Science Reviewer

Reviewer on Biodiversity

Biodiversity Overview:

● Biodiversity is a blend of “biological” and “diversity,” referring to the variety of life on

Earth.
● Currently, around 2 million species have been classified, but estimates suggest up to 30
million exist.
● Many species remain undiscovered, especially in rainforests and deep oceans.
● Extinction of species often occurs before they are discovered due to habitat destruction.
● Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem stability and overall health.

Components of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic Diversity:
● Refers to the variety of genes within a species population.
● Genes determine traits like color, size, and disease resistance, which help species adapt
and survive.
● Example: Cheetahs differ in agility and ability to catch prey, impacting survival.
2. Species Diversity:
● Refers to the variety of species within a community.
● Species richness: Number of species in an area (e.g., tropical rainforests have high
richness).
● Species abundance: Number of individuals of each species.
● Species evenness: Balance of species abundance within a habitat.
3. Ecosystem Diversity:
Encompasses the variety of ecosystems (biomes), like tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and
grasslands.
● Each ecosystem supports specific species adapted to their unique environments.
4. Functional Diversity:
● Focuses on biological and chemical processes, such as nutrient cycles and energy flow,
which are vital for ecosystem survival.
● Includes species interactions like mutualism, competition, and predation.

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Economic Value:
● Biodiversity provides resources like food, medicine, and raw materials.
● Ecotourism is a growing industry that relies on natural ecosystems.
● Protecting biodiversity ensures the availability of future resources.
2. Ecological Value:
● Every species plays a role in the ecosystem. For example, bees and bats help pollinate
plants.
● Keystone species, like fruit bats, significantly impact the survival of other species.
● Biodiversity supports essential processes like air purification, water replenishment, and
pest control.
3. Aesthetic Value:
● Natural beauty inspires conservation efforts. Nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries offer
aesthetic enjoyment.
● Conservation goes beyond economic reasons, aiming to preserve nature’s beauty.
4. Ethical and Moral Value:
● Many believe in the moral obligation to protect all forms of life.
● Conservationists argue that all species have the right to exist and should be protected
from unnecessary harm.

Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Natural Factors:
● Geological changes, such as global cooling/warming, asteroid collisions, and volcanic
eruptions, have caused mass extinctions.
● These events often occur gradually, giving species time to adapt.
2. Human Activities:
● Habitat destruction is the leading cause of biodiversity loss (e.g., deforestation, wetland
conversion).
● Invasive species disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species.
● Overexploitation of resources, such as hunting and fishing, reduces populations.
● Pollution from industrial activities harms ecosystems.
● Climate change causes habitat shifts, affecting species survival.
3. HIPPCO:
● Stands for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Climate
change, and Overexploitation—the primary causes of biodiversity loss.
● The Asia and Near East region is particularly affected, with significant forest loss and
species extinction.

IUCN Red List:

● Lists species threatened with extinction.

● Examples of critically endangered species in the Philippines include the Philippine eagle,
tamaraw, and Visayan warty pig.

Conservation Efforts:

● Conservationists strive to preserve biodiversity by protecting habitats, reducing human

impact, and promoting sustainable practices.
 ● Organizations like the IUCN work to raise awareness and develop strategies to protect
endangered species.

This review covers the key concepts of biodiversity, its importance, threats, and conservation
efforts.

Reviewer on Threats to Biodiversity

Exotic Species and Their Impact

● Definition: Exotic species (also called nonnative or alien species) are introduced into new
environments, either accidentally or deliberately.
● Threats: These species often lack natural predators, competitors, parasites, or diseases
in the new area, leading to unchecked population growth.
● Examples:
• Brown Tree Snake: Introduced to Guam in the 1950s, causing the extinction of
10 out of 12 native bird species.
• Clown Knife Fish (Chitala ornata): Introduced to Laguna Lake in 2009, it preys on
tilapia and bangus, affecting the income of local fishermen.
• Chinese Soft-Shell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis): Introduced as a pet in the 1990s,
now preys on local fish species in Central Luzon.
• Golden Apple Snail: Introduced in the 1980s in the Philippines, it has become a
major pest in rice paddies.

Pollution and Its Effects

• Definition: Pollution involves the addition of harmful substances into the

environment, affecting air, water, and soil, which can harm wildlife.
• Biological Magnification: Pollutants like pesticides accumulate in the food chain,
increasing in concentration as they move up trophic levels.
• Examples:
• Pesticides like DDT and dieldrin degrade slowly, passing through food chains and
affecting top predators.
• Coal-burning power plants release sulfur, leading to acid rain, which lowers the
pH of water bodies and soils, harming aquatic life.

Climate Change and Global Warming

• Greenhouse Effect: Human activities release large amounts of carbon dioxide,

enhancing the greenhouse effect and raising global temperatures.
• Impacts:
• Rising temperatures cause extreme weather patterns (droughts, heavy rains) and
warmer seas, which can generate stronger typhoons.
• Amphibians, such as golden frogs, are especially vulnerable, as climate change
dries out their breeding habitats.

Ozone Depletion

• Cause: Ozone depletion is mainly caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used

in coolants, aerosols, and foams.
• Consequences: Thinning of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation, which can
harm wildlife, plants, and contribute to global warming.
• Response: The Montreal Protocol (1987) phased out the use of CFCs, though
ozone recovery will take time.

Human Exploitation and Poaching

• Poaching: Illegal hunting for animal products (skin, fur, horns) or capturing
animals for the pet trade threatens species survival.
• Overharvesting: Excessive extraction of marine resources leads to commercial
extinction, where species are harvested faster than they can reproduce.

Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation

Species Protection

• Captive Breeding: Animals are bred in zoos or reserves, and their offspring are
released into the wild.
• Example: Panda breeding in China has successfully increased panda
populations in captivity.
• Laws and Treaties:
• Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act: Prohibits trade of
endangered species products.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): International
treaty preventing trade of over 800 endangered species.
• Gene Banks, Botanical Gardens, and Wildlife Farms:
• Gene banks store seeds for future planting.
• Botanical gardens and wildlife farms help preserve endangered species by
easing pressure on wild populations.

De-Extinction

• Definition: The process of reviving extinct species using cloning technology.

• Example: In 2020, scientists cloned a black-footed ferret from genes of an animal
that died 30 years ago.

Ecosystem Conservation
 • UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Areas where sustainable development is
promoted. Examples in the Philippines include:
• Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve
• Palawan Biosphere Reserve
• Albay Biosphere Reserve
• World Heritage Sites: Aim to conserve natural and cultural sites. In the
Philippines, notable sites include:
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
• Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Key Concepts on Biodiversity

• Biodiversity: The variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

• HIPPCO: Main human-induced threats to biodiversity include:
• Habitat destruction
• Introduced species
• Pollution
• Population using too many resources
• Climate change
• Overexploitation

By using the species and ecosystem approaches, combined efforts from governments, NGOs,
and concerned citizens can slow the biodiversity crisis and help conserve Earth’s ecosystems
for future generations.