Biodiversity

Lesson 6
Objectives
1. Understand biodiversity, its components, and significance in
maintaining healthy ecosystems.
2. Recognize the intrinsic value of biodiversity and understand the
various benefits it provides.
3. Understand the major threats to biodiversity and its impacts on
ecosystems and species.
4. Recognize various conservation strategies and initiatives aimed at
protecting and preserving biodiversity.
5. Analyze complex issues related to biodiversity and think critically
about potential solutions.
Biodiversity

• Biodiversity refers to
the variety of life on
Earth, including all the
different species of
plants, animals, and
microorganisms, as
well as the ecosystems
in which they exist.
Types of Biodiversity

Species Genetic Ecosystem

Diversity Diversity Diversity
 Species Diversity
Species diversity refers to the variety of
different species present in a particular
area or on Earth as a whole.
It includes both the number of species
and their relative abundance.
 High species diversity indicates a rich
and varied ecosystem.

 Example
 a rainforest may have high species
diversity with a wide range of
plant, animal, and microbial
species
 a desert may have lower species
diversity with fewer specialized
species adapted to the harsh
conditions.
Methods and indicators that scientists use to assess the species
diversity of an area.
1. Species richness refers to the total number of different species present in
each area.
• Higher species richness generally indicates higher species diversity, while lower
species richness suggests lower diversity.
2. Species evenness measures the relative abundance of different species
within an area. It assesses whether species are evenly distributed.
• Higher evenness indicates a more balanced distribution of species, while lower
evenness suggests that a few species dominate the area.
• An area with high species evenness is considered to have higher diversity compared
to one with low evenness.
3. Biodiversity indices combine measures of species richness and evenness to
provide a more comprehensive assessment of species diversity.
 Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity refers to the variety of

genes within a species. It includes the
different genetic traits and variations
present in individuals of the same species.
• Genetic diversity is crucial for the long-
term survival and adaptability of species
to changing environments. It allows
populations to have a range of traits,
making them better equipped to
withstand diseases, adapt to new
conditions, and respond to environmental
changes.
• Genetic diversity can be observed in
variations in physical characteristics,
behavior, and other traits within a
species.
Ecosystem Diversity
• Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of different
ecosystems or habitats in each geographic area or on a
global scale.
• Ecosystems can range from forests and grasslands to
wetlands, coral reefs, and freshwater systems. Each
ecosystem has its own unique set of species and
ecological processes that contribute to the overall
functioning of the Earth's biosphere.
• Ecosystem diversity is important because different
ecosystems provide a wide array of ecological services,
such as nutrient cycling, water purification, climate
regulation, and habitat provision for various organisms.
Importance of Biodiversity
1.Ecosystem Stability
• Biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Ecosystems
with higher biodiversity are better able to withstand and recover from
environmental disturbances such as climate change, natural disasters, or invasive
species. The interactions between different species in an ecosystem, such as
predation, competition, and symbiosis, help maintain a balance and stability in the
ecosystem.
2.Ecosystem Services
• Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services that are crucial for human well-
being. These services include the provision of food, clean water, air purification,
nutrient cycling, pollination of crops, pest control, soil fertility, and climate
regulation. Many of our economic activities, such as agriculture, fisheries, and
tourism, rely heavily on the services provided by diverse ecosystems.
Importance of Biodiversity
3. Medicinal and Genetic Resources
• Biodiversity is a valuable source of medicinal plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Many of our modern medicines are derived from natural compounds found in
various species. Genetic diversity within species also provides valuable resources for
developing crops with enhanced traits, such as disease resistance or higher yields.
Preserving biodiversity ensures that we have a rich pool of genetic resources for
future discoveries and innovations.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Value
• Biodiversity has immense cultural and aesthetic value. It is deeply intertwined with
human cultures, traditions, and identities. Many indigenous communities have
strong cultural connections with specific ecosystems and species. Additionally,
biodiversity enriches our lives by providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational
opportunities, such as birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature tourism.
Importance of Biodiversity
5. Ecological Balance and Climate Regulation
• Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and regulating
climate. Forests, for example, act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large
amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Mangroves and coral reefs serve as natural barriers that protect coastal areas from
erosion and storm surges. The loss of biodiversity can disrupt these functions,
leading to ecological imbalances and negative impacts on climate regulation.
6. Ethical and Intrinsic Value
• Biodiversity has inherent value and deserves to be conserved for its own sake. Each
species is a unique and irreplaceable part of the Earth's biodiversity. As stewards of
the planet, we have an ethical responsibility to protect and preserve biodiversity
for future generations.
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat loss
Invasive species
Pollution
Over-exploitation
Climate Change
Habitat Loss
• Habitat loss is the primary threat to biodiversity. It
occurs when natural habitats are destroyed or
degraded, typically due to human activities such as
deforestation, conversion of land for agriculture or
urbanization, and infrastructure development.
Habitat loss disrupts ecosystems, displaces species,
and reduces their ability to find food, shelter, and
suitable breeding grounds.
Invasive species
• Invasive species are non-native organisms that are
introduced to new environments and establish self-
sustaining populations.
• These species can outcompete native species for
resources, disrupt ecological processes, and cause
declines or extinctions of native flora and fauna.
Invasive species often lack natural predators or
disease control mechanisms, allowing them to
proliferate rapidly and outcompete native species.
Pollution
• Pollution from various
sources, including industrial
discharges, agricultural
runoff, plastic waste, and
chemical contaminants, can
have detrimental effects on
biodiversity.
• Pollutants can contaminate
water bodies, soil, and air,
harming plants, animals, and
microorganisms.
 • Over-exploitation occurs when the rate of removal of
species from ecosystems exceeds their ability to replenish
their populations. This can happen through overfishing,
Over- illegal hunting, logging, and collection of plants and
animals for trade. Over-exploitation threatens the survival
exploitation of many species, disrupts ecological balance, and can have
cascading effects throughout food webs.
 • Climate change, primarily caused by human-induced greenhouse gas
emissions, poses a significant threat to biodiversity.
• Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, sea-level rise,
Climate and more frequent extreme weather events can disrupt ecosystems,
shift habitats, and negatively impact species' survival and
Change reproduction.
• Climate change can also lead to mismatches in timing between
species' life cycles and important ecological events, such as
flowering or migration.
RA No. 9147

• Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the "Wildlife

Resources Conservation and Protection Act," is a law in the
Philippines enacted on July 30, 2001.
• This legislation aims to protect and conserve the country's
wildlife and their habitats, promote sustainable use of
wildlife resources, and prevent the illegal trade and
exploitation of wildlife.
The key provisions of RA 9147
1. The law establishes the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) as the central authority
responsible for the implementation and enforcement of wildlife conservation and protection
measures.
2. It designates protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural parks, to
preserve and maintain habitats for wildlife species.
3. The law identifies and prioritizes certain species for conservation measures based on their
ecological importance, conservation status, and uniqueness.
4. RA 9147 regulates the trade and exploitation of wildlife, both nationally and internationally, to
prevent illegal activities and ensure sustainable use. It establishes a permitting system for the
collection, possession, sale, and transport of wildlife.
5. The law promotes the establishment of centers for the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual
release of injured, confiscated, or abandoned wildlife.
6. It outlines penalties for violations of the law, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of
wildlife and resources involved in illegal activities.
Wildlife
• Wildlife refers to all non-domesticated animal species,
including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and
invertebrates, that exist in their natural habitats.
• These animals play important roles in ecosystems,
contributing to biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance,
and providing various ecosystem services.
• Wildlife can be found in diverse habitats such as forests,
grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and marine environments.
• Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and sustain
wildlife populations, especially those that are threatened or
endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, pollution, climate
change, and other human-induced factors.
 • Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing
of wildlife, typically for commercial gain.
Poaching • It involves the illegal exploitation of protected or
endangered species, often driven by the demand for their
body parts, such as ivory, horns, skins, bones, or feathers
Endangered species and
Threatened species
• Endangered species are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. They have
experienced significant population declines, and their survival is under threat.
• Philippine Tamaraw: Found only in Mindoro Island, the Tamaraw is a small
buffalo species. It is critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and
diseases transmitted by domestic livestock.
• Threatened species refer to those that are at risk of becoming endangered or
extinct soon if appropriate conservation measures are not implemented.
• Philippine Eagle: The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-Eating
Eagle, is considered threatened. It is one of the rarest and largest eagle
species in the world, with a critically endangered status. Habitat loss,
deforestation, and hunting have led to its decline.
Endemic species and
Exotic species
• Endemic species are unique to a specific geographic region and are
found nowhere else in the world.
• Tarsier is endemic to the Philippines, particularly on the island of
Bohol. It is highly adapted to its unique environment and plays a
crucial role in local ecosystems.
• Exotic species, also referred to as non-native or introduced species,
are species that have been introduced into an area outside their
native range, either intentionally or unintentionally. They can have
negative impacts on native species, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• The Golden Apple Snail is an exotic species introduced to the
Philippines for the purpose of aquaculture. However, it has
become invasive, causing damage to rice crops and displacing
native snail species.
Megadiverse country

Megadiverse Countries A megadiverse country

is a term used to refer to must have at least 5,000
the world’s top species of endemic
biodiversity-rich plants and must border
countries. marine ecosystems.
Biodiversity hotspot
To be considered a biodiversity hotspot, an area must meet two main criteria:
1.Species richness: The region must have a high number of plant species,
with a significant proportion of these species being endemic (found
nowhere else in the world).
2.Threatened ecosystem: The region must have experienced a significant
loss of its original habitat, with less than 30% of its natural vegetation
remaining.
• The concept of biodiversity hotspots helps prioritize conservation efforts and
directs resources toward protecting areas with high levels of biodiversity that
are most at risk.
• By focusing on these hotspots, conservation organizations and governments can
work towards preserving unique species and habitats before they are lost.
Status of Philippine biodiversity
• The Philippines is known for its remarkable biodiversity, with a
high number of unique species found nowhere else in the world. It
is considered one of the world's megadiverse countries.
• Despite covering a small land area, the Philippines is home to a wide
range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and
mangroves. It is estimated that the Philippines is home to around
52,177 described species, with a significant portion being endemic. It is
estimated that the Philippines is home to around 52,177 described
species, with a significant portion being endemic.

• The Philippines is considered a biodiversity hotspot

• The biodiversity in the Philippines is facing numerous threats,
primarily habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agriculture,
urbanization, mining, and unsustainable fishing practices. Climate
change, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade also contribute to the
ongoing challenges. These threats put many species at risk of
extinction and compromise the ecological integrity of the country's
ecosystems.