ALL LESSONS

14. Biodiversity

Duration: 4 sessions of 45 minutes

Use and value variety. Increased biodiversity leads to a more stable provision of ecosystem services and enhances the resilience and self-sufficiency of the system as a whole.

“Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.” – David Holmgren

Introduction / Background

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms that exist in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within a species, and the diversity of ecosystems and ecological processes. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem functioning as it provides essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Each species has its own unique characteristics and contributes to the overall complexity and resilience of the planet. Nevertheless, biodiversity is currently facing significant threats due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources. Conservation efforts are vital to protect and maintain biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations.

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the balance and stability of ecosystems. Each species within an ecosystem has a specific role or niche, and the interactions between different species contribute to the overall functioning of the ecosystem. These interactions include processes such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control, which are critical to ecosystem productivity and sustainability..

Biodiversity is crucial for providing a wide range of ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. These services include food provision, clean water and air, as well as climate regulation, disease control, and natural disaster prevention. Biodiversity also supports cultural and recreational activities, and has aesthetic and spiritual value.

Biodiversity is crucial for scientific and medical advancements. Many of the medications we use today are derived from natural sources. Studying various types of biodiversity helps us comprehend their potential benefits for human health. Additionally, biodiversity adds to our scientific knowledge and understanding of ecological processes, evolution, and adaptation.

Biodiversity holds inherent value. Every species possesses unique characteristics and adds to the overall beauty and complexity of the natural world. Biodiversity conservation is not only practically important, but also an ethical responsibility to safeguard the variety of life on Earth for future generations.

Biodiversity loss is primarily caused by human activities.

  1. Habitat destruction: The conversion of natural habitats into agricultural land, urban areas, or industrial zones leads to the loss of biodiversity. Deforestation, land clearing, and habitat fragmentation are disrupting ecosystems and displacing many species.
  2. Pollution: Pollution from various sources, such as industrial activities, agriculture, and improper waste disposal, can have adverse effects on biodiversity. Chemical pollutants can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, harming both aquatic and terrestrial species.
  3. Climate change: Changing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have a significant impact on biodiversity by altering global climate patterns. This results in rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, and extreme weather events that can disrupt ecosystems, affect species habitats, and lead to changes in species distributions.
  4. Overexploitation: Unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, such as overfishing, illegal wildlife trade, and excessive logging, can diminish species populations and disrupt ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem collapse.
  5. Invasive species: The introduction of non-native species into new environments can have detrimental effects on native species and ecosystems. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food chains, and alter ecosystem dynamics.
  6. Habitat fragmentation and loss: Habitat fragmentation caused by infrastructure development, such as roads and dams, can isolate populations, limiting their ability to migrate or find suitable habitats. This can result in reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to extinction.
 
Addressing the causes of biodiversity loss requires coordinated efforts, including sustainable land use practices, pollution reduction, climate change mitigation, responsible resource management, and measures to control invasive species. Conservation efforts, protected areas, and international agreements also play a key role in conserving biodiversity.
 
Biodiversity loss has important impacts on ecosystems and human societies.

 

  1. Disturbance of the Ecosystem: The loss of biodiversity disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem. When species disappear, it can lead to imbalances in food chains, reduced resilience to environmental changes, and decreased ecosystem stability. This can result in the loss of essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and natural pest control.
  2. Decline in ecosystem productivity: As biodiversity decreases, ecosystem productivity may also decline. This means that processes like photosynthesis and nutrient cycling may become less efficient, which can ultimately affect the availability of resources like food and clean water that are essential for human well-being.
  3. Increased vulnerability to climate change: The loss of biodiversity worsens the effects of climate change. Ecosystems with a wide variety of species can adjust more effectively to changing environmental conditions. But when biodiversity decreases, ecosystems become more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, habitat loss, and shifts in species distribution.
  4. Loss of medicinal resources: Many medicines and drugs are derived from natural sources, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Loss of biodiversity reduces the availability of these resources, limiting our potential to discover new treatments and cures for disease.
  5. Economic effects: The decline in biodiversity can result in substantial economic impacts. Sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fishing depend on diverse species and healthy ecosystems for their productivity and profitability. A decrease in biodiversity can cause lower crop yields, diminished fish stocks, and heightened vulnerability to pests and diseases, which in turn affect people’s livelihoods and economic growth.
  6. Cultural and social impacts: Biodiversity loss has an impact on the cultural and social aspects of human societies. Many indigenous and local communities have strong cultural and spiritual connections to their natural environments, which are often abundant in biological diversity. The decline of species and ecosystems can interrupt cultural traditions, disrupt customary practices, and harm the well-being and identity of these communities.

It is crucial to address the loss of biodiversity and take proactive measures to conserve and restore it. Biodiversity conservation is essential for the health of ecosystems and human societies and is vital for maintaining a sustainable and resilient planet.

Goal

The study of biodiversity provides valuable insights into how ecosystems function and the interdependence between species. Understanding how different species interact and contribute to ecosystem processes helps us comprehend the delicate balance and resilience of natural systems. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions about conserving and sustainably managing ecosystems.

Step by step/ How to

  1. Presentation (45 min): During this presentation, we will illustrate the network of interrelationships and connections within the ecosystem, highlighting the benefits for the various elements, particularly those that impact humans. We will also provide examples of how disruptions in ecosystem biodiversity can have far-reaching consequences.
  2. Making an insect hotel is an example of biodiversity conservation (video link at the end of the lesson). Before construction or during the introductory presentation, the functions and uses of insect hotels are explained.
  3. When setting up an insect hotel in the garden or meadow, it’s important to consider the lessons we’ve learned from terrain analysis. We need to choose a suitable location and position the hotel in relation to other elements. It’s crucial to analyze what insects need to survive during winter and after leaving the hotel, and to create the necessary conditions, such as seeding a flower meadow).

Reflection questions

  • How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability and resilience?
  • What are some of the main threats to biodiversity, and how can they be addressed?
  • How does biodiversity support human well-being and provide ecosystem services?
  • What are the economic implications of biodiversity loss?
  • How can individuals and communities contribute to the preservation of biodiversity?
  • What are some successful examples of biodiversity conservation efforts?
  • How does climate change affect biodiversity, and what can be done to mitigate its effects?
  • How does biodiversity contribute to food security and agricultural productivity?
  • What are the ethical considerations surrounding biodiversity conservation?
  • How can we raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and promote sustainable practices in our daily lives?

Learning objectives

  • An understanding of how ecosystems function and how species depend on each other.
  • Recognizing the significance of conserving and safeguarding species and their habitats.
  • Increasing environmental awareness and promoting responsible planet management.
  • Comprehending the impact of human activities on the loss of biodiversity.

Preparation / materials / tools

  • Blackboard/magnetic board, chalks/markers
  • Projector and projection screen
  • Educational cards - Ethics and principles

Nuggets

  1. Assign a quiz to be completed after the lesson as a form of assessment for understanding of the material covered.
  2. Provide clear instructions on how to access the quiz.
  3. Remind students of the importance of the quiz in assessing their comprehension of the material.
  4. Explain the format of the quiz, including the number of questions and type of questions.
  5. Encourage students to use their notes or textbooks as resources while completing the quiz, if allowed.
  6. After completing the quiz, review the answers with the class to provide immediate feedback and clarify any misunderstandings.
  7. Use the results of the quiz to gauge student understanding and tailor future lessons to address any areas of weakness.
  8. Encourage students to ask questions or seek clarification on any concepts they may have struggled with during the quiz.
  9. Provide positive reinforcement for students who performed well on the quiz and offer additional support or resources for those who may need extra help.

Biodiversity Quiz

Start the quiz

Literature

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15. Good economy

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