M8: BIODIVERSITY

• Biodiversity

  • Variety and extent of differences among and within living things
• Genetic diversity

  •  variation in genetic makeup of individuals or populations within a species (e.g. growth rates, size, coloration, etc)
• Species diversity

  • variety of species, including their abundance, distribution, and functions, or interactions
• Species richness

  • number of species present
• Ecosystem diversity

  • the variety of different habitats, communities and ecological processes
• Compositional biodiversity

  1. number of representatives present within the level being discussed
• Structural biodiversity

  • variations in the way parts are organized
• Functional biodiversity

  • variation in processes carried out in different levels of biodiversity
• Keystone species

  • organisms within an ecosystem that exert a significant influence on the structure and function of that ecosystem, far beyond what would be expected based on their abundance or size alone; protecting them ensures parks and ecosystems are diverse and high functioning.  
• Umbrella species

  • one with large habitat area and exerts a major ecological influence on the community; whose conservation benefits many other species that share their habitat; species that have large home ranges or extensive travel and migratory routes 
• Indicator species

  • organisms whose presence, absence, abundance, or health status can provide valuable information about the overall condition or quality of an ecosystem. They act as "sensors" or indicators of environmental changes, often serving as early-warning signals of disturbances or shifts in ecosystem health.
• Flagship species

  •  popular, charismatic species that serve as symbols and rallying points to stimulate conservation awareness and action; symbolize some unique aspect of the area where they occur; ex: grizzly bears, wolves, bison
• Biodiversity hotspot

  • It is a place on earth that is both rich in endemic species and living in a deeply threatened habitat mainly due to human activity
• 2 strict criteria for biodiversity hotspot

  1. have a high percentage of endemic plant life of at least 1,500 endemic vascular plants 
  2. it must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation
• Biodiversity coldspots

  • Places on earth not rich in endemic species
  • Places with high biodiversity and ecosystem service values but low threat values
• Extinct

  • when there is no doubt that the last individual has died
• Extinct in the wild

  • when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity
• Critically endangered

  • the calculated probability of extinction during the next 10 years of >50%
• Endangered

  • calculated probability of extinction during the next 20 years is >20%
• Vulnerable

  • the calculated probability of extinction during the next 20 years is at least 10%
• Near threatened

  • does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future 
• Least concern

  • Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category
• data deficient

  • there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction
• Causes of Biodiversity Loss

  1. Overpopulation
  2. Deforestation
  3. Urbanization
  4. Pollution
  5. Invasive alien species
  6. Climate change
• Effects of biodiversity loss

  1. Threats to food security
  2. Threats to energy security
  3. Unavailability of clean water
  4. Damage to social relationships