The document discusses biodiversity, defined as the variety of life on Earth at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, emphasizing its essential role in sustaining human life and healthy ecosystems. It outlines the historical use of the term 'biodiversity', its importance to ecological balance, and the consequences of biodiversity loss, highlighting both positive and negative human impacts on the environment. Additionally, it stresses the need for preservation efforts and individual contributions to biodiversity conservation.

1. Science, Technology and Society
Dr. Portugal A. Carbonel

2. Brief Facts and History
FACTS:
It was used to replace the terms “Species Diversity and Species Richness.”
Short term from the word “Biological Diversity”
It is the result of 3.5 Billion Years of evolution.
A mass extinction ( 5 major time and minor events recorded) of all living
things occurred about 251 million years ago and it took 30 million years
before it was able to recover.
Humans greatly affect the biodiversity of a region.
Biodiversity helps in the evolution of humanity.

3. HISTORY
• Was first used in 1916 by J. Arthur Harris in his book
“The Variable Desert,” Scientific American.
• Raymond F. Dasmann used the term in reference to the
richness of living nature (1967)
• “Natural Diversity” was introduced by John Terborgh
(1974)
• Was introduced by Thomas Lovejoy in 1980 to the
scientific community.
• In 1985, Edward O. Wilson, coined the contracted form
“biodiversity” to Dr. Walter G. Rosen a representative of
NRC/ NAS project where he introduced the term
biodiversity. At the same year the term was also
published in an article , “ A New Plan to Conserve the
Earths Biota” by Laura Tangley.
• In 1988 the term “Biodiversity” first appeared in
publications.

4. WHAT IS
BIODIVERSITY?
• Refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes
to ecosystem that compasses to the evolutionary, ecological
and cultural processes that sustain life.
• It is also the variety of all living things and their interactions.
• It was also defined as to the variety of all living species on one
particular region or ecosystem including plants, animals,
bacteria and fungi.
• Biodiversity is the variation among living organism from
different sources including terrestrial, marine and desert
ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are
part.
• Another definition of the term is that it is the measurement of
variations of genetic (Genetic Variability), species (Species
Diversity) and the ecosystem (Ecosystem Diversity).
• It is the totality of genes, species and ecosystem of a region.
• And lastly, Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life
on earth. It is the most complex and important feature of our
planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.

5. Insert Video of Biodiversity here

6. ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY
1. Biodiversity is essential to the processes that support all life on Earth. Without a wide range of animals,
plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with the air
we breathe and the food we eat.
2. Humans greatly depends on the natural processes that happen within the ecosystem. Even bugs and
bacteria that we can’t see or may not like the look of it, it is still essential key to the survival of humans.
Pollinators such as birds, bees and other insects are estimated to be responsible for a third of the world’s crop
production. Without pollinators we would not have apples, cherries, blueberries, almonds and many other
foods we eat. Biodiversity is also responsible in helping in the Agriculture sector as it is reliant to the
occurrences of invertebrates- they help to maintain the health of the soil crops grow in. Soil is teeming with
microbes that are vital for liberating nutrients that plants need to grow, which are then also passed to us when
we eat them. Life from the oceans provides the main source of animal protein for many people.
3. It acts as a natural defense to the harshness brought about by natural phenom and human actions. An
example of this are trees, bushes, wetlands and wild grasslands which naturally slows down water and help soil
to absorb rainfall. When they are removed it can increase flooding. Trees and other plants clean the air we
breathe and help us tackle the global challenge of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Coral reefs and
mangrove forests act as natural defenses protecting coastlines from waves and storms.
4. Many of our medicines, along with other complex chemicals that we use in our daily lives such as latex and
rubber, also originate from plants. Spending time in nature is increasingly understood to lead to improvements
in people’s physical and mental health. Simply having green spaces and trees in cities has been shown to
decrease hospital admissions, reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

7. TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY
Examples:
a. Animal breeds
b. Humans
c. Orchids
d. Aglaonema Plant
e. Fungi or Bacteria
1. Genetic Variability or Genetic Diversity
 It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organism. Every individual of a particular species
differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every human looks different from each other.
Similarly, there are different varieties in the same species.

8. IMPORTANCE
OF GENETIC
DIVERSITY
• Genetic diversity gives rise to different physical attributes
to the individual and capacity to adapt to stress, diseases and
unfavorable environmental conditions.
• Environmental changes that are natural or due to human
intervention, lead to the natural selection and survival of the
fittest. Hence, due to genetic diversity, the varieties that are
susceptible, die and the ones who can adapt to changes will
survive.
• Genetic diversity is important for a healthy population by
maintaining different varieties of genes that might be
resistant to pests, diseases or other conditions.
• New varieties of plants can be grown by cross-breeding
different genetic variants and produce plants with desirable
traits like disease resistance, increased tolerance to stress.
• Genetic diversity reduces the recurrence of undesirable
inherited traits.
• Genetic diversity ensures that at least there are some
survivors of a species left.

9. 2. SPECIES DIVERSITIES
Intraspecies Diversity:
 Also coined as “intraspecific diversity” which refers to the genetic variation of individuals and
populations of the same species. It is based on genetical heritable variation among populations or
individuals such Humans having white or black skin, blond or brown hair, blue or green eyes is one of
the many examples of intraspecific biodiversity.
Interspecies Diversity:
 Interspecific biodiversity refers to the diversity of living species among themselves: by their number,
their nature, and their relative importance.
 the number and relative abundance of species found in a given biological organization (population,
ecosystem, Earth). Species are the basic units of biological classification and hence, this is the measure most
commonly associated with the term 'biodiversity'.We speak of species diversity to describe the diversity of
living species. There are millions of living species on Earth. They’re all different and divided into groups
depending on their specificities (insects, animals, plants, fungi …). Species diversity is often separated into
two categories:

10. IMPORTANCE OF
SPECIES DIVERSITY
• In a healthy ecosystem, diverse and
balanced number of species exist to
maintain the balance of an ecosystem. In an
ecosystem, all the species depend on each
other directly or indirectly. So to make a
more efficient, productive and sustainable
ecosystem, it is important to maintain high
species diversity.

11. 3. ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
 Deals with the study of
different ecosystem in a certain location
and their overall effects on humans and
the environment as a whole. Ecosystem
diversity is defined as a form of diversity
between ecosystems within a
geographical location. An ecosystem is,
in turn, defined as a system that includes
all living organisms (biotic factors) and
the physical environment (abiotic
factors) functioning together as a unit.

12. BIOTIC AND
ABIOTIC
INTERACTIONS
• Biotic factors are living
things within an ecosystem;
such as plants, animals, and
bacteria, while abiotic are
non-living components; such
as water, soil and
atmosphere. The way these
components interact is
critical in an ecosystem.

13.  The biotic and the abiotic components interact with one another as a system and are linked to one another via
nutrient cycles and energy flows. For instance, energy and nutrients enter the system via the photoautotroph-
photosynthetic organisms. They are organisms that carry out photosynthesis, such as plants and green algae. Then,
the heterotrophs- individuals, for example, animals, feed on the photoautotrophs. This makes the energy and the
nutrients move through the system. The death of these organisms incites decomposition by the decomposers. This
process releases the nutrients back to the environment to be re-used by the organisms.
 The biotic and abiotic components can also serve as environmental (ecological) factors that affect the ecosystem.
The biotic components whose biological activity creates an impact in the ecosystem are referred to as the biotic
factors. The abiotic factors, in turn, include the non-living things and the physical aspects of an ecosystem, such as
climate, temperature, and pH.
 An example of a biotic factor is the extent of predation in an ecosystem. If there is an increase in the number of
predators, predation activity would likely increase. This, in turn, could significantly lessen the population density of
their prey. If their prey is a key species, meaning another group of organisms depends on them for survival, then
the decline (or worse, the extinction) of these key species could also lead to the decline (or worse, the extinction) of
the organisms relying upon them.
 As for the abiotic factor, they can regulate the size or the density of a species population. For instance, acid rain,
which is unusually acidic precipitation and has high levels of hydrogen ions, can produce detrimental effects to the
soil (e.g. leaching) as well as to the plants and aquatic animals that are sensitive to low pH. Apart from pH, other
abiotic factors are light, salinity, air, soil or substrate, and temperature.
INTERACTIONS

14. PROCESSES OF
THE ECOSYSTEM
• In an ecosystem, energy flows
while materials are cycled. These
two processes are linked and
essential to the structure, function,
and biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Let’s take a look at the figure to
understand them further.

15. TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS

16. 1. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM- is one that occurs on land.
Examples of land-based ecosystems are forest ecosystems, grassland
ecosystems, tundra ecosystems, and desert ecosystems.
 Forest ecosystem- is one that consists of various plants,
particularly trees. Because of the abundance of plants that
serve as producers, this ecosystem abounds in life. Not only
plants but also animals are teeming in a forest. They are also a
great source of fruits, wood, They also help maintain the earth’s
temperature. They are also a major carbon sink.
 Grassland ecosystems- are typically found in tropical or
temperate regions. They are dominated by grasses. As such,
the animals commonly found in this type of ecosystem are
grazing animals, such as cattle, goats, and deer.
 Tundra ecosystems- are characterized as being treeless and
snow-covered. The snow melts briefly in spring and summer,
producing shallow ponds. During this time, lichens and
flowering plants typically grow. Because of the ice that covers
the land in the tundra, this type of ecosystem is important in
regulating the earth’s temperature.
 Desert ecosystems- are the ones occurring in desert habitats.
Deserts are typically arid and windy. Some of them contain
sand dunes, others, mostly rock. Organisms in the desert are
not as diverse as those in forests but they possess adaptations
that make them suited to their environment. Plants that are
commonly found in the desert are CAM plants, such as cacti.
Desert animals include insects, reptiles, and birds.

17. 2. FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS- are the aquatic
ecosystems that do not contain saltwater. They are home
to algae, plankton, insects, amphibians, and fish. There
are two major types: lentic and lotic ecosystems.
Lentic ecosystem- refers to ecosystems in still
waters. Examples include the following: ponds,
puddles, and lakes. Lakes, in particular, may form
zonation. That is when it becomes very well
established that different zones are formed. These
zones are as follows: littoral, limnetic, and profundal.
The littoral zone is the part that is near the shore.
Here, light can penetrate up to the bottom.
The limnetic zone is the zone in which light does
not completely penetrate through. The part of the
limnetic zone that is penetrated by light is
the photic zone whereas the zone in which light
cannot penetrate through, and therefore is dark, is
the benthic zone. The plants and animals vary in
these zones. For instance, rooted plants are found in
the littoral zone but not in the limnetic zone. Rather,
freely-floating plants are the ones commonly seen
on the surface of the limnetic zone.
Lotic ecosystem- is an aquatic ecosystem
characterized by a freshwater habitat that is freely
flowing. That is as opposed to the lentic that is
nearly stationary. Examples include rivers and
streams. Many plants and animals in these
ecosystems have adaptations to help them cope
with the force and the different conditions that
running water brings.

18. 3. MARINE ECOSYSTEM- is an aquatic
ecosystem that contains saltwater.
Examples are the ecosystems in the seas
and oceans. The ocean ecosystems, in
particular, are an important source of
atmospheric oxygen due to the vast
population of autotrophic algae that
release oxygen through photosynthesis.
Marine ecosystems are regarded as the
most abundant type of ecosystem in the
world.

19. 4. ARTIFICIAL ECOSYSTEM- is a man-
made system, which can be further
classified as terrestrial, freshwater, or
marine. An example of an artificial
ecosystem is a terrarium. Many man-made
ecosystems are built for conservation
purposes, aesthetics, and studying biology
and ecology.

20. SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
• Science- scientific research can provide
insights into the ecological importance of
various species and ecosystems, leading to
conservation efforts that protect biodiversity.
• Technology- plays a pivotal role in
combating biodiversity loss, offering tools like
AI, machine learning, robotics, drones, and
environmental DNA sequencing for tracking
and protecting species. We also see promise
for generative AI as a tool for research,
analysis, monitoring and conservation. On the
other hand, technology can also cause harm
to biodiversity through activities such as
deforestation, pollution, and overfishing

21. BIODIVERSITY TO HUMANS
•
Biological diversity is the resource upon which families, communities, nations and future generations depend. It is the link
between all organisms on earth, binding each into an interdependant ecosystem, in which all species have their role. It is
the web of life.
The Earth’s natural assets are made up of plants, animals, land, water, the atmosphere AND humans! Together we all form
part of the planet’s ecosystems, which means if there is a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are at risk too.
But we are currently using 25% more natural resources than the planet can sustain As a result species, habitats and local
communities are under pressure or direct threats (for example from loss of access to fresh water).
Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives.
Put simply, reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests
and disease, and where fresh water is in irregular or short supply.

22. HUMANS TO BIODIVERSITY
Positive side
• Human impacts on the environment include reforestation, using clean energy, and protecting natural
preserves and forests to maintain the natural biodiversity. Protection of habitats and even supporting
protected growth of endangered species has allowed for some ecosystems to survive or prolong
survival.
Negative side
• Changes to how we use the land and waters. Both our lands and our seas contain
many different ecosystems, and these are affected by business actions.
• Overexploitation and unsustainable use.
• We contribute to Climate change.
• Increased pollution.
• Invasive species

23. PRESERVATIONS EFFORTS
We can participate in biodiversity
conservation by increasing our knowledge of
environmental issues, increasing our awareness of
the impacts of biodiversity loss, and increasing
support for government policies and actions that
conserve our valuable ecosystems. We can become
educators and role models as stewards of the
environment by aiding in the recovery of species at
risk and preventing other species from becoming at
risk. Habitat stewardship consists of activities that
range from enhancing the quality of soil, water, air
and other natural resources to monitoring and
conserving wildlife species and their habitat
by donating the property to a land trust.

24. THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING
Presented to you by:
RAYNER JOHN S. SANCHEZ
JEFF RYAN SABLAON