh water. SAVE ENERGY Reducing energy consumption is key to protecting biodiversity, as energy production often contributes to habitat destruction through deforestation and pollution. Simple actions like turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient devices, and lowering heating and cooling usage can significantly reduce your energy footprint. Additionally, choosing green energy suppliers and promoting sustainable energy production can minimize the impact of energy generation on ecosystems and contribute to the overall protection of the planet. SHOP SUSTAINABLY Sustainable shopping choices can help protect biodiversity by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Using reusable bags and avoiding plastic packaging can drastically reduce plastic waste, which is a major environmental threat. By purchasing products from companies that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials, you can help reduce the harmful impact of consumer goods on ecosystems. Being mindful of where and how products are made supports the conservation of natural resources and helps prevent biodiversity loss. CHALLENGES/FACTORS OF BIODIVERSITY CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change is shifting ecosystems, the services they provide, and the imperiled species they support, threatening their continued health and survival. For example: melting ice is cutting off polar bear access to critical food sources and warming waters contribute to the disappearance of coral reefs. Climate change can also exacerbate droughts, drying out the habitats of species like the Sonoyta mud turtle. These are just the tip of the (melting) iceberg when it comes to the detrimental and irreversable affects climate change might have. OVEREXPLOITATION OF SPECIES Humans have a long history of overhunting species to the point of extinction. In the 17th and 18th century the dodo and Steller’s sea cow were hunted out of existence and many know the story of how the passenger pigeon went from the most abundant bird in North America to disappearing forever in 1914 due to large-scale harvesting. Many don’t realize, however, that the iconic southern sea otter nearly met the same fate, and now only occupy 13 percent of their historical range. Nearly a fifth of all Endangered Species Act-listed species are at risk of overexploitation. Unsustainable use of species, which lead to population depletion and threaten biodiversity. POLLUTION Air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution among others are all ubiquitous across the globe and nature is paying the price. A startling statistic underscoring the wide-reaching affects of pollution is that more than 430 species at the time of their listing under the Endangered Species Act were described as being significantly impacted by pollution. Marine plastic pollution alone has increased tenfold since 1980, affecting at least 267 species, including sea turtles, seabirds, and many marine mammals. HABITAT LOSS The reduction or elimination of the space where a species or group of species can survive and reproduce. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, more than 1,621,629 square miles of forest habitat has been lost since the 1990’s. Habitat loss in general is estimated at two football fields per minute. Eighty percent of Endangered Species Act-listed species are impacted by habitat loss. INVASIVE SPECIES A non-native plant, animal, disease, or parasite that has been introduced to a new environment and is causing harm. Invasive species have been a factor in the decline of more than 40 percent of species listed under the Endangered Species Act and can cause damages on average of $20 billion per year in the US. Many of the other drivers of the biodiversity crisis have allowed nearly one-fifth of the Earth’s surface to be at risk of invasion from non-native species. Invasive species are expected to increase by 40 percent by 2050. TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS Satellite Monitoring:  These technologies help track and monitor forests, marine ecosystems, and wildlife. For example, drones can fly over forests to detect illegal logging or monitor coral reefs for signs of bleaching. Satellite imagery can help identify changes in land use, such as deforestation, and track the health of protected areas. Marine Monitoring Systems: Given the Philippines’ vast coastline, technologies like underwater sensors and remote monitoring systems help assess the health of marine ecosystems, track illegal fishing, and protect coral reefs (example ko here is yung monitoring ng coral reef sa wps) Smart Agriculture Technologies: The agricultural sector in the Philippines is using smart technologies, such as precision farming, to reduce the environmental impact of farming activities. By using sensors to monitor soil health, water usage, and pest control, farmers can minimize the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby reducing harm to surrounding ecosystems (example here is yung ginawa namin sa ckc ace na nag build kami ng soil sensor kung dry na to water the plants, I’ll explain nalang sa reporting) Biodiversity Databases and Open Data Platforms Centralized databases like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) aggregate species data worldwide for research and policymaking. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can monitor remote areas, track wildlife movements, and assess vegetation health. They can also be used for seed dispersal and reforestation efforts. FUTURE OF BIODIVERSITY Future of Biodiversity is uncertain. Why? Because of human activities that affects the global environment and the biodiversity itself. Nature is already at risk, and if we are not going take an action, we are about to lose our own home, our nature and our resources. To protect, nurture our biodiversity we need to take note of this three: The future of biodiversity is at risk. as a result of human actions such as deforestation, pollution, habitat loss and climate change, which harm habitats and put numerous species at risk of extinction. Climate change is causing ecosystems to evolve more rapidly than some species can adapt to. Nonetheless, there is hope. Emerging technologies for ecosystem monitoring and genetic tools for species protection, provide potential solutions. Worldwide initiatives, such as global treaties and local conservation efforts, strive to restore the environment and encourage sustainable practices. Protecting, restoring, and managing ecosystems Reimagining and transforming our relationship with nature