Biodiversity: The Tapestry of Life PDF

Biodiversity: The Tapestry of Life Intended Learning Outcomes: 1. discuss the benefits obtained from the various kinds of biodiversity 2. determine the everyday tasks and evaluate whether they contribute to the wellness and health of biodiversity and society. Bio...

Biodiversity: The Tapestry of Life Intended Learning Outcomes: 1. discuss the benefits obtained from the various kinds of biodiversity 2. determine the everyday tasks and evaluate whether they contribute to the wellness and health of biodiversity and society. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the different species of MENRO Caluya plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. hh  BIODIVERSITY - the variety of plant and animal life in a specific geographical area  QUICK FACTS ABOUT PHILIPPINE BIODIVERSITY One of the 17 Megadiverse Country Although relatively small among the 17 megadiverse countries, the Philippines has the greatest concentration of unique species per unit area in the world. 60%-70% of the Worlds Biodiversity Philippines has more than 52,177 described species, half of which are endemic or found nowhere else on earth. Top 10 in terms of Endemism The Philippines’s species are among the world’s top 10 in terms of endemism. In terms of terrestrial vertebrates, the Philippines is known to host 1,238 species of which 618 (or 50%) is endemic.  BIODIVERSITY - the presence of diverse biological life forms as well as the ecosystem in which they live that includes all organisms like plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystem of which they are part.  BIODIVERSITY depends on: temperature precipitation altitude soils geography other species Levels of Biodiversity Species The variety of Diversity species within a Genetic particular region Diversity The variation of or ecosystem. genes within a species. Ecosystem Diversity The variety of ecosystems within a region or the planet. 1. Species Diversity o describes the number of different kinds of organisms within individual communities of ecosystems. “The more species that are present, the more predation, competition, parasitism and so on that can exist.”  2. Genetic Diversity Gene – the basic unit of heredity o the variety of genetic information contained in all of the individual plants, animals, and microorganisms o It is the raw material that makes microevolution and environmental adaptation.  If the Local Population is lost, then the number of individuals in the species declines and so do the genetic resources for the species. Severe reduction in genetic variation threatens the survival of a species. 3. Ecosystem Diversity o the variety of biotic communities, habitats, and ecological processes, as well as the tremendous diversity present within an ecosystem in terms of habitat differences and a variety of environmental processes. TUBBATAHA REEF Grasslands, reefs, and tropical rainforests are all ecosystems. GRASSLAND Each one is different, with its own set of species living in it. RAIN FOREST  IMPORTANT Ecosystem Services 1 Air and Water Purification 2 Climate regulation 3 Erosion control 4 Recreation 5 Resources used by people such as wood, water and food Species Diversity Genetic Diversity Ecosystem Diversity Activity #01 : Form a triad and answer the following: Complete the statements below to give an example of each of the Levels of Biodiversity as it exists in the campus: A. The different kinds of species in the campus include: 1.________ 2. _______ 3. _______ 4. ________ 5. ________ 6.________ B. Genetic diversity exists in ( name one organism ) as shown by: 7. ________ 8. _______ ( specify characteristics ) C. Ecosystems ( natural or artificial ) that exist in the campus include: 9._________ 10. ______ Why is Biodiversity important?  Benefits From Biodiversity 1. Supporting Services 2. Cultural Services 3. Regulating Services 4. Provisioning Services 1. Supporting Services Biodiversity maintains the conditions for life on Earth, including soil formation and retention, nutrient/carbon cycling, and primary production. 2. cultural Services o Represents human value and enjoyment o Examples: landscape aesthetics, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and spiritual significance. 3. Regulating Services o Those that lessen environmental change (e.g.: climate regulation, pest/disease control). o Include regulation of air quality, climate, floods, soil erosion, water purification, waste treatment, pollination, and biological control of human, livestock, and agricultural pests and diseases. 4. Provisioning Services o Involve the production of renewable resources (e.g. food, wood, freshwater). o Biodiversity provides food, fuel, biochemical, natural medicine, pharmaceutical, genetic resources & fresh water.  Importance of biodiversity: 1 Direct Economic Value o obtained from species of plants, animals, and other groups as sources of food, medicine, clothing, biomass, (for energy and other purposes) and shelter.  Importance of biodiversity: 2 Indirect Economic Valueare benefits produced by species o These without consuming them or using them o They perform a series of activities beneficial to humans o Ecosystem services such as maintenance of water by plants, decomposition of dead matter by bacteria and fungi, biological pest control pollination by bees, and oxygen circulation by plants.  Importance of biodiversity: 3 Ethical and Aesthetic Value Every species has inherent value and a right to exist, regardless of its usefulness to humans. Many people view preserving biodiversity as an ethical responsibility, emphasizing the importance of protecting species for their own sake, not just for human benefit.  - providing us with oxygen, regulating climate, ensuring food security, availability of clean air and water o beauty/pleasing qualities of flora and fauna; spiritual enrichment; worship of various flora and fauna, sacred forests, and the aesthetic beauty of flora and fauna Diverse biological communities are of vital importance to healthy ecosystems, maintaining the chemical quality of natural water, preserving soil and preventing loss of minerals and nutrients, moderating local and regional climate, absorbing pollution, and promoting the breakdown of organic wastes and the cycling of minerals. ***  We are part of the biodiversity We must not abuse our ecosystem Because we share the world with many other species of plants and animals, we must consider the consequences of our actions. ACTIVITY #02 [ Individual; ½ crosswise ] What benefits have you personally obtained from the biodiversity in the campus and/or in your community? List down 5 and describe briefly.  Part 2 Biodiversity Crisis Why does the country experience a biodiversity crisis? What are the causes of declining biodiversity? What can we do to contribute to the wellness and health of biodiversity and our society? The biodiversity crisis is a serious problem that the world is facing today because of too much exploitation of our flora and fauna o The Philippines is one of the world’s most threatened hotspots [threats from humans; experienced considerable habitat loss] with only seven percent of its original old growth as a result of illegal logging activities, mining, and land conservation. o By destroying biodiversity, we create conditions of instability, lessen productivity, and promote desertification, waterlogging, mineralization, and many other undesirable outcomes throughout the world. Reasons for the Biodiversity Crisis o The country’s development objectives, include road network development, irrigation, power and energy projects, and planned ports and harbors. By destroying biodiversity, we create conditions of instability, lessen productivity, and promote desertification, waterlogging, mineralization, and many other undesirable outcomes throughout the world. National parks and protected areas are crucial for the conservation of Philippine biodiversity.  Causes of Declining Biodiversity 1. Habitat alteration or destruction 2. Introduction of invasive or exotic species 3. Population growth 4. Pollution 5. Overexploitation/Overhunting/Overcollecting 6. Change in climatic conditions 1. Habitat altération or destruction o Human intervention - land conversion - massive destruction and fragmentation of habitats caused by agriculture, urban development, forestry and mining pose the single greatest threat to biodiversity o Deforestation is one of the main causes of loss of habitat. Reconstruction of the area into park, agricultural development among others, causes alteration or destruction. 2. Introduction of Invasive Species or Exotic Species o disrupt the native ecosystem of native plants & animals. The invader species can adversely affect native species by infecting them, competing with them, eating them or mating with them. o Uncontrolled population growth of human-introduced species to non-native habitats has caused problem when the introduced species have competed with, preyed on, parasitized native species. 3. Pollution o The global water cycle can transport pollutants from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems hundreds of miles away.[water] o Pollutants that are emitted in the atmosphere fall to Earth in the form of acid rain.[air] o Improper use of agricultural chemicals. Human beings polluted the environment with chemical poisons called pesticides. Some valuable insects are destroyed at the same time the harmful ones are killed. 4. Population growth o Population increase and slow economic growth have brought threat to biodiversity. Species of plants and animals have become rare and endangered. - more food, more homes,... 5. Over Exploitation / Over Hunting / Over Collecting o A large number of species are threatened by over-hunting, illegal trade, overfishing, over collecting of a species. 6. Change in Climatic Condition o change in climate can alter environmental conditions. Species may be lost if they are unable to adopt to a new conditions. Climate Change and Biodiversity Rising Temperatures Warmer temperatures can shift species ranges and alter habitats. Extreme Weather floods, Droughts, Eventsand wildfires can disrupt ecosystems and threaten species survival. Ocean Acidification Increased carbon dioxide levels in the ocean acidify the water, impacting marine life. Causes of Declining Biodiversity: Climate change Habitat destruction Invasive/exotic species Pollution Population growth Overexploitation of resources NCVFornier as adapted from E.D. WIlson Biodiversity Conservation Conservation o the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and natural resources such as forests and water o refers to the global management of the human use of the biosphere for greatest sustainable benefit to the present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of the future generations. Biodiversity conservation o is a protection, upliftment and scientific management of biodiversity so as to maintain it at its threshold level and derive sustainable benefits for the present and future generation. o aimed at protection, enhancement and scientific management of the biodiversity. National parks and protected areas are crucial for the conservation of Philippine biodiversity.  Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?  Aims of Conservation of Biodiversity 1. Preserve biological diversity involving prevention of species extinction and preservation of characteristics ecosystems and landscape. 2. Avoid unplanned development which would lead to breakdown of ecological as well as human laws. 3. Carry on careful and scientific exploitation of natural resources. 4. Maintain essential ecological processes and life support system. 5. Ensure the preservation of aesthetic and recreational aspects of environment. 6. Secure valuable natural resources for future generations 7. sustainable utilization of the bio diverse forms and ecosystem. Conservation Efforts Worldwide Protected Areas National parks, reserves, and other protected areas provide sanctuary for endangered species. Habitat Restoration Efforts to restore degraded habitats and create new ones for Species threatened species. Programs to monitor and Management manage populations of endangered species. Protecting Endangered Species 1 Captive Breeding Breeding programs in zoos and other facilities help to increase population sizes. 2 Habitat Protecting and restoring natural habitats Conservation is crucial for species survival. 3 Anti-Poaching Efforts Combating illegal wildlife trade and poaching to protect vulnerable species. The Future of Biodiversity: Preserving Our Natural Heritage Biodiversity conservation is essential for a sustainable future. Protecting our planet's natural heritage ensures that future generations can enjoy the benefits of a thriving biosphere.  THANK YOU!!! GEC 103 Science, Technology, and Society