...Biodiversity a.Biodiversity- is the degree of variation of life. It is a measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems. This can refer to genetic variation, ecosystem variation, or species variation (number of species) within an area, biome, or planet. Terrestrial biodiversity tends to be highest near the equator, which seems to be the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity. Biodiversity is not distributed evenly on Earth. It is the richest in the tropics. Marine biodiversity tends to be highest along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest and in the mid-latitudinal band in all oceans. There are latitudinal gradients in species diversity. Biodiversity generally tends to cluster in hotspots and has been increasing through time but will be likely to slow in the future. b. bioinformatics-is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data. As an interdisciplinary field of science, bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to study and process biological data. c. endangered species-is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to become extinct. "Endangered" is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR). d. threatened species- are any species (including animals, plants...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...Lab 3 – Biodiversity Demonstration 1: Interdependence of Species |Table 1: Interdependence of Species Results | |Round |Species Missing (Bead Color and Name) | |1 | | |2 | | |3 | | |4 | | POST LAB QUESTIONS 1. Explain how the ecosystem was affected by the missing species for each round of the demonstration. a. Round 1 = b. Round 2 = c. Round 3 = d. Round 4 = 2. Provide one action we as humans engage in that leads to the extinction of each of these components. Action affecting Lichens = Action affecting Trees = Action affecting Flowers = Action affecting Bees = 3. Provide three specific actions that humans can take to minimize...
Words: 283 - Pages: 2
...BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life. This can refer to genetic variation, species variation, or ecosystem variation within an area, biome, or planet. Terrestrial biodiversity tends to be highest at low latitudes near the equator, which seems to be the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity. Marine biodiversity tends to be highest along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest and in mid-latitudinal band in all oceans. Biodiversity generally tends to cluster in hotspots, and has been increasing through time but will be likely to slow in the future. Rapid environmental changes typically cause mass extinctions. One estimate is that less than 1-3% of the species that have existed on Earth are extinct. Since life began on Earth, five major mass extinctions and several minor events have led to large and sudden drops in biodiversity. The Phanerozoic eon (the last 540 million years) marked a rapid growth in biodiversity via the Cambrian explosion—a period during which the majority of multi-cellular phyla first appeared. The next 400 million years included repeated, massive biodiversity losses classified as mass extinction events. The Carboniferous, rainforest collapse led to a great loss of plant and animal life. The Permian–Triassic extinction event, 251 million years ago, was the worst; vertebrate recovery took 30 million years. The most recent, the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, occurred 65 million...
Words: 2070 - Pages: 9
...Biodiversity is commonly referred to as “The variety of life on Earth” when talking about the Earth’s biological diversity. It includes the numerous and vast variety of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the diversity of genes in these species, and the different ecosystems on the planet such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs. They are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. The role of biodiversity is important in the way ecosystems function and in the many services they provide. Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. Just think a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops, a greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, not to mention healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. It’s a big deal that we as humans should preserve the diversity of wildlife. By nature a healthy biodiversity provides numerous services for everybody. Provisioning resources, which are the products obtained from ecosystems that have a diversity includes food. The growth of crops, spices, and meats and vegetables. Medicine which is naturally grown in the wild that is of use to humans and wild animals alike, as well as raw material such as lumber, and fertilizer. For example, Waste eaters like the dung beetle help to turn animal waste into organic material that can be reused by plants, which will further the...
Words: 574 - Pages: 3
...levels of biodiversity (15) Both physical and human factors influence biodiversity. On a global scale, climatic and soil fertility influences affect levels of biodiversity, although often human factors influence biodiversity at a local scale and increasingly globally. Biomes and large scale ecosystems such as coral reefs are influenced by limiting factors such as salinity of water which should remain constant, temperatures between 25 and 29 degrees C and adequate sunlight so turbidity level are low. The Great Barrier reef is home to 5,000 species of molluscs, 1,800 species of fish, 125 species of sharks. The age and size of an ecosystem is important in supporting high levels of biodiversity. On the island of Borneo, a biodiversity hotspot, has a number of endemic species and sustains high levels of biodiversity as there is range of altitudes supporting different niches and the size of the area supports many predators. At the local scale, threats from human activity such as deforestation can severely influence biodiversity levels. In Borneo, pristine rainforest was removed for timber and mineral exploitation and the result was a wasteland of yellow grass with low biodiversity. However, human factors can also benefit biodiversity as replanting of native species fertilized by cow urine has subsequently increased biodiversity in the area and the area has been designated an Orang Utang protected area. Minsmere in Suffolk is an RSPB reserve where biodiversity levels have...
Words: 399 - Pages: 2
...Bethany Thomas 07 February 2016 Biodiversity Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life at all levels. This is especially important to consider when dealing with conservation. “Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play.” (Shah) This speaks volumes to the fact that everything is interconnected and all of life depends on each other to survive. Whether it is the ability of an ecosystem to recover from a disaster or diverse species creating a natural balance, biodiversity is at the root of almost all cultures and conservation practices. In the film, Regeneration Principle: Biomass, the main focus is the use of plants as a source of clean renewable fuel for energy. The impact of this would be for the most part positive, but would all depend on how it was managed. These plants would need to be grown and harvested in a way that would not disturb the natural balance of the local ecosystem. If it is naturally occurring, you must ensure that it is harvested at a sustainable rate. The biggest impact would be the ability to cut our dependence on fossil fuels and shift to a resource that can be renewed and replaced at a much faster rate. The use of the otherwise inedible, useless nuts is a great example of a resource that can be utilized and renewed if used properly. I do not feel that the use of corn to make ethanol is not worth the impact to biodiversity. The amount of land and the way it...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...Biodiversity Lasnosha Snowden ENV 300 Environmental Science Nicole Minor June 15, 2015 All living organisms are present in ecosystems to coexist together to create biodiversity and without different species, these environment could fail horribly. Every living organism has a purpose in order to keep the balance of biodiversity. In order for there to be “biological diversity, these items are organized at many levels, ranging from complete ecosystems to the chemical structures that are the molecular basis of heredity” (1987). Not always in a friendly environmental manner, Human actions has played a big key role in the changing of the environment. A nonproductive planet would be result, if we did not have an abundance of species and ecosystems. All living organisms rely on one another to survive and thrive. Biodiversity is the total of species living together in an area, a community, or the entire planet. Genetic diversity, habitat diversity, and species diversity are three different concepts can be defined as Biodiversity. The same species in different populations found with patterns of variations and a bundle of different genes located in one species is known as genetic diversity. Within a specified area, the number of different habitats is habitat diversity. When checking for species diversity there are three qualities that you should look for species dominance, species evenness, and species richness. The most abundant species measured is species dominance. The entire...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...Yamir Ortiz March 26, 2014 Dr. Palestis Biodiversity Discussion Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services “Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services” by Worm et al. 2006, was an interesting paper to read. The article talks about the dangers and the effects humans are having on the marine ecosystems. It also touches on the importance and benefits that diversity has. As we all know, the marine ecosystems of the world have the ability to provide us with an array of different resources, most importantly, food. Because of us, through exploitation, pollution, and habitat destruction there are changes occurring within the biodiversity of the marine ecosystems. There have been observations within estuaries, coral reefs, and coastal and oceanic fishing communities that there is a rapid decrease in population, species, and entire functional groups. Due to diversity between producers and consumers, species are able to overcome/survive more such atrocities by allowing them to be stable and have higher efficiency of resources. When looking at coastal ecosystems, experiments conducted reveled a fast decline in native species since industrialization increased, causing pollution within waters. Systems that contained more diverse and species rich environments showed to be more stable causing them to have lower rates of collapse and extinction over time. When looking at the larger marine ecosystem there has been a larger collapse in the areas that are...
Words: 300 - Pages: 2
...Biodiversity Paper A Freedom (n.d.), according to the In Environmental Encyclopedia Conservation biology is the application of ecological and biological science to the conservation and protection of Earth’s biodiversity. Conversation biology represents an integration of theory, basic and applied research and broader educational goals. “Biodiversity also called biological diversity, the variety of life found in a place on Earth or often the total variety of life on Earth. A common measure of this variety, called species richness is the count of species in an area” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013). A species are groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural population, which are reproductively isolated from other such groups” (Hunter & Gibbs, 2007). “Threatened species are any species (including animals, plants, fungi, etc) which are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future” (Wikipedia, 2013). For example, one Threatened species would be Whale; unfortunately, the Whales are being killed for their body parts as well they are facing series threats in regards to entanglement in fishing gear, harvest, and habitat impact. Further, an endangered species is specie that is a risk of extinction for example; Giant Panda is at risk due to “habitat fragmentation and loss. The area in which the pandas live in is becoming smaller due to human activities such as logging, farming in forests and road building” ( San Diego Zoo Animal, 2013). Extinct species, is a “species, organisms...
Words: 314 - Pages: 2
...Decline in Biodiversity Deanna Garrett ENV497 Chad Goings July 15, 2013 Decline in Biodiversity Biodiversity is important in ecosystems because every life form works together in order for them to function. When these ecosystems are disrupted or altered, or even lacks biodiversity, it poses major threats to all the life forms in it, whether it happens quickly or over a long period of time. When we lack biodiversity, our ecosystems become unstable, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to disasters and they cannot contribute to our well being. Although policy makers may be faced with challenges, many considerations need to be taken into account to preserve biodiversity and to protect these areas so that these ecosystems can function properly and prosper. When we hear the word ‘biodiversity’, it pretty much explains itself. It is the amount of variation of life forms within a given biome, ecosystem, species, or even the entire plant. Many considerations need to be taken into account to preserve biodiversity and to protect these areas so that these ecosystems can function properly and prosper. With respect to the ecosystem and biodiversity, we need to remember that once our natural resources run out and when most ecosystems are destroyed, it is very hard to restore it to what it was. We need to consider our well being, as well as all the other organisms that we share the earth with. We use biodiversity all the time, whether it is direct or indirect. In order for us to...
Words: 1786 - Pages: 8
...State of Philippine Biodiversity Photo Credits (L-R): Philippine Eagle (Klaus Nigge/National Geographic); Hoya melliflua (Leonardo Co); Mts. Iglit-Baco (PAWB); Platymantis polillensis (GTZ-DENR) The Philippines is a treasure trove of biodiversity or the variety of life on earth. It is believed to harbor more diversity of life than any other country on earth on a per hectare basis. It is in fact one of the 17 megadiverse countries which host 70-80% of the world’s biodiversity. Yet, Philippine biodiversity is alarmingly endangered, making it a biodiversity hotspot as well. As a paradise of biodiversity, the country’s terrestrial ecosystems are home to many of the best and rarest wildlife species. It has more than 52,177 described species, half of which are endemic or found nowhere else on earth. There are more than 1,130 terrestrial wildlife species recorded for the Philippines (49 percent or half are endemic); 157 are threatened (128 are threatened endemic). Floral diversity is just as extraordinary, with between 10,000 and 14,000 species of vascular and non-vascular plants, more than half of which are endemic to the Philippines. Altogether, the country is host to some 5 percent of the world’s species of flora and is ranked 5th in the world in terms of number of plant species. The archipelago is also now recognized as one of the most important centers of amphibian and reptile diversity in Southeast Asia. An estimated total of 359 species of amphibians (101 species) and reptiles...
Words: 811 - Pages: 4
...What is biodiversity? Why does it change? Why is it important to conserve it? INTRODUCTION Presently these days, lots of people live in urban areas. In this case they are separated from the environment. But another important reason why humans will always depend on the environment is because our lives depend on biodiversity. Meaning that we get clothing, medicines, food and furniture from other species. Just because that people rely on biodiversity they have to conserve biodiversity and can save it for future generations (www.scienceclarified.com). But before knowing all the damage this can cause to us, firstly we should know what biodiversity is. Why does it change? Why we have to conserve biodiversity? The aim of this essay is to answer these three questions, so in this paper I will try analyze most important things about biodiversity. MAIN ARGUMENTS The definition of biodiversity has many different connotations, description of species composition interactions between organisms and their environment (Orians, G. H. 1996, p.49). But the major definition of biodiversity is: the variety of life in all its manifestations (Lecture notes). This modern definition can sound like the variety of life on earth, variety of species, and the communities in which they occur. The major elements of diversity are: genetic, taxonomic, and ecological. The first one is Genetic (populations, individuals) – individuals of the same species. It means genetic variations between individuals...
Words: 1646 - Pages: 7
...Biodiversity is one issue to which I attach the greatest importance and that we have to tackle with urgency. Not only we have a moral obligation but it will be significant for our contribution to the next Copenhagen conference on Climate Change at the end of this year. To protect biodiversity is one of today's great challenges. Over the last four and a half years, the European Commission has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change. This is an area where Europe can be justifiably proud of its role as a world leader. And it is an area where we cannot afford to fail. The success of our climate change policy will also be measured by the success of our efforts in stopping the loss of biodiversity. These issues – like so many of the challenges that we face – are irrevocably interrelated, just as the link with energy and energy security has helped to develop our understanding of the importance of climate change. The loss of biodiversity is a global threat that is just as important as global warming. It threatens our natural environment and thus, the quality of our life. But biodiversity underpins also our economies. It is not therefore only because of the love of nature or a vision for our environment that we should keep biodiversity on the political agenda. Efforts made by this Commission have concentrated on our ambitious target: to put a stop to the loss of biodiversity in Europe by 2010. For that, we must implement existing legislation such as the Birds and Habitats...
Words: 1269 - Pages: 6
...Biodiversity Paper Bio/280 What is it that we think of when the words conservation biology is spoken? The meaning of this relates to the study of nature through scientific research and data. This is a part of science that relates to the status of earths biodiversities and the protection of ecosystems, species, and habitats. With protection being a key word that relates to keeping species from extinction. A human interaction that is put in place to help solve issues that arise in a scientific value of species and nature. Biodiversity is the number of species in a certain region, habitat, ecosystem, that includes plant life also. The overall data of organisms that are still within our regional ecosystems. A species it a group organism that thrives and lives in an ecosystem. Threaten species is a group of organisms that is a step below endangered, a species that is close to endangered. Such as the polar bears, as the global warming issue has implemented reasons to believe as part of the cause of this species for being on the threatened list (Jaymi Heimbuch, 2011). Judges have passed a provision to keep these animals on this list to see if humans can reduce and turn around the global warming affect in the ecosystem that polar bears reside. Endangered species are ones that are on the brink of extinction. The marine sea turtles have been on endangered species list due to the years it takes many of the new born turtles to mature. Many die off in the first year of life...
Words: 517 - Pages: 3
...Biodiversity Paper Biology as a science concerned with living organisms, said organism’s function, origin, structure, and distribution is defined through numerous subdivisions and branches. Conservation biology is a branch, which deals with certain factors threatening biodiversity as well as the preservation of genetic and biologic diversity of animal and plant species. Threatened, endangered, and extinct species are only some factors that may influence biodiversity. Any given species has to meet a certain criteria to suit the previously named terms. Conservation biologists are concerned with numerous species because of said species’ influence on the interrelation within their ecosystems, and the interruption of such ecosystem when the numbers of a certain species are drastically decreasing. Conservation biology is concerned with the maintenance of species, their genetic variation, ecosystems, and communities within such ecosystems. Biodiversity includes “The variety of life and its processes, including the variety of living organisms, the genetic difference among them, and the communities and ecosystem in which they occur” (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2004, p. 1). Even though the term “species” is complex, and some definitions may differ slightly from others “A species is often defined as a group of individuals that actually or potentially interbreed in nature” (Berkley University, n.d., p. 1). Therefore, a species is defined as the greatest gene pool that can...
Words: 796 - Pages: 4
