Page 1. Biological Resources

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1 Page 1. Biological Resources All life forms, from the smallest microorganism, to the tallest redwood tree, to the largest blue whale, are biological resources. Everywhere you look, you can find evidence of a wide variety of organisms. These organisms are categorized into groups called species. What is a species? A classification of organisms sharing common characteristics that can reproduce with each other. What species are humans? Humans are also considered a biological resource and belong to the species in the animal kingdom called Homo sapiens. What species is obviously missing in this poster? Number of Species on Earth It is difficult to determine exactly how many different species live on our planet. Conservatively 1.5 million species have been identified. Scientists estimate however, that there may be approximately 30 to 100 million species in existence. There are two major reasons why there is such a big difference between the number of species that have been identified and the number of species estimated to exist. Many areas on the earth have not been thoroughly explored (polar regions, deserts, rainforests, oceans, etc.) Most species are very small and are therefore hard to find. Only 1% of all species on the earth are larger than a bumblebee.

2 2. Number of Species Biological Diversity Most scientists believe the larger the variety of species living on the planet, the healthier the planet is. A term used to describe this variety of animal and plant species is biological diversity or biodiversity. Does the number of species living on earth change? The biodiversity of our planet is in a constant state of change, both in the number and types of species. Over the million of years in which life has existed on earth, entirely new species have appeared while existing ones have disappeared. As you can clearly see on the chart to your left, there is a constant change in the number of species living on this planet. In fact, there have been several major mass extinctions where 40% to up to 95% of all plants and animals became extinct. Why does the chart say, Organisms Currently Known? Which category has the largest number of species? Is it important to help maintain and protect the species presently living on earth? Why or why not?

3 3. The Health of our Species There are three classifications that describe the health of the species on this planet. The Path to Extinction When species are categorized as threatened or endangered, it means there are concerns about the species' continued existence whether or not a species has enough members to adequately reproduce and ensure its own survival. 1. A threatened species refers to a species whose population is low or declining to a degree that it may become endangered if not protected. 2. If a species becomes endangered, it signifies that it barely has enough members in its population to ensure adequate reproduction for its own survival. 3. Once its population drops too low to ensure survival, a species is on its way to becoming extinct. Extinction does not require that every member of a species disappear within a short period of time. All that is needed is a decline to a level where population maintenance is no longer viable. Such a species may hang on for thousands of years while on the road to extinction. Extinction Rates 1 AD 1600 AD. 1 species every 256 years 1600 AD 1800 AD. 1 species every 50 years 1800 AD 1900 AD. 1 species every 10 years 1900 AD 1950 AD. 1 species every one year Today.. 1 to 50 species every day (or more) Some scientists suggest that as many as 100,000 species may become extinct each year. They believe that the destruction of valuable ecosystems, such as rainforests, coral reefs and wetland areas, may be contributing to the destruction of an untold number of unidentified species.

4 4. Reasons for Species Loss Species have always been going extinct, but what is different from previous extinction rates is the massive and widespread impact on the environment of a single animal species Homo sapiens. Humans are changing the environment so drastically and quickly that other species do not have enough time to adjust and recover. Exotic Pet and Plant Trade The human population expansion is the primary reason for species decline. The following human activities are primarily responsible for: Human Activities Habitat destruction Introduction of non-native species Contaminating environments pollution Overexploitation commercial hunting and poaching Exotic Pet and Plant Trade

5 5. Reasons for Species Loss #1 Habitat Destruction As the human species increases in number and expands throughout the world, habitats originally occupied by other wildlife species are now being modified or destroyed at increasing rates in order to better accommodate our species. Large areas of land are being cleared or radically changed to develop new farm lands and pasturelands or to construct new highways and buildings (homes, offices, factories). As more space is cleared, less space is available for other species. This reduction of wildlife habitat causes irreversible harm to the species that live there and results in a reduction of the populations. Clear cutting forests Burning rainforest for cropland and pastures Dynamiting reef for fish Stepping on and crushing coral reefs Housing Subdivision Clearing forest for lumber

6 6. Reasons for Species Loss #2 Introduced Species Most plants and animals are restricted from moving from one location to another because of their inability to travel long distances (i.e. lack of wings or strong legs), their intolerance to changes in climatic conditions (i.e. temperature and rainfall changes), and their incapacity to cross insurmountable geographical barriers (i.e. mountain ranges and oceans). However, it has become much easier for plants and animals to relocate due to our abilities to travel the globe (by ships, planes, cars). European Starling England - Introduced into Central Park, NY as one society s attempt to introduce all the birds named in Shakespeare plays. Introduced species are animals that have been artificially introduced to their current environment. Sometimes these species are intentionally brought somewhere, and other times they hitch a ride on cargo ships or trucks. Many times an introduced animal will fill an ecological niche that no animal currently fills. Many flourish since they have very few if any predators. Unfortunately, sometimes the animal flourishes a bit too much, resulting in devastating consequences for the ecosystem. Zebra Mussel Europe - Introduced to the Great Lakes when ocean freighters released their ballast water (containing mussel larva) after off loading their cargo. Kudzu Japan - This fast growing plant was brought to US as fast growing ground cover for road construction sites. Captured Burmese Python Asia These snakes were pets but grew too large. People released them in the Florida Everglades where their population has exploded. Cane Toad South America - Brought over to eat bugs in Florida s sugar cane fields. Grows to 9 inches long and eats small birds, snakes and lizards. Has poison glands for protection.

7 7. Reasons for Species Loss #3 Pollution Pollution is any substance that, when improperly disposed of, results in the contamination of soil, air, or water. There are many different types of pollution, all of which are harmful to animal and plant species. Amphibians like canaries in a coal mine Amphibians live in two different types of ecosystems aquatic and land. Since they are exposed to pollution from both ecosystems, they are one of the first species to feel its harmful effects. Tree Frogs Salamanders Pollution and its possible effects Chemicals sprayed on golf courses Airplane spraying chemicals Dumped Industrial Chemicals Litter Damage Sea Turtle caught in net

8 8. Reasons for Species Loss #4 Overexploitation Greatly taking advantage of something or someone Recovered Elephant Tusks Poaching Types of Overexploitation Poaching Illegal hunting and collecting of protected and endangered animals and plants in order to make them, or parts of them, into trophies or to sell them for money. Overhunting Legal hunting and collecting of plants and animals to such an extent that they become threatened, endangered or even extinct. Factory Fishing Over Hunting? Extinct Passenger Pigeon - Over Hunting Rhino without Horn - Poaching Whaling - Over Hunting? Buffalo Skulls - Over Hunting Black Bear Over Hunting?

9 9. Reasons for Species Loss #5 Exotic Pet and Plant Trade Many animals (monkeys, reptiles, parrots, butterflies and tropical fish to name a few) and plants (cacti, orchids, etc.) are taken from the wild so people can bring them into their homes. Approximately eight out of ten exotic animals removed from their native habitats die before reaching their final destination. Those that survive the journey are often so ill when they arrive that they die shortly afterwards. The main importers of these animals and plants originate from the United States, Europe and Japan. Pitcher Plant from the tropics Tropical Fish Parrot chick stuffed in a suitcase Over 800,000 are smuggled each year. Without proper food, water or ventilation, 8 out of 10 will die before reaching their final destination. Once the Snow Leopard kitten grows up to be an adult, then what? Live Coral Divers use nets and poison to capture the fish. They break off coral with hands and hammers.

10 10. Reasons for Maintaining our Biological Diversity #1. Biological Diversity maintains our earth s Ecosystems. Enables the earth to perform essential services. Predator/Prey Relationships From the 1880s to the 1930's, wolves, which are natural predators of and an important control over elk and deer populations, were hunted and poisoned until they no longer lived in the lower 48 states (United States). Without the wolves to control them, the elk and deer populations grew tremendously. They quickly stripped much of the forest of vegetation which caused severe damage to the forest and led to starvation for many members of their population. Water Cycle Trees release a great amount of moisture into the atmosphere through their leaves. Cutting down these trees has greatly reduced the amount of moisture entering the atmosphere. Many scientists believe the reduction of rainforest has affected our global climate and is contributing to the severity of droughts now plaguing Africa, thus causing the starvation of thousands of Africans. Nutrient Cycle Burrowing earthworms loosen the soil, allowing more air and water to percolate through it. Their nutrient-rich waste products also enrich the soil for plants and other organisms. Oxygen Cycle If biodiversity decreases, additional stresses will be placed on those species that remain. The combination of lost and over-stressed species creates unhealthy and unbalanced ecosystems ecosystems that may not be able to perform their vital functions.

11 11. Reasons for Maintaining our Biological Diversity #2. Biological Diversity Benefits Agriculture Green Revolution in the early 1970's Doubled and tripled crops harvest Genetic materials (traits) from different organisms can now be transferred Biodiversity includes genetic resources. Genetic resources contained in the populations and genes of thousands of plant species globally are unique and irreplaceable. Encoded in these genes are adaptation mechanisms that enable us to cope with the changes in our environment. Genetic traits allow humans to develop plants that need less fertilizer and are more resistant to drought, frost, and pests. The corn on the right has been genetically modified to resist damage from weather and pests. The rice on the left has been genetically modified to allow larger rice grains to develop. Biodiversity provides the opportunity to transfer beneficial traits from one species to another genetic engineering. Larger and more diverse harvests!

12 12. Reasons for Maintaining our Biological Diversity #3. Biological Diversity Benefits Medicine The Pacific Yew tree contains a chemical called taxol that is used to treat cancer. Scientists are studying snakes venom trying to isolate a compound that can prevent cancer. Bat saliva is being studied for the treatment of strokes (blood clots in the brain) Scientists are studying the blood of crocodiles in the hope of developing a powerful antibiotic for humans, after tests showed that the reptile's immune system kills the HIV virus. Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants Our biodiversity provides us with a pharmacy of possible medicines.

13 13. Reasons for Maintaining our Biological Diversity #4. Biological Diversity Benefits Industry Burrs to Velcro A man and his dog were walking through the wood. When he got back home his pants and dog were covered with them. He examined them under a microscope and saw they had tiny hooks on the end. From this discovery came Velcro. Scaly-foot Gastropod This sea snail lives in the Indian Ocean. It manages to survive crushing water pressure at 8,000 feet and boiling water from hydrothermal vents thanks to one of the strongest shells seen in nature. Analysis found that the shell is made up of three layers; Tough outer coating of iron sulfide A thicker, spongy layer A calcium-based veneer common to mollusk shells This combination of layers absorbs the energy from impacts extremely well. Researchers believe that the snail s technology could be used to improve helmets, bulletproof vests, and even ship and airplane hulls. Upis beetle Scientists are studying this beetle for a new antifreeze chemical. It has the ability to resist extremely cold temperature. (104 degrees below zero) Polar Bear Polar bear fur is being studied for its solar photovoltaic cell properties. (turning sunlight into electricity) Our biodiversity provides us with the raw materials and ideas to make useful products.

14 14. Reasons for Maintaining our Biological Diversity #5. Biological Diversity Provides Us with Biological Richness we have yet to fully understand (nature s wonders) Many people feel a strong need to relate with natural areas and the biodiversity they hold. Humans are considered the most advanced species on earth, yet we are still mystified and bewildered as to how these delicate and complex ecosystems function. We are reflective as to what our role is on this planet. Without these biologically rich areas, we could possibly lose a valuable appreciation of who we are and what we have to offer. Our biodiversity provides us with the wonders of nature.

15 15. Preserving our Biological Diversity The world is awakening to the plight of endangered species. Laws are being passed to reduce habitat destruction. Conservation programs are being developed to conserve many of our natural resources. Regulations are being implemented to reduce pollution from factories and communities. Educational programs are being designed to enlighten people as to the benefits of preserving biological diversity. Below are several examples of how progress is being made. #1. Federal, state and local legislation 1973 Endangered Species Act Requires any species "endangered throughout all or part of its range (habitat)" to be listed with the federal government. Federal agencies are responsible for issuing regulations to protect endangered or threatened species. This legislation prohibits the killing, capturing, importing, exporting, or selling of any endangered or threatened species (both animals and plants). It also enables citizens to stop a development project if the project endangers any of the species on the list. * The United States is not the only country that is passing legislation to protect endangered species. Many countries from around the world are also realizing that it is to their benefit to protect their natural resources.

16 16. Preserving our Biological Diversity #2. Re-establishment Programs The elimination of wildlife species within an ecosystem has the potential of creating an imbalance among the species that remain. In order to bring an ecosystem back to its original condition and health, a re-establishment program may need to be implemented. A re-establishment program prepares individual members of specific wildlife species to be released back into their native environments. Wolf re-establishment program Peregrine falcon re-establishment Program Released - Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho Released Cities with tall buildings Began in 1994 Began in 1993 Peregrine falcons dives can reach 200 MPH How did the absence of wolves make the ecosystem unbalanced? Why were falcons released in cities with tall buildings?

17 17. Preserving our Biological Diversity Re-establishment Programs Gray Wolf During the settlement of America's western states, gray wolves were seen as a danger both to the people settling these areas and to the livestock they raised. In order to eliminate this potential threat (reports have documented wolves attacking and killing cattle; however, there is no documentation on wolves attacking people), the United States government encouraged and supported settlers to actively hunt or poison wolves. Settlers were so successful the entire wolf population in the lower 48 states was eliminated by the early 1930s, leaving gray wolf populations living only in Alaska and Canada. The elimination of wolves created some long-term ecological problems -- uncontrolled population growth of deer and elk that caused widespread damage to habitat vegetation. In order to correct these problems, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that wolves be re-introduced into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. Plans were made to release 29 wolves that were captured in Canada and release them into Yellowstone (14 wolves) and Idaho (15 wolves) in the fall of They also planned to continue reintroducing 15 additional wolves each year at each location for the next three to five years. Their goal was to reestablish a natural population of wolves in these areas by the year The re-establishment plan was very successful. By 2008, the Idaho s wolf population had grown to 850 and Yellowstone National Park s population to 800, equaling a total of 1,650 wolves representing 217 packs. The wolves return brought balance back to the ecosystem. Unfortunately this success also brought pressure from resident s of western states to de-list the wolves from the Endangered Species List. Again, fears from the past caused several states to de-list the wolf and established wolf hunting seasons. Many scientists believe their numbers are not yet great enough to absorb these hunting losses and will eventually cause these animals to return to the Endangered Species List.

18 18. Preserving our Biological Diversity North American population of peregrine falcons reached a low of 324 nesting pairs in 1975 Re-establishment Programs American peregrine falcon The American peregrine falcon, perhaps the fastest bird in the world and capable of diving at 200 miles per hour, is another species whose populations were severely reduced by habitat destruction and widespread pollution. In fact, this peregrine falcon was one of the first bird species to be affected by the chemical DDT. This pesticide caused significant thinning of the eggs' shells, so that when the birds sat on them, the eggs broke and the chicks died. By the 1950s, the American peregrine falcon had totally disappeared from the eastern United States. By the 1970s, only two known breeding pairs remained in California. In order to reverse this population decline, scientists began raising and releasing breeding pairs across the country. Because the falcons' native habitats were high cliffs, scientists began releasing them in cities that had tall buildings. These buildings acted as substitutes for tall cliffs. In 1993, over 30 breeding pairs were released in cities, and at least 22 pairs successfully reared their chicks. In addition, another 3,000 breeding pairs were released into the wild. In 1999, the American peregrine falcon was de-listed from the Endangered Species List. At that time, there were a total of 1,750 successful nesting pairs. By 2003, that total had grown to 3,005 nesting pairs.

19 19. Preserving our Biological Diversity #3. Education and Research Many programs focus on these two aspects of conservation and preservation. However, we will focus on the mission of zoos. Education Research Not only are zoos conducting valuable research on endangered species, they are also raising money for and conducting conservation programs in remote locations around the world.

20 Biological Resources: Terms and Concepts BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ENDANGERED SPECIES EXTINCT GENETIC ENGINEERING HABITAT HOMO SAPIENS INTRODUCED SPECIES NATIVE SPECIES POACHING SPECIES THREATENED SPECIES Refers to the variety of species that live on earth. A species that barely has enough members to adequately reproduce. A species that is no longer living; vanished forever. The human manipulation and transfer of genes from one organism to another to improve productivity or survivability of economically important organisms. A specific environment or geographic area in which a species lives. The Latin name of the human species, literally meaning "wise man." A non-native plant or animal species that has been deliberately or accidentally brought into another country or continent. A species that has originated and evolved in a specific area or habitat. Illegal hunting, killing or collecting of protected animals or plants. A classification of organisms sharing common characteristics that can reproduce with each other. A species whose numbers are low or declining. A threatened species is not in immediate danger of extinction, but it is likely to become endangered if not protected.