BiodiversityBiodiversity

Bio What?Bio What?

•Biodiversity is the variety of Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms: the different all life forms: the different plants, animals and micro-plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they the ecosystems of which they are a part.are a part.

•Genetic diversityGenetic diversity-the total genetic -the total genetic information contained in the genes of all species.information contained in the genes of all species.

•Species Diversity-Species Diversity-The variety of species, The variety of species, refers to the number of species and the number refers to the number of species and the number of individuals in a species.of individuals in a species.

•Ecosystem DiversityEcosystem Diversity- the variety of - the variety of habitats natural communities and ecological habitats natural communities and ecological processes.processes.

Importance Of biodiversityImportance Of biodiversity• Humans are dependent on Humans are dependent on

biodiversity for their sustenance, biodiversity for their sustenance, health, well-being and enjoyment of health, well-being and enjoyment of life. life.

• Food- Food- we rely on biodiversity to provide us with we rely on biodiversity to provide us with a large and varied food sourcea large and varied food source

• Health- Health- Humanity derives many of it’s Humanity derives many of it’s medicines from biodiversity. medicines from biodiversity.

The Value of BiodiversityThe Value of Biodiversity

• Recreation- Recreation- many recreation many recreation activities rely on or benefit from activities rely on or benefit from biodiversitybiodiversity

• Inspiration- Inspiration- Biodiversity as a Biodiversity as a whole inspires artists, musicians whole inspires artists, musicians and writers.and writers.

• Escape- Escape- Biodiversity provides Biodiversity provides a sanctuary from the hustle and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.bustle of everyday life.

Threats to biodiversityThreats to biodiversity

• Habitat loss and fragmentation Habitat loss and fragmentation (love tunnel)(love tunnel)

• Competition from invasive speciesCompetition from invasive species

• PollutionPollution

• Global climate changeGlobal climate change

• DesertificationDesertification

• Population growth and over Population growth and over consumptionconsumption

• Unsustainable use of natural resources.Unsustainable use of natural resources.

Consequences of loss of Consequences of loss of BiodiversityBiodiversity

• A loss of ecosystem services-A loss of ecosystem services- Protection Protection of water resources, nutrient storage and cycling, of water resources, nutrient storage and cycling, Pollution breakdown and absorptionPollution breakdown and absorption

• Loss of genetic diversity- Loss of genetic diversity- Genetic Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing diversity allows species to adapt to changing

environmental conditions and stresses.environmental conditions and stresses.

• Reduced food security.Reduced food security.

Preservation of BiodiversityPreservation of Biodiversity

• The National Strategy for the Conservation The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversityof Australia’s Biological Diversity

• Natural Heritage TrustNatural Heritage Trust• Wild life reserves- e.g. National Parks.Wild life reserves- e.g. National Parks.• Flora and Fauna guarantee actFlora and Fauna guarantee act• Endangered species ProgramEndangered species Program• QuarantineQuarantine• EducationEducation• Breeding ProgramsBreeding Programs

What is happening to What is happening to Biodiversity.Biodiversity.

• In the past Australia’s Biodiversity In the past Australia’s Biodiversity has suffered greatly, primarily due to has suffered greatly, primarily due to human misuse and abuse of the human misuse and abuse of the environment. Humans are now environment. Humans are now starting to realise the importance starting to realise the importance and value of biodiversity and are and value of biodiversity and are taking action to preserve it.taking action to preserve it.