Learning outcomes: 1 I can describe the effects of extinction and extirpation on biological diversity. 4.1 Reduction of Biological Diversity The stresses of urbanization and habitat intrusion by farming and industry has resulted in a decline in _____________________ ____________________. Extinction, population decreases and degradation of ecosystems reduces biological diversity on the Earth. Extinction: Is the __________________ of a species from the entire planet. It is a _________________ of the Earth's history. Scientists estimate ______________ of species that have ever existed on the Earth are now extinct (many by mass extinction sudden environmental change, like the Ice Age). Most extinction take place __________________________, but the rate of extinction is rising, and this is reducing the biological diversity of our planet. Ex: Dinosaurs, __________________: is a local extinction, or the disappearance of a species _____________________________________________. Ex: the grizzly bear in the Canadian prairies, Extirpation or extinction Example Greater prairie chicken can no more be found in the eastern prairies Woolly Mammoth Grizzly bear in the Californian main land. Dodo bird Quagga: half zebra, half horse Extirpation or extinction Here is a list of the top 10 extinct species: http://www.oddee.com/item_88742.aspx Here is a list of Albertans species endangered and threatened: http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/escc/currentlylisted.aspx Parcs Canada – Endangered species _________________________ is a slow process. Even if there is a lot of variation within a species, sometimes the changes in the environment are so drastic that and so quick, that none of the individuals within a species can survive. ________________, in the past, were due to: Overspecialization Sometimes organisms have adaptations that suit them only to a very narrow set of environmental conditions. This usually occurs in a relatively stable area, where the environment does not change for a very long period of time. This is called _______________________and it is another cause of extinction. The ______________________ is a species that is overspecialized, because it relies on bamboo, making it vulnerable to extinction, when the bamboo is scarce. Human Causes of Extinctions and Extirpations Most extinctions and extirpations today are caused by human activity. Habitat destruction - as a result of Recovery Mission Answer following questions (Answer on loose leaf in paragraph) 1. How does extinction reduce biological diversity on Earth? Support your answer using examples and your knowledge. 2. Suppose the deer is extirpated from the Peace River region. In what way might other organisms be affected? Provide examples to support your answer.