...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...
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...relationship between biodiversity and employment, which are found to differ between the EU and developing world. In the EU, employment related to biodiversity often provides new and skilled employment opportunities for a population increasingly disconnected from the land. In developing economies, however, much of the employment linked to biodiversity is in poor quality, low paid subsistence jobs in the primary industries. Nevertheless, more sustainable farming and forestry practices offer potential both to maintain biodiversity and to enhance employment by supporting safer, more lasting jobs linked to local livelihoods rather than centralised systems of production. Nature conservation and ecotourism also offer opportunities for skilled, knowledge-based and sometimes relatively well paid employment, often helping to diversify local economies and the employment opportunities they provide. The connection between biodiversity, ecosystem services and jobs There is a lack of knowledge about the point (thresholds) at which changes in biodiversity will impact ecosystem services to such a degree that economic activity and jobs can no longer be sustained. The vulnerability of ecosystem services to changes in biodiversity varies considerably depending on the spatial scale, the type of ecosystem service, and the aspect of biodiversity being considered. For certain ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, or tropical forests, small changes in biodiversity The Social Dimension...
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...Conservation Biology is defined as the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth’s biodiversity. The main aim is protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystem from overly fast growing extinction rates. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of organisms that occupy a specific region. This includes all organisms from that region, the smallest creature to the largest mammals. The earth is a vast planet, which is growing and changing every day. Many things are out of our control, but there are also many things that are within our control. People play a direct impact on the environment as well as the wild life. Unfortunately a lot of our negative actions have led to the extinction of various species. Animals can be broken down into three different species, threatened, endangered and extinct. Threatened Species can be defined as a species commonly found in an area, that is at high risk of becoming endangered. "A threatened species may have a declining population or be exceptionally rare. Similar to endangered species, the cause of their decline is based and various factors such as habitat destruction, climate change or the introduction of an invasive species to their natural habitat" (Buchanan,M.). A good example of a Threatened Species is the Loggerhead Turtle. They are found globally, preferring temperate and subtropical waters. Loggerhead turtles and their eggs are hunted extensively in many parts of the world. "However, the main threat is from raccoons and...
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...Robert Thorne Mr. Ivey English ll/1st 30 November 2012 Environmental Issues in Botswana Botswana is an incredibly venerable in terms of this countries environmental problems. This country has been faced with major challenges to its environment in recent years due to climate change, population growth, increased resource consumption and overstocking making the ecosystems more vulnerable. This has caused Botswana to be susceptible to major environmental issues. I will discuss some of the major environment issues this country is currently facing today such desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity. One major concern Botswana is facing is desertification problems that predominantly stem from the severe times of drought in the country. Due to the drought, 75% of the country’s human and animal populations are dependent on groundwater. Groundwater use has eased the effects of drought, but has left a toll on the land. Groundwater is retrieved through drilling deep boreholes, which leads to the erosion of the land. Surface water is very scarce in Botswana and less than 5% of the agriculture in the country is sustainable by rainfall. Due to this 95% of the country raises cattle and livestock as a means for an income. Therefore, it is not a surprise to see that 71% of the country’s land is used for communal grazing, which has been a major cause for the desertification of the country. Since raising livestock has proven to be profitable for the people of Botswana,...
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...Ecology Number 4, Fall 1999 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes Issues in Ecology Number 4 Fall 1999 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes by Shahid Naeem, Chair, F.S. Chapin III, Robert Costanza, Paul R. Ehrlich, Frank B. Golley, David U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, Robert V. ONeill, Harold A. Mooney, Osvaldo E. Sala, Amy J. Symstad, and David Tilman Critical processes at the ecosystem level influence plant productivity, soil fertility, water quality, atmospheric chemistry, and many other local and global environmental conditions that ultimately affect human welfare. These ecosystem processes are controlled by both the diversity and identity of the plant, animal, and microbial species living within a community. Human modifications to the living community in an ecosystem as well as to the collective biodiversity of the earth can therefore alter ecological functions and life support services that are vital to the well-being of human societies. Substantial changes have already occurred, especially local and global losses of biodiversity. The primary cause has been widespread human transformation of once highly diverse natural ecosystems into relatively species-poor managed ecosystems. Recent studies suggest that such reductions in biodiversity can alter both the magnitude and the stability of ecosystem processes, especially when biodiversity is reduced to the low levels typical...
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...Ayla Reau TSEA per.3 May 17, 2010 It is a sad day indeed when your children might never see a live polar bear in the Arctic or an orangutan swinging through the forest of Borneo. The only place future generations will have a chance to possibly see these endangered animals will be in pictures and zoos, since we humans are now causing the greatest mass extinction of species since the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. In the last two centuries alone the Earth has witnessed world-wide accelerated rates of animal extinction and endangerment, which has taken place alongside industrial progress and rapid human population growth (“Animal Extinction”). So just what is an endangered animal and why should we care? A broad definition is an endangered animal is a species that is threatened with extinction. The extinction of a species is a catastrophic event that impacts the whole planet and its inhabitants including humans, as all life on Earth is interconnected. Therefore, humans should attempt to conserve the natural habitats of the Earth and in turn the animals that live in them. However, that is not the reality, for humans are one of the main causes of animal extinction and endangerment. As Julia Marton-Lefevre, IUCN's Director General said, “hundreds of species could be lost as a result of our own actions”(in Goodman). In the entire Earth’s history there has only been five great mass extinctions, we are now in the midst of the sixth great mass extinction, driven...
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...Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity 1. Introduction Climate change (also known as global warming) refers to an increase in mean annual surface temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, owing to increases in concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere (Ninan, 2009). Biodiversity, on the other hand, is shorthand for biological diversity, and it is about the living world with which humanity not only co-exist but has evolved as a dependant part. The term biodiversity acknowledges that the natural world is a whole living system, and we are a part of it (Corlett & LaFrankie, 1998). The phase “climate change” and “global warming” are now a part of our lives and rarely does a day goes by without a mention, in the press or on the radio, of the possible causes of climate change and its consequences. This phenomenon has sneaked up on us in a somewhat short period of time and is accelerating at an alarming rate. It is perhaps the most serious problem that is threatening the civilized world today (Ninan, 2009). This paper postulates that climate change poses a serious threat on biodiversity. It will put forward evidence of how biodiversity has been affected worldwide, and will seek a solution to this problem 1.2. Biodiversity and its importance Simply put, biodiversity represents the fabric of life itself. It is comprised not only of numbers of species, but also includes the variety of all life...
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... Introduction Bio means life while diversity means variation in the various aspects of things. Biodiversity entails the extent of variation of forms of life within a given planet or species. The number of plants’ species, microorganisms, the great diversity of species’ genes, animals, the various planets’ ecosystem such as deserts and coral reefs forms part of biodiversity on earth. However politics and power have greatly influenced the shaky balance. There has been a great biodiversity loss since the human race emerged. (Miller, D. A. 2008 p.23) Biodiversity has as well affected cultural diversities and thus should be keenly dealt with. This ranges from the various types of traditional foods used by the various societies. Biodiversity loss is rendering them extinct. Physical Elements of Biodiversity Loss In the physical reality much can be read on biodiversity loss. For example, the emergence of new breeds of animals and plants can be seen being developed in any other corner of the world. People are keenly trying out new breeds as a means of curbing food shortage. For example, the genetically modified food has been termed as a way of reducing food shortages. This has impacted negatively to human health. Population decline of species, a research done in UK in 2008 clearly revealed that the population of bats was greatly declining as a result of fragmentation of their habitation, intensification of agriculture and change in landscape...
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...Wayne Pettit BUS 285 – 0901 Chapter 9 WA Assurance of Learning Exercises: Questions 3 & 4 3. Based on the information provided in Concepts & Connections 9.2, explain how Burt’s Bees’ CSR strategy has contributed to its success in the marketplace. How are its various stakeholder groups affected by its commitment to social responsibility? How would you evaluate its triple-bottom-line performance? Burt’s Bees’ CSR strategy has contributed to its success in the marketplace through the principal The Greater Good, Burt’s Bees’ business model: it states that all of their company practices will be socially responsible. Correspondingly, the company engaged customers and differentiated itself through three primary areas: natural well-being, humanitarian responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Burtsbees.com states: “on average, our products are 99% natural; over half are 100% natural” (web). This has been one of the unique features that have given Burt’s Bees the trust and respect from all stakeholders. Burt’s Bees various stakeholder groups are affected by its commitment to social responsibility through Burt’s Bees humanitarian focus, which involves its relationship with employees and suppliers. There is a mandatory employee training program which concentrates on outreach, wellness, leadership, and the environment. Furthermore, Burt’s Bees sourcing mission lays out a prescribed set of guidelines for sourcing responsible suppliers and managing...
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...they rely on for several necessities. Some species use other species for sustenance, some for shelter, or hunting skills. The reasons why species rely on each other vary; however, the need is infinitely important. We will discuss why genetic diversity is so important. We will explain why population management and diversity is necessary to the successful survival of every population. Lastly, we will compare and contrast the ex situ and in situ methods of conservation. It is extremely important for humanity to take responsibility for the failings of some ecosystems and this paper allows us to see the ways that we, as humanity, can help to reverse that damage. Genetic Diversity in Populations Genetic diversity also known as the level of biodiversity simply measures the number of genetic characteristics that the genetic makeup of a particular species consists of. It is different from the term genetic variability as they are many times used alternatively but in reality they are different. So why is genetic diversity so important? It is the basis for the populations of various living species to adapt themselves as the surrounding environment changes. If there is no genetic diversity many of the species will vanish off the face of earth. The environment on the earth changes rapidly and hence with the help of genetic diversity the species possess variations of the alleles that help them to adapt to the changing environment around them. Then, they can produce an offspring that contains...
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...400 (Blackwell, 2006). But more recently, its population size is estimated to be only about 200, further declining every year (Kirby, 2012). While genetic analyses and population simulations initially suggested that the vaquita has always been rare and that its population reduction has occurred over evolutionary time, it has more recently been discovered that its mortality rate is due to anthropogenic factors. Other hypotheses for the decline in the vaquita population that have been studied are that the water flowing from the Colorado River was polluted which decreases the flow of freshwater, or that the mortality rate is a product of inbreeding (D’agrosa et al. 2000). However, the biggest reason for the decline of vaquitas living in the temperate waters of the Gulf of California is that they are simply victims...
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...Climate change implications for the Pacific Islands Across the planet now we see ever more flood, ever more drought, ever more storms. People are dying, communities are being wrecked and local plants and species are being wiped away — the impacts we’re already witnessing from climate change are unlike anything we have ever seen before. There is report that identifies small island states as being the most vulnerable countries of the world to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Pacific is in fact without a doubt one of the world’s most vulnerable regions when it comes to risk of disaster due to climate change, particularly several of the low-lying coral islands. Climate change is already affecting Pacific Islands with dramatic revenue loss across sectors such as agriculture, water resources, forestry, tourism and other industry-related sectors. Some of the projected impacts of climate change on main sectors that specifically apply to the Pacific Islands are listed below. (reference here) Agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate change, with high temperature levels reducing yields of desirable crops and changes in precipitation patterns increasing crop failures (reference here). Pacific islands are constantly being exposed to these threats of climate change and we have already witnessed the effects of these threats. For example the different weather variations occurring in different parts of the pacific islands, low levels of our crops and forestry production...
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...primitive societies these survial. In primitive societies these contrbutions are direct. Plants animals and other organisms are the sorces of food, clothing and shelter. In industrialized societies most people do not hurt for their morning breakfasts or cut down trees for their shelter and firewood neverthless, we still depend on organisms. 17.1 Levels of biodiversity Conservation at all three ecological levels must occur to protect biological deversity. 17.2 Role of alligators in the eviroment American alligator plays an intergral but often subtle, role in its natural ecosystem. 17.3 Medicinal value of the rosy periwinkle Rosy periwinkle produces chemicals effive against certain cancus. 17.6 The swamp pink- This endangered species lives in the boggy areas of the eastern United states. 17.5 California Condor- Condor which have up to a 3-meter 40 foot wingspan are critically endangered largely because development has reduced the size of their wilderness habitat. 17.7 Biological Hotspot- There are 25 hotspots which are rich in endemic species are great risk from human activites. 17.8 Causes of declining biological deversity Blue intract with and amplify the effects of one anther and of direct causes pruple. 17.9 Destruct of the worlds wildlife habitats-main causes of habit loss in terrestrial ecosystem. 17.12 Illegal animals trade green parrots, captured illegally in the amazon rain forest are for sale at a market in Iquitos, Pero. 17.13 Plastic pollution...
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...Daniel Pauly and a team of others have identified the mean trophic level of catch (where the species exists on the food web in relation to plankton) as an important indicator of ecosystem health. A higher trophic level indicates the catch is more ‘steps’ away from plankton- for example, a fish with a trophic level of two eats a species which eats plankton. Watson and Pauly explains that this indicator is more applicable than comparing global landings, which are declining at a moderate rate, as global landings do not account for illegal and unreported catches, the increase in fishing efficiency due to technology, and importantly, the changing composition of the catch due to sever depletion in stocks of large fish such as tuna and cod. Declining trophic level is an indicator of a significant structural change in food webs, and loss and degradation biodiversity, especially of stocks of larger fish. The findings are significant, indicating a severe decrease in the mean trophic level of global catch over the last half century. Watson and Pauly’s findings are summarized in Table 1, in which he contrasts global freshwater with marine fisheries and aquaculture, and shows a general...
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...Niokolo-Koba National Park Ronald Thompson University of Phoenix In Senegal, the Niokolo-Koba National Park is the largest and oldest national park (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The park has around 200 meters of flat regions with lines of hills, where the remainder of the park is full of low plateaus. There are many languages that are spoken within the park. They are: Spanish, French, Russian, English, and Arabic. The Niokolo-Koba National Park was put on the World Heritage Danger List in 2007. The park is located in the western region of Africa near the Guinea-Bissau border in South Eastern Senegal (Absolute Astronomy 2010). It best known for its wildlife and it contains the most important natural habitat for biological diversity, including threatened species. Senegal is home to “2,500 different types of species and the Niokolo-Koba contain 1,500 of them” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). Currently 120 different species families occupy the park as well. The park is home to “80 different species of mammals, 330 birds, 38 reptiles, 20 amphibians, 60 different types of fish” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The vegetation plays a strong role in this park as well. There are four types of soils that are found in the park in various locations. The soils include “tropical red soil, ferrolateritic crusts, alluvial, and hydromorphic” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The vegetation in the park comes in many forms. The park includes grass, woody savannas, bushes, and many...
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