BIOLOGY
Name:________________________
Chapter 36: Ecosystems and Conservation Biology
Section Goal: The student will explain the importance of biodiversity, list four main threats to biodiversity and
identify four approaches to conserving biodiversity.
Vocabulary:
1. Biodiversity2. Overexploitation3. Conservation biology4. Zoned reserve5. Buffer zone6. Sustainable developmentConcept 36.5: Conservation biology can slow the loss of biodiversity
I. Why Diversity Matters
A. Many of the species in an ecosystem are interconnected.
-Ex. if one species disappears, other species & the health of the whole ecosystem may be
affected.
B. People value biodiversity (variety of life on Earth) because:
1. organisms & ecosystems are sources of beauty & inspiration.
2. organisms are sources of oxygen, food, clothing, & shelter.
3. 25% of all medicines contain substances that come from plants.
C. It’s important to conserve biodiversity for future uses & needs.
II. Threats to Biodiversity
A. Throughout Earth’s history species have become extinct – the last member of the population died and
the species no longer exists on Earth.
B. Periods of mass extinction occurred as a result of dramatic climate changes from volcanic eruptions
& asteroid impacts. (ex. Dinosaur extinction at end of Cretaceous period).
C. Currently a mass extinction is taking place on Earth. It’s scale is uncertain because the 1.5 million
known species are only a fraction of the total on Earth. There are signs that species are disappearing at a
dramatic rate (page 806).
D. What threatens biodiversity?
1. Pollution
2. Habitat Destruction – as human population grows, more land is cleared for agriculture, roads,
and communities.
3. Introduced (non-native) Species often prey on native species & compete with them for
resources.
4. Overexploitation – the practice of harvesting or hunting to such a degree that the small number
of remaining individuals may not be able to sustain a population.
III. Conservation Biology (the application of biology to counter the loss of biodiversity)
A. Focusing on Biodiversity Hot Spots, small geographic areas with high concentrations of species (see
Fig. 36-23)
1. Many tend to be hot spots for extinction.
2. Global efforts are being taken to preserve some hot spot areas.
B. Understanding an Organism’s Habitat – to manage existing habitat or to create a new one for a
species.
C. Balancing Demands for Resources – efforts to save species often conflict with the economic & social
needs of people.
D. Planning for a Sustainable Future
1. Nations establish zoned reserves – areas of land that are relatively undisturbed by humans,
surrounded by buffer zones which are minimally impacted by humans.
2. Sustainable development – developing natural resources so that they can renew themselves &
be available for the future. (ex. Selectively harvesting timber)
Lesson Reflection:
 Invasive Species Activity
Lesson Assessment:
1. Describe two arguments for preserving biodiversity.
2. What are four main threats to biodiversity?
3. Describe how zoned reserves may help conservation efforts?
Summary of Key concepts:
Complete the Summary of Key Concepts for 36.5 and turn into the box.
Technology/Application/Connection to real-world: