Biodiversity Hotspots
APESName:Per.:
Introduction
Many scientists believe that we are in the midst of another extinction crisis. Unlike such events of the past, this extinction event is believed to be the sole responsibility of one species, humans. Our resource consumption and use are altering the natural world at a rate with which it cannot keep up. Most living things are not capable of adapting to an environment that is changing quickly, they are accustomed to change taking place over generations throughout tens, hundreds and thousands of years.
Efforts are currently being made to slow the pace at which species loss is occurring today. However, determining where and how to implement change is complicated. The vastness of the planet’s resources, the world’s growing population, and varying economic and political conditions make it not only difficult to assess biodiversity, but to implement conservation efforts to sustain it.
To make this process easier, a British ecologist named Norman Myers defined the concept of a biodiversity hotspot to address the dilemma that conservationists face: what areas are the most immediately important for conserving biodiversity? He classified areas that possess high degrees of endemism and habitat loss as biodiversity hotspots. With such areas identified, it is then up to the conservationists to determine which hotspots are most deserving of their efforts. They must not only evaluate the biodiversity of a given hotspot, but compare the costs, benefits and practicality of conservation in the area.
Purpose
This activity is designed for students to become familiar with the defining characteristics of biological hotspots and research and present a given biological hotspot. Each student will produce one page that will become part of a book.
Procedures
Use the Internet resource complete the following procedures. Record all necessary information on a separate sheet of paper.
Background Information: Answer questions 1 &2 on a separate sheet of paper
- What is a hotspot? What is an endemic species? Research and describe the two criteria that a geographic area must meet in order to be considered a biodiversity hotspot.
- For the California Floristic Province - the biodiversity hotspot closest to home, research and explain:
- how this area meets the biodiversity hotspot criteria
- what is being done to protect this particular area
Book Page: Follow the format below to prepare your 2-sided book page.
For the biodiversity hotspot you have been assigned research and present the following:
a)location of the hotspot
b)type of ecosystems found in the area
c)description & illustration of one endemic plant and one endemic animal species found in the area
d)general description of the socio-economic conditions in the area
e)human induced and/or natural reasons why species diversity is decreasing in the region
f)a specific endangered species within your region. Identify reasons for decline & efforts being done for preservation. Include a photo
Presentation Format
Use the following template to organize the information you have researched for your assigned biodiversity hotspot.
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(f) Description of one endangered species in region. Include photo, reasons for decline, and description of efforts being made to preserve this species. USE THE BACK.