Chapter 1 Biodiversity Date :________ 1

1. Biodiversity originates from the world bio which means living thing and diversity means
variety.
2. Biodiversity or a variety of biology refers to the variety of living organisms on the Earth
that consist of plants, animals and microorganisms.
3. Biodiversity exists as the result of a variety of habitats and climate.
4. Scientists estimate that there are roughly 13 million species of animals and plants even
though only 1.75 million have been identified and given names systematically.
5. As a country rich in biodiversity, Malaysia is also known for endemic species which are
almost extinct on the face of the Earth.
6. The government has taken initiatives to protect these species by establishing preservation
and conservation centers, enforcing laws as well as raising awareness among the society.
 1.1.1 Importance of biodiversity

Herbal plants that grow in forests are used widely in the field of medicine and
Medical
cosmetic.
Food source Humans gain food source from plants and animals.
Human do research on animals, plants and microorganisms to create new
Education
technology.
Recreational and Areas that are rich in biodiversity become attractions and have the potential to
ecotourism spots generate the country’s economy.
Balance in The nutrient cycle and interaction between various species control the balance
nature of organism population.
Raw material Timber, rattan and rubber are examples of plant crops which are used to make
industry daily product.
Oxygen a
and carbon Plants absorbs carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis
dioxide balance
Temperature
Tall plants form canopies to protect the grounds from scorching hot sun rays.
control

1.1.2 Effective Biodiversity Management

1. Humans need to manage biodiversity well in order to ensure all flora and fauna are
protected and do not become extinct.
2. Among some of the human activities that could destroy biodiversity are:
a) Logging which can destroy forests that are habitats for flora and fauna.
b) Illegal hunting to get valuable animals will reduce the number of animals including
endemic species like the Sumatera rhinoceros and orangutan.
c) Deforestation without control agriculture could cause these species to lose their
habitats and migrate or die

3. Steps to protect biodiversity

a) Protecting organisms
that are likely to be harmed by banning the killing and trading of animals as well as
enforcing punishment on the offense
b) Replanting trees
that have been cut to maintain the species of the trees
c) Cutting only selected trees
like the big and mature ones to avoid them from being extinct
d) Protecting habitats
 by establishing national parks, Ramsar sites, forest reserves, marine parks and
wildlife sanctuaries
e) Establishing rehabilitation centres
for endemic species to be taken care of and reproduce
f) Banning illegal logging
by enforcing heavy punishment to the perpetrator
g) Carrying out awareness campaigns
through mass media to increase awareness among the society about the necessity of
maintaining balance in biodiversity for the plants, animals and the future generation