POLIGA RYAN ADAM Q.

PCEIT-09-101A/Monday 10:30-12:00
Science, Technology and Society
ACTIVITY 6

1.Define biodiversity and give three types of biodiversity essential in preserving ecological
systems and functions.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including species, genes, and ecosystems, found
within a particular region or across the entire planet. It encompasses the diversity of plants,
animals, microorganisms, and their interactions with each other and their environment.
Species Diversity: This refers to the variety of different species present in an ecosystem or on
Earth as a whole. It includes both the number of species and their relative abundance.
Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. It is important
because it provides the raw material for adaptation and evolution, enabling species to respond
to changes in their environment.
Ecosystem Diversity: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of different ecosystems or habitats
present in a given area. It includes diverse terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems such as
forests, grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, and lakes. Ecosystem diversity is crucial for
maintaining ecological processes and the services they provide, such as nutrient cycling, water
purification, and climate regulation.

2.How do humans benefit from biodiversity?

Humans benefit from biodiversity through ecosystem services, economic benefits, and
cultural/aesthetic value. Biodiversity provides essential services like food, clean water, air
purification, and climate regulation. It also supports industries, tourism, and cultural practices.
People derive enjoyment from nature and wildlife.

3.Have extinctions occurred in the past? Is there anything unusual about current extinction?
Extinctions have occurred in the past, but the current extinction crisis is unique. Human
activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate
change, are causing species to disappear at an alarming rate. This rapid loss of biodiversity is
unprecedented and poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being.
Conservation efforts are crucial to address this crisis.