Biodiversity

Variety of life in our natural environment – from the smallest micro-organism to the largest mammals, including the ecosystems where they live – forests and mountains, rivers and seas.

Biodiversity is observed in various levels:

❑ Refers to the variation of different ecosystems in a specified area, location, or region.

Higher variety of ecosystems =

▪ Refers to the variation of found within the same species or between species. ▪ The genes are responsible for the uniqueness of every living organism

estimated that there are around _____ species of plants and animals in existence

High genetic diversity =

▪ Refers to the variation of different organisms in an ecosystem. ▪ usually measured in terms of the total number of species found in a particular area

High variation of species =

the total number of different species in the community

the proportion each species represents of the total individuals in the community

Species Diversity Has two components

Biodiversity heals About ___ % of the world’s biodiversity resources with medicinal values are in forests.

➢ Originally from South America,nintroduced in 1980 as a food source, especially to farmers. ➢ Population increased uncontrollably eventually becoming a crop pest (eats growing rice plants)

o Native to Africa o Introduced:1970s o Known to displace many native species of fishes o Part of Filipino diet

❖ Native to South America ❖ Competes with native plant species ❖ Decreases oxygen levels of water, affecting the aquatic organisms. ❖ Affects living and livelihood of the residents in the nearby areas.

▪ Native to Spain ▪ Introduced during the colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards. ▪ Eats rice, nicknamed as “winged rat”

Contaminants that changes and damages the ecosystemcan lead to loss of habitat.

_______ , irresponsible human practices contribute to biodiversity loss

_____________, humans have the knowledge, expertise and financial resources to conserve biodiversity

species that are on the near possibility of becoming extinct.

species that are on the near possibility of becoming endanged.

▪ Only around 100 individuals are surviving ▪ Endangered due to: 1. Illegal trading 2. Loss of habitat 3. Hunting

▪ Only around 400 adult individuals are surviving ▪ Endangered due to: 1. Illegal trading 2. Loss of habitat 3. Loss of prey 4. Hunting