Biology
Biology Notes:
Threats to biodiversity in MA
1. Climate change: temp, sea levels, precipitation
2. Non climate threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species and air and water pollution
Fragmentation: often due to man (dams, roads, and general development)
Elements of biodiversity:
Species, ecosystems & landscapes
Mammals from bats to bears
Bats got the white nose fungus which caused the bats to die and the insect population flourished because the bats main job was to eat the insects.
Birds
Several bird species are declining. Some of the most endangered birds live in MA
Reptiles
Most vulnerable in MA. Move annually through open roads and fragmentation. Reptiles require an un-fragmented environment.
Amphibians and fish
Four stages:
Egg
Larva
Juvenile
Adult
Long term protection of these are of high importance.
**Indicator species= amphibians** (more likely to be harmed by pollution because their skin has a weak barrier)
What would be one thing to help prevent the fragmentation of fish? Get rid of dams and waterways or modify them….making fish ladders
Invertebrates
Major threats: habitat destruction, foreign species moving in. 54% are currently unprotected.
Plants:
1770 native species.
14& considered vulnerable to extirpation (being pulled from the roots) or local extinction and are protected by the MESA
Certain plants can’t reproduce without fire
Coastal habitats:
1500 miles of coastline more than any NE state besides ME.
Biology Notes:
Threats to biodiversity in MA
1. Climate change: temp, sea levels, precipitation
2. Non climate threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species and air and water pollution
Fragmentation: often due to man (dams, roads, and general development)
Elements of biodiversity:
Species, ecosystems & landscapes
Mammals from bats to bears
Bats got the white nose fungus which caused the bats to die and the insect population flourished because the
Threats to biodiversity in MA
1. Climate change: temp, sea levels, precipitation
2. Non climate threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species and air and water pollution
Fragmentation: often due to man (dams, roads, and general development)
Elements of biodiversity:
Species, ecosystems & landscapes
Mammals from bats to bears
Bats got the white nose fungus which caused the bats to die and the insect population flourished because the bats main job was to eat the insects.
Birds
Several bird species are declining. Some of the most endangered birds live in MA
Reptiles
Most vulnerable in MA. Move annually through open roads and fragmentation. Reptiles require an un-fragmented environment.
Amphibians and fish
Four stages:
Egg
Larva
Juvenile
Adult
Long term protection of these are of high importance.
**Indicator species= amphibians** (more likely to be harmed by pollution because their skin has a weak barrier)
What would be one thing to help prevent the fragmentation of fish? Get rid of dams and waterways or modify them….making fish ladders
Invertebrates
Major threats: habitat destruction, foreign species moving in. 54% are currently unprotected.
Plants:
1770 native species.
14& considered vulnerable to extirpation (being pulled from the roots) or local extinction and are protected by the MESA
Certain plants can’t reproduce without fire
Coastal habitats:
1500 miles of coastline more than any NE state besides ME.
Biology Notes:
Threats to biodiversity in MA
1. Climate change: temp, sea levels, precipitation
2. Non climate threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species and air and water pollution
Fragmentation: often due to man (dams, roads, and general development)
Elements of biodiversity:
Species, ecosystems & landscapes
Mammals from bats to bears
Bats got the white nose fungus which caused the bats to die and the insect population flourished because the