Loss of Biodiversity
4 Examples of Invasive species/Foreign introductions
1. Animals that come with humans: rat, goat, pig, cat, dog 2. Mongoose 3. American Chestnut Tree and imported fungus 4. Dozens of Invasive Plants—Kudzu
Relation to Rest of Environment: Southern Pine Beetle-
1. Caused patches of dead pine trees. Destroys xylem and phloem of trees. 2. Killing of trees cost lumber industry lots of money. They grow exclusively pines which removes pine beetles predators which live in other trees (oaks etc.). 3. Mixed forest keeps pine beetle populations in check.
6 Causes for loss of biodiversity.
1. Direct killing. 2. Threats to humans. 3. Live Animal Trade. 4. Invasive species/ Foreign Introductions. 5. Habitat Destruction. 6. Climate change.
What are 4 solution to lose in biodiversity?
1. Education: Improve awareness. 2. Ecotourism: Immediate practicality. Costa Rica has 15% of the country set aside for parks/nature preserves and 5% partly reserved. People still have impact but lessens long term effects. 3. Zoos, Gene banks: Reintroduce animals to the wild. 4. World Monetary Agencies/Aid: Nature conservatory. Preserve some small areas.
3 results climate change that can cause loss of biodiversity.
1. Geographic Range Changes: Many bird species have moved North, New species are now breeding in Al. 2. Food sources (like plant) may or may not change: Plant ranges may not shift due to soil and geography 3. Half of N. American bird species at risk to some degree.
5 Common Alabama Invasive introductions.
1. Kudzu: brought to feed cattle, wasn't nutritious. 2. Milfoil and Hydrilla. 3. Privet. 4. Starling. 5. Fire Ant: Brought into mobile in late 20's- early 30's. Devastating to small species such as small birds, tiny lizards and snakes.
5 Characteristics of Being vulnerable and an example of each
1. Low Reproductive Rate- Rhino. 2. Some Specialization- Red-cockaded Woodpecker: Endangered due to its 'pickiness'. Only makes nest in longleaf pines that are >50yrs old. Lives in tree with a certain disease. Must live in family units. 3. Small Geographic Range/Island- Darters: only seen in a few small creeks. 4. Vulnerable Behavior- Carolina Parakeet: was not afraid of people. if one was shot by a farmer, more would flock down to try to help it. 5. Top Carnivore
What future uses could we have in conserving biodiversity?
1. Medicine: 30-40% of our drugs come directly/indirectly from rain forest plants. 2. Food Sources: We use few animals as food sources, potential new food sources. 3. Tropical Losses Critical: where most lose is occurring We have Responsibility, whether religious or moral to not let biodiversity disappear
Now most important reason for loss of biodiversity. 2 examples
1. Modification of prairie in U.S. 2. Tropical Rainforest going fast: -- 7% of world's land mass contains >50% of world's species -- Disappearing at 1% per year -- <50% of original intact
What percent of the world's organisms are threatened or endangered? How many species are estimated to be disappearing per year?
10-15% are threatened or endangered. 10,000 species disappearing per year according to E.O. Wilson.
Threated species
A significant reduction in population. Loss of about 90%
Loss of biodiversity- 3 examples due to Threats to humans(real or perceived)
Carolina Parakeet Grizzly Bear Wolf
South Florida invaded by what major predator? what are the effects of this invasive species? What are other invasive animals introduced to Florida?
Everglades python: - 90% of small mammals lost. - Thought to be eating panther cubs. - Could reach as far as Alabama in coming decades --can survive cooler temperatures. Dozens of foreign fish, lizards, snakes.
Extinct Species
Gone forever.
Live Animal Trade
Historically zoos involved; now breeding sources. Tropical fish. Birds. Everyone wants uncommon critters.
3 reasons for Direct Killing and example of each.
Most important in past. 1. Sometimes for subsistence; sometimes not: - Passenger pigeon, last one died in 1914. - Buffalo 2. Sometimes for marketable product: - Great Whales 3. Sometimes for fashion, novelty, or belief: - Wading bird, Alligator, Big cats, Elephants, Rhino horn, other animal body parts
Endangered species
Very low numbers. Isolated populations. Highly reduced number, very vulnerable to extinction. Could be gone in coming years.
Who is E.O. Wilson
World's leading expert in biodiversity (he's from mobile!) Fist to describe invasive fire ant. Published many books on biodiversity. Estimates 10,000 species are disappearing each year.
Loss of biodiversity has happened several times in history of earth. What are 4 examples that decreased biodiversity?
• Dinosaurs • Several ice ages- lost large mammals (mammoths) • 10,000-15,000 years ago, another sudden loss- Most large mammals were lost in this short period of time. Cause pinpointed to human population being large enough to have impact. Hunting and using resources. --All evidence points to humans • Now in second wave of human-caused loss of biodiversity (last 250 years)
