Science About Environment

Understanding and
Managing Living
Systems
Biodiversity
And
The Species Concept
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life

on Earth, including all living organisms,
ecosystems, and the genetic diversity within
species. It encompasses the different species of
plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as
the interactions between them and their
environment.
Species
Concepts
Species concepts help scientists
understand the diversity of life and how
different species are related to each other.
Scientists may use different concepts
depending on the research question and the
organisms being studied.
The Lineage Species Concept
The Lineage Species Concept, also known as

the evolutionary species concept or the phylogenetic
species concept, defines a species based on its
evolutionary history and lineage. According to this
concept, a species is a distinct lineage of organisms
that has its own unique evolutionary trajectory.
The Morphological Species Concept
The Morphological Species Concept

defines a species based on its physical
characteristics, or morphology. According to
this concept, individuals who share similar
observable traits are considered to belong to
the same species.
Two trilobites in the order Phacopidae; Hollardops mesocristata (left)
and Cheirurus ingricus (right). Images from Wikimedia Commons 5,6.
Linking Species Concepts
Linking Species Concepts is an approach that

involves integrating multiple species concepts to gain a
more comprehensive understanding of species diversity
and relationships. Instead of relying on a single concept,
this approach recognizes the strengths and limitations of
different species concepts and combines their insights
Ecological Species Concept
This concept defines a species based on its

ecological niche, which includes its role in the
environment, interactions with other species, and habitat
preferences. It emphasizes the unique adaptations and
ecological interactions of a species.
How do we benefit from
biodiversity?
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in
providing ecosystem services such as air and
water purification, soil fertility, pollination of
crops, and regulation of climate and disease.
These services are essential for our survival
and contribute to our overall quality of life.
What threatens biodiversity?
Habitat loss and Fragmentation:
One of the greatest threats to
biodiversity is the destruction and
degradation of natural habitats. This
includes deforestation, conversion of
land for agriculture, urbanization, and
infrastructure development.
Deforestation Wild Fire/Forest fire
Water Pollution
Climate Change:
The changing climate is a
significant threat to biodiversity. Rising
temperatures, changing precipitation
patterns, and extreme weather events can
disrupt ecosystems and negatively impact
species' survival and reproductive
success.
Invasive Species:
Invasive species, introduced by
human activities to non-native habitats,
can have devastating effects on native
species and ecosystems. They often
outcompete native species for resources,
disrupt ecological processes, and alter
habitats, leading to the decline or
extinction of native species.
Lion Fish Grasshoppers
Overexploitation and Illegal
Wildlife Trade:
Unsustainable harvesting of wildlife,
overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade pose
serious threats to many species. Hunting,
fishing, and trading of species for their meat,
skins, horns, and other body parts can lead to
population declines and the loss of
biodiversity.
Endangered Species
Management and Biodiversity
1. Conservation of Species :
By focusing on the protection and recovery
of endangered species, we can prevent their
extinction and maintain their place within the
biodiversity of ecosystems. This helps to preserve
the unique genetic traits, ecological roles, and
evolutionary potential of these species.
2. Ecosystem Functioning:
Endangered species often play important roles in
maintaining the balance and functioning of ecosystems.
Their loss can disrupt ecological processes such as
pollination, seed dispersal, and predator-prey relationships.
By managing and conserving endangered species, we can
help ensure the stability and resilience of ecosystems.
3. Habitat Protection:
Endangered species often require specific
habitats to survive and reproduce. Effective
management involves identifying and protecting
critical habitats, such as breeding grounds,
feeding areas, and migration routes. This helps to
safeguard not only the endangered species but
also the entire ecosystem and the biodiversity it
supports.
4. Biodiversity Conservation:
Endangered species are often indicators of
broader ecological issues and can serve as flagships for
biodiversity conservation. By conserving and
managing endangered species, we indirectly protect
other species that share their habitats and contribute to
overall biodiversity conservation.
5. Education and Awareness:
Endangered species management raises public
awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the
need for conservation efforts. It provides opportunities
for education and engagement, fostering a sense of
stewardship and promoting sustainable practices that
benefit both endangered species and biodiversity as a
whole.
Ways to protect Biodiversity?
Captive Breeding and Species
Survival Plans
Captive Breeding:
Captive breeding involves breeding and
maintaining endangered species in controlled
environments, such as zoos, aquariums, or
specialized breeding facilities. The goal is to
establish self-sustaining populations that can
eventually be reintroduced into the wild.
Benefits of Captive
Breeding
• Genetic Diversity: Captive breeding programs aim to maintain
and increase genetic diversity within captive populations, which
helps to preserve the species' adaptive potential and reduce the risk
of inbreeding.
• Research and Education: Captive breeding facilities provide
opportunities for scientific research, behavioral studies, and public
education about endangered species and their conservation.
• Emergency Response: Captive populations can serve as a
safeguard against the immediate threat of extinction in the wild,
providing a reservoir of individuals that can be reintroduced or used
for other conservation efforts.
Challenges of captive breeding
• Limited Space and Resources: Captive
breeding programs require adequate space,
resources, and expertise to ensure the well-being
and reproductive success of captive populations.
• Behavioral and Health Considerations:
Captive-bred individuals may face challenges in
adapting to the wild, including reduced survival
skills and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Species Survival Plans
Are collaborative, long-term management
programs designed to ensure the genetic and
demographic sustainability of selected endangered
species. These programs are coordinated by
the Associated Aquariums and zoos(AZA) and
involve the participation of accredited zoos,
aquariums, and other conservation organizations.
The main objectives of SSPs
1. Genetic Management: SSPs aim to maintain genetic diversity
within captive populations of endangered species. This is achieved
by carefully managing the breeding of individuals to minimize
inbreeding and maximize genetic variation. Genetic information is
collected and analyzed to make informed breeding
recommendations.
2. Population Monitoring: SSPs track the demographics,

reproductive success, and genetic health of captive populations. This
information helps to assess the status of the species, identify
potential issues, and guide management decisions.
Cooperative Breeding and Transfer: SSPs facilitate the
exchange of animals between participating institutions to ensure
the genetic diversity of captive populations. Animals are
transferred based on recommendations made by the SSP
coordinators, taking into account genetic compatibility and
demographic considerations.
Research and Conservation Efforts: SSPs support research

initiatives related to the biology, behavior, and conservation of the
species. They also collaborate with field conservation programs to
contribute to the conservation of the species in their natural
habitats.
References
https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/
University_of_California_Davis/BIS_2B
%3A_Introduction_to_Biology_-_Ecology_and_Evolution/
02%3A_Biodiversity/2.01%3A_Species_Concepts
https://www.google.com/search?
q=images+of+Overexploitation+and+Illegal+Wildlife+Trade&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjDo
ZXhsf-EAxXc7jgGHbZ3Dy0Q2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=images+of+Overexploitation+and+Illegal+Wildlife+Trade&gs_lp=EgNp
bWciNWltYWdlcyBvZiBPdmVyZXhwbG9pdGF0aW9uIGFuZCBJbGxlZ2FsIFdpbGRsaWZ
lIFRyYWRlSNYmUIwGWL8gcAB4AJABAJgB0AKgAfITqgEIMC4xNi4wLjG4AQPIAQD4A
QGKAgtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ICBBAjGCfCAgUQABiABMICBhAAGAgYHsICBxAAGIAEGBiI
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96AI&bih=585&biw=1280&prmd=ivsnbmtz&rlz=1C1GCEA_enPH1034PH1034#imgrc=Ly
U2jfJiD-3lJM
Reporters:
Guzman, Yrl Iury G.

Horca, Jhon Cyril
Ihada Kiert Zildjian
Gullem, Kent Vergel

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Science About Environment

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Understanding and

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life

The Lineage Species Concept, also known as

The Morphological Species Concept

Linking Species Concepts is an approach that

This concept defines a species based on its

2. Population Monitoring: SSPs track the demographics,

Research and Conservation Efforts: SSPs support research

Guzman, Yrl Iury G.

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