micro-organisms and the ecosystems of which they are a part.
Currently identified around 2 million species on Earth.
Scientists have estimated that there is anywhere
between 3 – 300 million species on Earth. It helps maintain the atmosphere. It keeps soils fertile. It purifies water. Enables life as a whole to exist. Provides products for human use, such as food and medicines. Species variety may provide the ability to avert major disasters, such as crop failures from drought and disease. Biodiversity supplies products to boost our economy. According to the world’s leading scientific and environmental experts, loss of biodiversity is one of the most urgent environmental problems facing the planet. As human populations grow, they exert increasing pressure on natural resources— pressure that is endangering species and ecosystems around the world. Factors affecting biodiversity: Habitat loss Introduced species Pollution Population growth Over-consumption Species extinction Degradation of life systems (such as matter cycles) Climate Change Biodiversity hotspots are areas that support intact natural ecosystems.
They are also areas with a high diversity of
locally endemic species. These are species that are not found or are rarely found outside the hotspot. Access the biodiversity hotspots map (click on the link on the Biodiversity page) and click on the interactive hotspots map. Using the information on the map and website, answer the following questions:
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
Choose three of the Biodiversity hotspots on the interactive map and describe why that location has been named a Biodiversity hotspot. Do some research to find out the major threats to biodiversity in this area. What is being done to protect biodiversity in this hotspot?