Key players and strategies/policies to increase biodiversity

Key players:

Global: Countries get together to tackle global biodiversity problems
National: governments play a vital role in the management of biodiversity
Local: communities can handle biodiversity problems and create a community-rich local area.
Indivisual: These are the most diverse group of all and these follow ethical consumerism

Stategies and policies 

Total protection

Restoration

Biosphere reserves

conservation 

http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/lpr_2012_summary_booklet_final.pdf

Movement of species

Alien or exotic species my become established at any trophic level in the ecosystem. These follow several shared features:
·They have enhanced survival rates
·they lack any natiuve predator
·susceptible to indigenous diseases

The UK has some notable examples of deliberate introductions:
·Game species
·Plant species for scenic purposes
·species brought in on purpose (eg hedgehogs)

There are also accidental introductions:
·species brought in ships
·species brought by air transport
·Well intentioned introductions can go wrong

Factors threatening Biodiversity

there are several factors that threaten biodiversity...
·High rate of popuilation growth
·Inequality in the ownership
·Failed economic systems
·unsustainable exploitation
·lack of understanding in the management of biodiversity

http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/all_publications/living_planet_report/health_of_our_planet/

Processes influencing Biodiversity

Global and continental factors
·size of area
·History and age
·Isolation
·Altitudinal range

Regional factors
·Productiuvity
·Habitat architecture/heterogeneity

Local factors
·succession
·Interaction between species
·Disturbance
·Dispersal and colonisation

Human factors
·Managing ecosystems to improve and restore biodiversity around the world

Introduction to biodiversity

Introduction to Biodiversity

Biodiversity under threat, David Attenborough

biodiversity results from natural processes and so varies across the world. It is a key resource as it provides valuable goods and services. It must be preserved as it is a vital part of the Earth and humanity and must not be ignored

Defining biodiversity
Definition: the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a given area.
Biodiversity has three dimensions: Genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity which will be explored in the next post...

Genetic Diversity

Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity


This is the range of genes found within a particular species. Genetic diversity often determines the degree of resistance to pests and dieases. Breeding new varieties of cereal has lead to genetic erosion and genetic pollution This creates a weaker plant resistance  and will affect food security.

Species diversity

Species diversity

Species diversity

Refers to the variety of plant and animal species present in an ecosystem Diversity is needed to enable the ecosystem to carry out its functions, such as carbon cycling. Removing species from the various trophic levels can have a huge impact on energy flows ad and nutrient cycling.