The need to maintain Biodiversity (and efforts to monitor it)

1. The need to maintain Biodiversity (and efforts to monitor it)

3. What is biodiversity? • The variety, or numbers of plant and animal species and their genetic material with in ecosystems is called biodiversity.

4. Species diversity • Species diversity is the abundance and variety of species in an ecosystem.

5. Ecosystem diversity • Ecosystem diversity is the number and variety of ecosystems that exist

6. Why is biodiversity important? • Biodiversity is important because every species, and the way it interacts with others in an ecosystem, plays a role in maintaining the balance of life and continuing the survival of each species

7. Why is biodiversity important? Put it Simply... • In simple terms, genetic diversity provides alternatives of the same basic gene within a species. • Diversity needs to be conserved so that individuals with certain variations will survive environmental pressure and pass this trait on to its offspring. •  This is the basis of evolution

8. Intermission – Brace yourself for another Hilarious teacher Joke #1...

9. Intermission – Another Hilarious teacher Joke #2 Q. What do you call a pig that is angry because he lost his voice... A. disgruntled?"

10. Maintaining Biodiversity • Sometimes, even with genetic diversity, environmental pressures can become too great and a natural population of a species may become extinct. • Organisations such as the “Botanic Gardens Trust” at Mt Annan act to maintain this genetic variation •  Seedbank

11. Human Impact on Biodiversity • The greater number of plants and animals within an ecosystem, the greater chance they will be sustained. • But humans have not managed this well: • Introduced species • Land clearing • Overharvesting • Global warming Have all contributed to a decrease in genetic diversity. • Activity: • Watch the clip, then in pairs, explain how each of these factors have lead to a decrease in biodiversity.

13. Governmental Acts to Maintain Biodiversity • NSW Dept. Of Environment and Conservation  stated something needs to be done to maintain biodiversity • In NSW, the “Threatened Species Conservation Act”, and the “National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974)” was introduced.

14. Increasing Biodiversity • To increase biodiversity, specific species will have specific needs. • Eg, to increase the biodiversity of birds in your garden, you must increase food, water, shelter, nest sites and nest material

15. Monitoring Biodiversity • When monitoring biodiversity, it is important to take measurements and observations at different times and in more than one season. • It is also important to consider different species and their habits  Birds  Snails

16. Birds in Backyards Program • Introduced as scientists realised that increased urbanisation has taken bird habitats  decreasing bird diversity. • Some species decline, some increase, but overall decline • Common people registering types and numbers of 30 common birds • Conclusion  relationship between suburb design and bird species numbers and plant diversity. • Access http://birdsinbackyards.net/

17. What if our attempts to maintain biodiversity fail??? Is this the future?