Biodiversity

Biodiversity
Biodiversity
The variety of organisms in a given areaSpecies DiversityGenetic DiversityEcological DiversityFunctional diversity
Genetic Diversity
The variety of genetic material available to a populationResistance to outside influences
Ecological Diversity
The variety and distribution of ecosystems
Functional Diversity
The diversity of ways in which energy, water, carbon and nutrients move through an ecosystem
Species Diversity
The Number of species
Species Diversity
Tropical RainforestsGreatest species diversityEstimated 1% of species identified
Number of Species
1,700,000 species identified3,600,000 - 111,000,000 species estimated45,000 vertebrates270,000 plants70,000 mollusks72,000 fungi950,000 insects300,000 beetles
Encyclopedia of Life
Concievedby E.O. WilsonOne webpage for every speciesEstimated to take 10 years
Biodiversity
Necessary for health and stability of ecosystemsAll species are connectedAll species have a nicheAll play a role in the cycling of nutrientsAffects of altering food webs and ecosystems not easy to predict
Keystone Species
A species that is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem in which it livesPrairie dogBurrows provide shelterBurrowing churns soil, sustains plant lifeForaging allows for more diverse plants speciesPlant diversity sustains greater variety of animalsFood source for secondary consumers