BIODIVERSITY

S C I E N C E , T E C H N O L O G Y , A N D S O C I E T Y

GROUP 7 - MH22
 WHAT IS
BIODIVERSITY?
Biodiversity is the variability among living
organism from all sources, including terrestrial,
marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the
ecological complexes of which they are part;
this includes diversity within species, between
species, and of ecosystems.

It's the sum of all the different species of

animals, plants, fungi, and microbial organisms
living on earth

Humans can source from nature biological

resources such as food, medicine, energy and
more.
BENEFITS OF
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity plays an important role in the way
ecosystems function and in the services they
provide
The following is a list of some of the benefits,
or services of biodiversity:
Provisioning services such as food, clean
water, timber, fiber, and genetic resources
Regulating services such as climate, floods,
disease, water quality, and pollination
Cultural services such as recreational,
aesthetic, and spiritual benefits
Supporting services such as soil formation,
and nutrient cycling.
However, these numerous
benefits of biodiversity are
vulnerable to exploitation.
Humans need to be responsible
in optimizing the benefits of
biodiversity through the proper
utilization of science and
technology.
 TYPES OF
BIODIVERSITY
GENETIC DIVERSITY SPECIES DIVERSITY ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
Diversity within Diversity Diversity between
Species between Species Ecosystem
GENETIC DIVERSITY
Every species on Earth is related to every other species through
genetic connections. The more closely related any two species
are, the more genetic information they will share, and the more
similar they will appear.

An organism's closest relatives are members of its own species

with which it has the potential to mate and produce offspring.

Members of a species share genes, the bits of biochemical

information that determine, in part, how the animals look,
behave, and live.
Genetic diversity is vital because the more genes are in a
population, the more likely that one of those genes will prove
helpful in the face of threats such as climate change or a new
disease.
Genetic diversity is related to the ability of a species to adapt
to a changing environment.
SPECIES DIVERSITY

Species diversity is the variety of species within a

habitat or a region. Species are the basic units of
biological classification and thus the normal
measure of biological diversity.

Species richness is the term that describes the

number of different species in a given area. The
world total is estimated at five to 10 million species,
though only 1.75 million have been named
scientifically so far.
ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

It is the intricate network of different species present in local

ecosystems and the dynamic interplay between them.

An ecosystem consists of organisms from many different

species living together in a region and their connections through
the flow of energy, nutrients and matter.

The ultimate source of energy in almost every ecosystem is the

sun. The sun's radiant energy is converted to chemical energy
by plants. That energy flows through the systems when animals
eat the plants and then are eaten, in turn, by other animals.

An ecosystem is a collection of living components (microbes, plants,

animals and fungi) and nonliving components (climate and
chemicals) that are connected by energy flow.
 DISTRIBUTION

Biodiversity is not evenly distributed, rather it varies greatly across the globe as well as within
regions. Among other factors, the diversity of all living things (biota) depends on temperature,
precipitation, altitude, soils, geography, and the presence of other species.

1. Latitudinal gradients

SAVE ENVIRONTMENT
There is an increase in biodiversity from the poles to the tropics. Thus, localities at lower
latitudes have more species than localities at higher latitudes. This is often referred to as the
latitudinal gradient in species diversity. Several ecological factors may contribute to the
gradient, but the ultimate factor is the greater mean temperature
Lorem ipsumat the
dolor equator
sit amet, consecteturcompared to
adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
that of the poles enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
2. Hotspots dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high level of endemic species that have experienced
great habitat loss. The term hotspot was introduced in 1988 by Norman Myers.

While hotspots are spread all over the world, the majority are forest areas and most are located
in the tropics.
 NUMBER OF SPECIES
The total number of terrestrial species is estimated to be around 8.7 million while the
number of oceanic species is much lower, estimated at 2.2 million.

Other estimates include:

220,000 vascular plants, estimated using the species-area

S A V E E Nrelation
V I R O N T M E Nmethod
T

0.7-1 million marine species

10-30 million insects; (of some 0.9 million we know today)
5-10 million bacteria
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
1.5-3 million fungi, estimates based on data from eiusmod
the temportropics, long
incididunt ut laboreterm non-tropical
et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
sites and molecular studies that have revealed cryptic speciation.
nisi ut aliquip SomeDuis0.075
ex ea commodo consequat. million
aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
species of fungi had been documented by 2001) dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

1 million mites

Since the rate of extinction has increased, many extant species may become extinct before
they are described. Not surprisingly, in the animalia the most studied groups are birds and
mammals, whereas fishes and arthropods are the least studied animals groups.
 THREATS TO
CONSERVATION
1. RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT

Housing & Urban Areas

Commercial & Industrial Areas
Tourism & Recreational Areas

2. FARMING ACTIVITIES

Agriculture
Aquaculture
3. ENERGY PRODUCTION & MINING
Renewable Energy Production
(Geothermal, Solar, Wind, & Tidal Farms)
Non-renewable Energy Production (Oil
and Gas Drilling)
Mining

4. TRANSPORTATION & SERVICE CORRIDORS

Service Corridors (Electrical & Phone wires,
Aqueducts, Oil &Gas Pipelines
Transport Corridors (Roads, Railroads, Shipping
Lanes, and Flight Paths
Collisions with the vehicles using the corridors
Associated accidents and catastrophes (Oil Spills,
Electrocution, Fire)
5. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE USAGES

Hunting
Persecution
Plant Destruction Or Removal Logging
Or Wood Harvesting
Fishing

6. HUMAN INTRUSIONS

Recreational Activities
War, Civil Unrest, & Military
Exercises
Illegal Activities
7. NATURAL SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS

Fire Suppression Or Creation

Water Management
Removing/Reducing Human
Maintenance

8. INVASIVE & PROBLEMATIC SPECIES,

PATHOGENS, & GENES

Invasive Species (Feral Horses & Household

Pets, Miconia Tree)
Problematic Native Species
Introduced Genetic Material Pathogens &
Microbes
9. POLLUTION
Household Sewage & Urban Wastewater
Industrial & Military
Agricultural & Forestry Effluents
Garbage & Solid Waste
Airborne Pollutants
Excess Energy (Sonar That Disturbs Whales, Heated
Water From Power Plants Beach Lights Disorienting
Turtles, Atmospheric Radiation From Ozone Holes)

10. CATASTROPHIC GEOLOGICAL EVENTS

Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Avalanches,

Landslides, & Volcanic Eruptions And Gas
Emissions
11. CLIMATE CHANGES

Ecosystem Encroachment
Changes In Geochemical Regimes
Changes In Temperature Regimes
Changes In Precipitation & Hydrological
Regimes
Severe Weather Events
 PROTECTED AREAS

Protected areas are meant for affording protection to wild animals and their
habitat which also includes forest reserves and biosphere reserves.
Protected areas have been set up all over the world with the specific aim of
protecting and conserving plants and animals. SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

1. National Parks

National park and nature reserves are the areas selected by sitgovernments
Lorem ipsum dolor amet, consectetur adipiscingor elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
private organizations for special protection against enim
damage
ad minim veniam,orquisdegradation with
nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
the objective of biodiversity and landscape conservation.
in reprehenderitA inlimit
voluptate is
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
velit placed
esse aute irure on
dolor inthe
cillum

number of visitors permitted to enter certain fragile areas. Designated trails or

roads are created.

Exploitation of habitat or wildlife is banned.

 PROTECTED AREAS

2. Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife sanctuaries aim only at the conservation of species and have the
following features:
The Boundaries Of The Sanctuaries Are Not Limited By State Legislation.
SAVE ENVIRONTMENT
The Killing, Hunting Or Capturing Of Any Species Is Prohibited Except By Or Under The
Control Of The Highest Authority In The Department Which Is Responsible For The
Management Of The Sanctuary.
Private Ownership May Be Allowed. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
Forestry And Other Usages Can Also Be Permitted. enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
3. Forest Reserves dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

The forests play a vital role in harboring more than 45,000 floral and 81,000
faunal species. In reserved forests, rights to activities like hunting and grazing are
sometimes given to communities living on the fringes of the forest, who sustain
their livelihood partially or wholly from forest resources or products.
 PROTECTED AREAS

4. Zoological Parks
In zoological parks or zoos, live animals are kept for public recreation, education
and conservation purposes. Modern zoos offer veterinary facilities, provide
opportunities for threatened species to breed in captivity
S A V E E N V I Rand
O N T M usually
ENT build
environments that simulate the native habitats of the animals in their care. Zoos
play a major role in creating awareness about the need to conserve nature.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
5. Botanical gardens eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
In botanical gardens, plants are grown and displayed primarily for scientific and
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

educational purposes. They consist of a collection of living plants, grown outdoors

or under glass in greenhouses and conservatories. Also, a botanical garden may
include a collection of dried plants or herbarium and such facilities as lecture
rooms, laboratories, libraries, museums and experimental or research plantings.
 BIODIVERSITY AND ITS
CONSERVATION METHODS
Biodiversity can be conserved in the following
SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

ways:

In-situ Conservation Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

Ex-situ Conservation
enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
 In-situ Conservation

In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural

habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected. The in-
situ conservation has several advantages. SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

Following are the important advantages of in-situ conservation:

1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved
eiusmod temporsimultaneously.
incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut
enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris

3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, nisi

they can evolve better and can
ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum

easily adjust to different environmental conditions.

dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
 Ex-situ Conservation

Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of

endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical
gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water and space among
SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

the organisms.

Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.

 STRATEGIES FOR
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:

All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and

SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

agricultural animals should be conserved.

All the economically important organisms should be identified
and conserved. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.

enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
The resources should be utilized efficiently.
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.

The reserves and protected areas should be developed
carefully.
The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.

Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
The useful and endangered species of plants and animals
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

should be conserved in their nature as well as artificial habitats.

enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

conservation and its importance.

The reserves and protected areas should be developed
carefully.
The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.

Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
The useful and endangered species of plants and animals
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

should be conserved in their nature as well as artificial habitats.

enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris
nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor
in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse aute irure dolor in cillum
Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity
dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

conservation and its importance.

 WHY SHOULD YOU
CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY?
THANK YOU
B Y G R O U P 7 - M H 2 2