BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY - "BIODIVERSITY"

BIO- means life (living organisms) DIVERSITY - means different from one another

Biological diversity (biodiversity) is...

the variety of all living organisms on Earth; living things in all forms and combinations.

Biodiversity includes: species diversity genetic diversity ecosystem diversity Biodiversity - "Biodiversity: The variety of different species in an ecosystem, genetic variation within a population of a species, and variety of kinds of ecosystems. The word biodiversity has come to mean 'the web of life,' or 'all living things interconnected.' (Peter Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden) Greater biodiversity makes species and systems more resilient, while loss of biodiversity weakens them, making them more vulnerable to extinction." (Committee for the National Institute for the Environment) If a large proportion of the biosphere is invested in only a small number of species (such as humans and their associated domesticated/cultivated species), this will result in an inherently unstable system. Species - a group of related and similar living organisms that can interbreed among their own species and produce fertile offspring. Species diversity - the different types of living organisms within a region or ecosystem (plants, animals, and other life forms). Genetic - heredity passed from parent to offspring (physical and functional) Genetic diversity - the differences between living organisms within a species. Ecosystem - all the living organisms and all the non-living components of a given area interacting as a whole functional unit. Ecosystem diversity - the variety of different habitats in a particular area (i.e., wetland, woodland, grassland; coral reef, tidepool, mangrove)

Taxonomy Classification Naming System - Living organisms are organized into a complex scientific classification naming system (called taxonomy) that is based on similarities and differences among organisms. It is a way of categorizing and keeping track of organisms that have been scientifically

identified. Taxonomy is a common language used by scientists as they study living and previously living organisms. In the simplest terms related to our daily lives, you might compare taxonomy to our filing systems where we keep papers and letters organized in file folders, or the way we keep our things organized in drawers and cupboards in our homes, or the way items are organized in grocery stores. Things that are alike are kept together and organized, and we know what we have (like an inventory). The taxonomy system is a valued global resource in helping developed and developing countries to accurately identify, name, and classify the biodiversity in their regions, and to understand the relationships of all organisms. The sequence of categories for identifying and classifying living organisms, starting at the top, is as follows: Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species If you are reading this, you are a Homo sapien (human being), and classified as follows (Click on links for information) :

Domain Kingdom Phylum Subphylum Class Subclass Order Suborder Family Genus Species

Eukarya Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Mammalia Eutheria Primates Haplorhini Hominidae Homo H. sapiens

The classification system has changed somewhat over time and will continue to change as new understanding of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) genome structures are being developed. Scientific name: Homo sapiens translates from Latin as Homo (self, man or human being), sapiens (wise, knowing). The Latin "homo" is related to the word "humus" earth, and could be viewed as a kind of "earthling." Homo sapiens are living organisms and part of the biodiversity of planet Earth. Homo sapiens consider Homo sapiens to be "wise human beings." TAXONOMY AT WORK Biologists Revise Outdated Amphibian Taxonomy (Fox News, 4/19/06) New information is based on analyzing DNA and other data. Amphibians Hang Out in New Tree of Life (LiveScience, 4/19/06)

The largest analysis ever, of the evolutionary relationships among all living amphibians has been completed. In fact, this project also is the largest of any kind so far of any group of vertebrate animals. See images of the project and the new amphibian tree of life.

"We have scarcely as yet read more than the title page and preface of the great volume of nature" Joseph Henry, First Smithsonian Secretary We are just barely starting to learn about the vast number of life forms that exist on our planet, as we have only discovered a small number of living organisms so far.

"Ancient forests, free-flowing rivers, living oceans and deserts and the abundance of life they contain: all these, having evolved over millions of years, are in danger of vanishing from the world within decades." (Center for Biological Diversity) "Currently the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components is a priority, given the environmental crisis of the planet in recent decades. Knowledge of biodiversity becomes urgent in view of the rapid process of the loss of ecosystems, species and genes, as well as a broad spectrum of environmental services and products derived from plants and animals pending discovery or study." (CONABIO/REMIB) REMIB - World Biodiversity Information Network "It is reckless to suppose that biodiversity can be diminished indefinitely without threatening humanity itself." - Edward O. Wilson, author of "The Diversity of Life"

http://www.eco-pros.com/biodiversity.htm