THE NEED TO MAINTAIN BIODIVERSITY (AND EFFORTS TO MONITOR IT)

What is biodiversity? The variety, or numbers of plant and

animal species and their genetic material with in ecosystems is called biodiversity.

Species diversity Species diversity is the abundance and

variety of species in an ecosystem.

Ecosystem diversity Ecosystem diversity is the number and

variety of ecosystems that exist

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

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

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

Intermission – Another Hilarious teacher Joke #2

Q. What do you call a pig that is angry because he lost his voice...

A. disgruntled?"

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

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 warmingHave 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.

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.

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

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 considerdifferent species and their habits

Birds Snails

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/

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