Biodiversity

• Biodiversity: The varisbility among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial and marine & aquatic ecosystem.
• Species diversity: number of different species and abundance
• species richness: total number of different species
• A provisioning service is any type of benefit to people that can be extracted from nature.

  • wood
  • water
• Cultural services are non-material benefits from ecosystems.

  • sense of place
• Supporting Services are processes that are crucial for the ecosystem to exist and other ecosystems to survive.

  • Photosynthesis
  • Soil formation
• Regulating Services regulate natural systems, aid in filtration processes, and maintain balance in the ecosystem and the Earth.

  • Climate Regulation
  • Carbon Sequestration
• Ecosystem diversity is the variety of habitats and ecological processes occurring in an area.
• Genetic diversity is the variety of genetic material within a population of a single species.
• Random sampling is when each sample has an equal chance of being chosen. It increases statistical validity and avoids experimental bias.
• Systematic Sampling is a sampling method where samples are selected at a regular interval.
• Quadrat Sampling which is good for surveying immobile organisms, while transect sampling is good for surveying long distances.
• Ways of sampling animals include Direct observation, indirect oberservation, spotlighting, live trapping which yields the best results, and the capture mark recapture method.
• • While sampling, edge effects can occur when surveying at the boundaries of sample plots and quadrats. Ways to minimise edge effects include setting clear guidelines and buffer zones
• Interbreeding is the act of mixing different species or variety of animals or plants to produce a more genetically diverse population or hybrid species.
• Antropocentrism is the view that human interests are the center of importance.
• Biocentrism is the view that all living things have the right to exist and are treated equally no matter how useful they are to humans or the ecosystem.
• Ecocentrism is the view that stresses the intrinsic value of ecosystems and the environment as a whole.
• Technocentrism is the view that technology and human innovation is the centre of importance.
• threats to biodiversity:

  • Creation and Isolation of small populations
  • Inbreeding due to small population size
  • Loss of pollinators, dispersal agents, host species and symbionts
  • Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
  • Climate Change
  • Invasive/Exotic species
  • Disease
• Responses to a loss in biodiversity.

  • Erosion Control
  • Restoration of Habitat
  • Protected Areas
  • Protecting Remnant Vegetation
  • Reduction and improved targeting of pesticides
  • Reintoduction of previously endemic species
  • Translocation of Animals
  • Gene Banks
  • Captive breeding
  • Wildlife Corridors
• Erosion Control

  1. Measures implemented to prevent or minimise soil erosion, which can result from natural processes or anthropogenic activities
  2. Techniques include planting vegetation and implementing land management practices to maintain soil structure and prevent the loss of fertile topsoil
• Wildlife Corridors or Zones

  1. Strips of habitat connecting separated populations which facilitates gene flow and migration
  2. They reduce effects of habitat fragmentation, promote biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes
• Captive breeding and reintroduction programs

  Breeding animals in controlled environments with the goal of increasing their population and genetic diversity to be released back into the wild
• Restoration of Habitat


  Activities focused on repairing habitats in order to restore populations and ecological processes in the area
• Translocation

  1. The intentional movement of individual animals or entire populations from one location to another
  2. This conservation strategy is employed to establish or reinforce populations, restore ecological processes, or prevent the extinction of endangered species
• Reintroduction of previously endemic species

  1. Reintroducing species to their native habitats after successful conservation efforts or habitat restoration
  2. This process aims to re-establish populations of species that were once native to an area but may have faced declines or extinctions due to various threats
• Implementing Protected Areas

  1. Designated regions with restricted human activities to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
  2. These areas aim to safeguard natural resources and provide habitats for various species
• Reduction and Improved targeting of pesticides

  1. Strategies aimed at minimizing the use of pesticides, adopting more precise application methods, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives
  2. This approach seeks to reduce negative impacts on non-target species, ecosystems, and human health while maintaining effective pest control
• Protecting remnant vegetation


  1. Preserving existing patches of native vegetation within landscapes undergoing development or transformation2. This practice helps maintain biodiversity, support ecological processes, and enhance Gene flow between fragmented habitats
• • Gene Banks are collections of genetic material from organisms that are used for research and conservation.
• Endemic = When an animal is found in a limited geographic location.
• How are conservation statuses measured?


  By measuring population size, availability of habitat and geographic range.
• The Simpson's Index of Diversity is a measure of the species diversity of an area. It is a number between 0 and 1. A larger number corresponds to a greater species diversity.
• What are the disadvantages of having a low genetic diversity to a species or ecosystem?


  • Increased vulnerability to environmental changes
  • Increased chance of inbreeding.
  • Can lead to reduced fertility rates and reproductive success.
• What are the advantages of having a high genetic diversity?


  • Increased resilience to environmental changes
  • Allows for evolution and natural selection to occur effectively
• What are the disadvantages of Captive breeding programs?


  • Small captive breeding populations can suffer inbreeding.
  • Animals may lose natural instincts and may over depend on human support for survival
  • Is very cost and resource intensive
• Genetic Drift?


  • When a change in allele frequency is caused by random chance.
  • Decreases genetic diversity and population's ability to adapt to change.
• • extinct: having no living members; no longer in existence.
• • extinct in the wild: when they're known to survive only in cultivation, in captivity, or as a naturalised population far from their natural range.