Biology 3ab Ecosystems notes
ECOSYSTEMS
BIODIVERSITY- the variety of life on Earth and the essential interdependence of all living things.
Three components of biodiversity;
1. Genetic- variety within species
2. Species- all different species
3. Ecosystems- can support diversity
Advantages of biodiversity
Oxygen
Food
Clean water
Medicine
Aesthetics
Intrinsic vs Utilitarian value
Intrinsic value is something that has value in and of itself
Utilitarian value is the value something has, as a means to another’s end. Goods, services, information
REDUCED BIODIVERSITY= when some species go extinct, many other species are affected
LIMITED VARIATION= limited available genes= limited desired traits
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT- a large amount of species in a small area
Benthos, rainforest canopies
Medicinal value
Most prescription drugs used were derived from living things
Many lives have been saved from cancer by the rosy periwinkle tropical plant
Penicillin comes from a fungus
Agricultural value
Wild plants serve a source of genetic variation
Can provide biological pest control reduces need of chemicals
Wild bees resistant to mites that have wiped out honeybee population that pollinates crops
Consumptive use
Use of natural freshwater and marine ecosystems rather than aquaculture
Wild fruits and vegetables, fibres, bees wax, seaweed are important economically
Wood, rubber and latex are tree products of great economic importance.
‘Indirect’ ways of biodiversity value;
1. Biochemical cycles- removal of excess nutrients, exploitation, pollution eutrophication. Heavy metals and pesticides that humans release
2. Waste disposal-
3. Provision of fresh water- water cycle provides fresh water for terrestrial organisms- there is no substitute for fresh water- forests provide a ‘sponge effect’ by soaking up water and reducing likelihood of flooding
4. Prevention of soil erosion- intact ecosystems naturally retain soil and prevent
BIODIVERSITY- the variety of life on Earth and the essential interdependence of all living things.
Three components of biodiversity;
1. Genetic- variety within species
2. Species- all different species
3. Ecosystems- can support diversity
Advantages of biodiversity
Oxygen
Food
Clean water
Medicine
Aesthetics
Intrinsic vs Utilitarian value
Intrinsic value is something that has value in and of itself
Utilitarian value is the value something has, as a means to another’s end. Goods, services, information
REDUCED BIODIVERSITY= when some species go extinct, many other species are affected
LIMITED VARIATION= limited available genes= limited desired traits
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT- a large amount of species in a small area
Benthos, rainforest canopies
Medicinal value
Most prescription drugs used were derived from living things
Many lives have been saved from cancer by the rosy periwinkle tropical plant
Penicillin comes from a fungus
Agricultural value
Wild plants serve a source of genetic variation
Can provide biological pest control reduces need of chemicals
Wild bees resistant to mites that have wiped out honeybee population that pollinates crops
Consumptive use
Use of natural freshwater and marine ecosystems rather than aquaculture
Wild fruits and vegetables, fibres, bees wax, seaweed are important economically
Wood, rubber and latex are tree products of great economic importance.
‘Indirect’ ways of biodiversity value;
1. Biochemical cycles- removal of excess nutrients, exploitation, pollution eutrophication. Heavy metals and pesticides that humans release
2. Waste disposal-
3. Provision of fresh water- water cycle provides fresh water for terrestrial organisms- there is no substitute for fresh water- forests provide a ‘sponge effect’ by soaking up water and reducing likelihood of flooding
4. Prevention of soil erosion- intact ecosystems naturally retain soil and prevent