LYCEUM – NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Tapuac District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan

NAME:MOVILLA, JAYBE M. DATE: DECEMBER 18, 2021

PROFESSOR: DR. ESMIE T.
PRESENTER: KATHLEEN JOY B. DELA CRUZ AGPALO

ADVANCE FIELD BIOLOGY

TOPIC:BIODIVERSITY AND STABILITY

1. Why is biodiversity so important and worthy of protection?

- Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and their relative frequencies in an

ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at different levels. Biodiversity holds
ecological and economic significance. It provides us with nourishment, housing, fuel, clothing
and several other resources. Ecosystems that are healthy clean our water, filter our air,
maintain our soil, manage the climate, recycle nutrients, and feed us. Biodiversity is a critical
measure of an ecosystem's health.

2. Why do you think it is good if there is rich biodiversity?

- High biodiversity is a habitat or ecosystem that has a high number of different species.
Increasing species diversity can influence ecosystem functions — such as productivity —
by increasing the likelihood that species will use complementary resources and can also
increase the likelihood that a particularly productive or efficient species is present in the
community. Biodiversity provides humans with raw materials for consumption and
production. Many livelihoods, such as those of farmers, fishers and timber workers, are
dependent on biodiversity. Biodiversity provides functioning ecosystems that supply
oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and
many ecosystem services. Many recreational pursuits rely on our unique biodiversity, such
as bird watching, hiking, camping and fishing. Our tourism industry also depends on
 biodiversity. Biodiversity represents a wealth of systematic ecological data that help us to
understand the natural world and its origins.

3. Are humans an invasive species to Earth’s biodiversity? Explain.

- Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing
biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.
Human are not invasive species though we cause activities that alter the ecosystem and
biodiversity. Invasive species are primarily spread by human activities, often unintentionally.
People, and the goods we use, travel around the world very quickly, and they often carry
uninvited species with them. Ships can carry aquatic organisms in their ballast water, while
smaller boats may carry them on their propellers.

4. How is biodiversity adversely affected by human activity?

- There are many human activities that really alter the biodiversity on Earth. Due to increasing
population and demand on food and energy, ecosystems are being disturbed and changes in
a certain area are happening. Land use for housing and establishments that were before
undisturbed and a habitat for many species were now populated by human. Overfishing and
hunting, the destruction of habitats through agriculture and urban sprawl, the use of pesticides
and herbicides, and the release of other toxic compounds into the environment have all taken
their toll, particularly on vertebrates. Those who adapted and survived became however,
valuable to research for study.

5. What are mitigating factors to strengthen biodiversity?

1. HELP THE BEES!
Bees pollinate nearly 90% of plant species and they contribute to more than 35% of the world’s food
supply, but they’re under threat from varroa mites. Plant scientists are developing cutting edge crop
protection products to help farmers control the mites and protect precious bee populations.
Give pollinators an extra boost in your backyard by planting a variety of wildflowers and native plants
to provide nectar that will bloom throughout the season. You can also build bee boxes for native bees
to make their home.
2. PLANT LOCAL FLOWERS, FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Research the plants and vegetables that are local to your area and grow a variety. Each plant and
vegetable helps to protect biodiversity and supports the wider ecosystem of your local area.
3. PROTECT NATURAL HABITATS
Human impact on the earth can have a devastating impact on biodiversity. Small steps like keeping
to walking paths, and not stepping through flowers or crops, can help protect what is growing there.
4. TAKE A WALK
Climate change can have devastating consequences for biodiversity. Reducing your carbon footprint
by taking the bus or walking can help protect it.
Plant scientists are also working to combat climate change every day. One example is through
innovative developments in conservation tillage, which uses less fuel and therefore reduces the
emission of greenhouse gases.
5. CONSERVE YOUR WATER USE
Fresh bodies of water are essential to biodiversity. Reducing the amount of water you use, by having
a 5-minute shower or not running the water when washing up the dishes, can help protect vital
wetlands.
Plant scientists are also working to help conserve by developing crop varieties that use less water.
6. REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE
Recycling lessens pollution by decreasing energy, electricity, and water consumption and the need
for landfills. Not only can you recycle bottles and cans, but your local recycling center will usually
allow you to recycle clothes, electrical goods and batteries.
Programs around the world have collected and recycled almost 800,000 metric tons of empty
pesticide containers and agricultural plastics in the last thirteen years. That is more than the weight of
100 Eiffel Towers.
7. SUPPORT FARMERS
Farmers play a key role in conserving biodiversity.
With the help of biotechnology and plant science, farmers can grow more food on the same amount
of land. This takes the pressure off the need to convert natural habitats into farmland.
8. BUY LOCAL FOODS WHEN YOU CAN
Buying from your local farmer at a farmers’ market or through a farm stand gives you the ability to
find out how your food was grown and learn what they are doing on the farm to help conserve
biodiversity.
9. VISIT YOUR LOCAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Botanical gardens are great for biodiversity conservation, as scientists can store, study and grow
plants in their native habitats. Visiting and donating to your local botanical garden will help them
continue to protect and promote biodiversity.
10. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU
Educating people about the importance of biodiversity conservation increases public awareness of
the issue. As public awareness increases, people become more involved in caring about their
environment.