Biology 121-224. January 25th, 2010
Lecture 10: Biodiversity and Conservation
Reading: Ch. 55: 1244-1262
Key Concepts:
1) Biodiversity can be analyzed at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
2) Humans depend on biodiversity for the products that wild species provide and for ecosystem services that protect the quality of the abiotic environment.
3) Effective conservation programs start with sound biological research and involve economists, politicians, and local residents.
1. Levels of Biodiversity
Genetic diversity
Species diversity
Ecosystem diversity
2. Why Is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity affects human health and well-being both directly and indirectly. Direct benefits include goods and services provided by the environment. Indirect benefits include ways that biodiversity aids humans by contributing to a healthy overall environment.
C. Conservation:
1. Protecting Biodiversity
Using reserved areas for conservation (e.g. National Parks)
To protect:
high diversity areas -
endangered and threatened species -
fragile habitats -
species that cannot live with humans -
2. Reserve Design
Area
Shape
Abiotic Factors
Biological Aspects
Case Study: Reintroduction of the Black rhino in the Serengeti National Park