Biodiversity Lecture 4 PDF

BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms. Levels of biodiversity 1- Genetic diversity Genetic diversity refers to the diversity within the species. Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic structure between individuals of the same species. Genetic diver...

BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms. Levels of biodiversity 1- Genetic diversity Genetic diversity refers to the diversity within the species. Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic structure between individuals of the same species. Genetic diversity enables a individuals of a species to adapt to its environment. If a species has more genetic diversity, it can adapt better to the changed environmental conditions. 1 2- Species diversity Species diversity refers to the variation of living species within a geographic area. 2 3- Ecosystem Diversity The variety of ecosystems that are present in the biosphere (life sphere of Earth). 3  Uses of Biodiversity 1) Food: in form of vegetables, fruit, meat, milk, eggs, cheese, and yogurt. 2) Medicine: sources of medicinal products, such as Willow trees (aspirin), Papaver somniferum (morphine). 3) Biological control: controlling pests , such as insects using other organisms. 4) Industrial materials: building materials, fibers, dyes, gums, rubber, oils and waxes, and perfumes. 5) Indirect uses as living organisms play roles in soil fertility, pollination of plants, decomposition of wastes, purification of the air and water, and moderation of the climate. 4  Threats to biodiversity 1. Habitat loss Every species has its own particular "home" or habitat with specific conditions that provide it with the necessary food, water, air, shelter and a safe place to live and reproduce. When a disruption to environmental conditions at habitat occurs, the species become homeless. This is called habitat loss, and it is defined as the process of the conversion of a natural ecosystem to a degraded system, incapable of supporting native wildlife. The construction of roads and industries and the conversion of natural ecosystems into agriculture areas causes disruption to natural habitats. Habitat loss may cause the disappearance of species. 5 2- Climate change Human activities increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases alter the climatic conditions such as increasing air temperature and changing rainfall patterns. Climate change changes the timing of seasonal biological activities such as migration, blooming and mating. Climatic changes puts animal and plant species at risk of extinction. Therefore, threatens the biodiversity. 3- Pollution Pollution reduces the growth and reproduction of living organisms which finally affects biodiversity. 4- The overexploitation of economic wild plants and animals is a major threat to biodiversity. 6  Conservation of biodiversity Conservation is the management of human use of biosphere so that it yields sustainable benefit to the present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs of the next generations. There are two basic strategies of biodiversity conservation: in-situ (on site) and ex-situ (off site). 1. In-situ Conservation Conservation of organism in its natural habitat through protection of a group of ecosystems by protected areas. 1. Ex-situ Conservation Conservation of organisms in botanical gardens, zoos and seed banks. 7