Biology 6.3

Biodiversity

The total of all the genetically based variation in all organisms in the biosphere.

Habitat fragmentation

Development often splits ecosystems into pieces, leaving habitat "islands".

Ecological hot spot

A place where significant numbers of species and habitats are in immediate danger or extinction.

Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity's benefits to society include contributions to medicine and agriculture, and the provision of ecosystem goods and services.

What are the most significant threats to biodiversity?

Humans reduce biodiversity by altering habits, hunting, introducing invasive species, releasing pollution into food webs and contributing to climate change

Genetic diversity

Refers to the sum total of all different forms of genetic information carried by a particular species, or by all organisms on Earth.

Ecosystem diversity

Refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere,

Species diversity

The number of different species in the biosphere, or in a particular area

How do we preserve biodiversity?

To conserve biodiversity, we must protect individual species, preserve habitats and ecosystems, and make certain that human neighbors of protected areas benefit from participating in conservation efforts.