BIODIVERSITY

BIODIVERSIT
Y
BIO- LIFE
DIVERSITY -
VARIETY
Biodiversity
is all the diff erent kinds of
life you’ll fi nd in one area—
the variety of animals, plants,
fungi, and even
microorganisms like bacteria
that make up our natural
world. Each of these species
and organisms work together
in ecosystems, like an
intricate web, to maintain
balance and support life
 WHY BIODIVERSITY IS
IMPORTANT?
Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth,
including humans. 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 STATES OF
BIODIVERSITY
LOW BIODIVERSITY

HIGH BIODIVERSITY
 LOW
BIODIVERSITY
-Low biodiversity is used to describe ecosystems that do not have a wide variety of life
forms.It implies that an area supports only a small number of different species, which can
lead to ecological instability and decreased resilience to changes or disturbances in the
environment.

HIGH
BIODIVERSITY
High biodiversity refers to ecosystems that are characterized by a large
number of different species. This includes not only the variety of species
present but also the population sizes of those species within an ecosystem.
Areas with high biodiversity support diverse life forms, fostering ecological
interactions that are vital for sustainability.
EXAMPLE OF LOW AND HIGH
BIODIVERSITY
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?

HIGH
BIODIVERSITY
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?

LOW
BIODIVERSITY
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?

LOW
BIODIVERSITY
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?
LOW OR HIGH
BIODIVERSITY?

HIGH
BIODIVERSITY
 TYPES OF
BIODIVERSITY
TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY

• GENETIC
DIVERSITY
• SPECIES
DIVERSITY
• ECOSYSTEM
DIVERSITY
 GENETIC
DIVERSITY
Genetic diversity refers to the diversity (or genetic
variability) within species.
Each individual species possesses genes which are the
source of its own unique
features: In human beings, for example, the huge variety of
people's faces reflects
each person's genetic individuality. The term genetic
diversity also covers distinct
populations of a single species, such as the thousands of
breeds of different dogs or
the numerous variety of roses.
 EXAMPLE OF GENETIC
DIVERSITY

DOG
S

HUMAN
S

CORNS
FLOWERS
 GENETIC
DIVERSITY
HAS THE
FOLLOWING
IMPORTANCE
 Genetic diversity has the following importance:

(1) It helps in speciation or evolution of new species;

(2) It is useful in adaptation to changes in
environmental conditions;
(3) It is important for agricultural productivity and
development.
 WHAT IS
SPICIES
DIVERSITY?
“Species diversity is defined as the
number of different species present
in an ecosystem and relative
abundance of each of those
species.”
*Species Diversity: This refers to the variety of species within a
given ecosystem. A diverse range of species helps to maintain
ecological balance and resilience .
 WHY SPECIES DIVERSITY IS
IMPORTANT?
*Species diversity is important because loss of a
species rarely happens in isolation as plants and
animals play important roles in the survival of
other species as sources of food, in population
management, and as shelter
EXAMPLE OF SPECIES DIVERSITY
ECOSYSTEM
DIVERSITY
 ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
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, Ecosystems may
be terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and artificial. The
diversity of the ecosystems in a particular geographical location
may be Identified and studied so as to understand their overall
impact on human existence and the environment. It can be dealt
with at a micro-level (small scale) or at a macro level (large
scale). Macro-scale ecosystem diversity would therefore be
concerned.
 EXAMPLE OF
OSYSTEM DIVERSITY

freshwater ecosystem

artificial ecosystem

marine ecosystem

terrestrial ecosystem
 IMPACTS OF ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY:

A diverse environment can constantly hold

environmental consequences. When a
complex ecosystem is highly affected by the
activities of humans and other
environmental problems, there could be still
a chance that the interaction among
organisms can continue to exist despite the
impact.
 ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
DEFINITION
: Ecosystem diversity focuses on both terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems. Also, it includes the variation of a biological community
such as the number of levels of ecosystem diversity and different
niches or habitat diversity, and other ecological processes.
Ecosystem diversity has a great deal on both genetic and species
diversity, thus it is coined as the ”largest scale of biodiversity
".Grasslands tundras, deserts, rainforests, terrestrial and Marine
ecosystems, are some examples of ecosystems that are diverse
and contribute a lot to creating a well-balanced environment.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN CHANGING ECOSYSTEM
DIVERSITY:

Humans are changing the original structure of ecological

communities by various activities that increase the rates of
species extinctions and invasion locally and globally. These
modifications in Earth's ecological communities cause a
compelling concern for ecosystem diversity loss. The
ecosystem's diversity loss may be man-made or naturally
induced that can greatly affect the environment.
 10 MOST
ENDANGERED
ANIMALS
 1.PHILIPPINE
EAGLE

1.Philipine Eagle-Truly a jewel of the Philippines, the Philippine Eagle also known as
monkey-eating eagle is tagged as the national bird of the Philippines. Though like a
king of the forest this eagle is among the most powerful of birds with sights that are the stuff
of legends, the Haribon has become one of the rarest. Foremost cause for this population
decimation is habitat loss.
 2.TAMARAW

2.Tamaraw-The wild buffalo, a distant cousin of the carabao, has been grazing the land
12,000 years ago, long before there were any natives to disturb their peace much less
malls. Today, however, the Tamaraw distinguished by its slightly smaller build and V-shaped
horns as compared to the more docile carabao, holds its final stand in the rugged
mountains of Mindoro. They are at the brink of extinction as only about 350 remain.
Scientific
3.VISYAN WARTY
PIG

3.Visyan Warty Pig-One of the major reason why this wild pig known for the 3 pairs of
wart in its appearance has become so rare. And to confound things up, the pig has as a
subspecies the Cebu warty pig. Seems things are looking bleak for the boar as Cebu is the
unofficial lechon capital of the Philippines. Luckily, breeding programs for the specie are
being undertaken in Rotterdam Zoo and San Diego Zoo.
 4.PHILIPPINE
NAKED-
BACKED FRUIT
BAT

4.Philippine naked-backed fruit bat-has attracted bad men, being hunted for its
meat. However by some twist of fate, this mega bat specie known for its naked appearance
due to the wings attachment on the midline of their back, mide an amazing recovery.
Reported to be extinct in 1970's, the night-flier known to very equipped at biting through
hard-skinned fruits making khem extremely unpopular to farmers, were rediscovered,
though in small mbers by the 2000's.
 5.PHILIPPINE
FOREST TURTLE

5.Philipine forest Turtle-This turtle may have gotten a mishomer as it is totally not
endemic to the island of Leyte but only in the Palawan island group. You can easily
distinguish this land turtle by its ginkgo-shaped vertebral scutes (at its back). Also, a line
which is colored pale white to yellow traverses across its head behind the ears. They are
prized as pets and ranks as one of the most commonly confiscated species in the
Philippines with overseas buyers visiting the islands to collect them.
 6.RED VENTED
CACKATOO

6.Red Vented Cackatoo-You can never mistake this 12 inch-long cockatoo made up of
just two colors: white and red. Like a priest out to say Holy Massthis bird is all-white with red
feathers around the vent. Perhaps because of its strikingly-clean personality, the red-vented
has become a victim of the cage-bird trade with a bird fetching as much as $160 in Manila.
And that was in the late 90's.
7.HAWKSBILL SEA
TURTLE

7.Hawksbill sea turtle-Distinguished for its narrow, pointed beak that earned it its
name as "Hawk' s bill", this medium-sized vegetarian of a turtle has been under heavy
attack from humans in general, and Filipinos in particular who hunt them for their meat and
for their shells which are prized material for many accessories in the fashion industry.
 8.RUFOUS-
HEADED
HORNBILL

8.Rufous-headed hornbill-This bird with a lot of weight on its horn, is found only in the
Philippines. Yes, you're right. No other country has this mighty specie. That fact alone
should make us proud. Had it stayed that way. The thing is the Kalaw or rufous-headed is in
an extremely rapid population decline or in plain English their numbers are dying. It's a
shame that we can't take care of such a wonderful bird treasure
 9.THE MINDORO
BLEEDING HEAL

9.The Mindoro Bleeding Heal-Its heart must be bleeding saddened by its fate.
Another species that is fighting for its very existence is the Mindoro Bleeding-heart, a type
of ground dove with the unmistakable red markings on its chest. The sad reality is most, of
its natural habitat has been cleared as majority, if not all, of the primary forests of Mindoro
have been cleared.
 10.PHILIPPINES
CROCODILE

10.Philipine Crocodile-Through the years, many of these Mindoro crocodiles endemic

only to the Philippines have disappeared falling prey to relentless hunters. Mighty and
dangerous may the Philippine Crocodile be, its hide is a prized catch, an expensive material
for fashion accessories (e.g., bags, shoes). Unlike the saltwater crocodile Lolong, said to be
the world's largest crocodile at 21 feet long weighing 1,075 kilos, Philippine Crocodiles also
called as Mindoro Crocodile are much smaller growing 3 meters or less than 10 feet (almost
 10 MOST
ENDANGERED
ANIMALS
 1.JAVAN RHINOS

1. JAVAN RHINOS- Once found throughout south-east Asia, Javan rhinos have suffered
a staggering decline in their numbers due to hunting and habitat loss. The lone wild
population of Javan rhinos is one of the rarest of the rhino species-around 75 individuals-
which can only be found on the island of Java, Indonesia. The Ujung Kulon National Park, a
World Heritage Site, is the last remaining refuge of Javan rhinos. But the area also suffers
from the invading Arenga palm, leaving the rhinos with less food to eat and less habitat to
roam.
2.AMUR LEOPARD

2. AMUR LEOPARD Ola Jennersten / WWF-Sweden The Amur leopard is one of the
rarest big cats in the world, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild. Although their
wild population seems to be stable and increasing, these leopard subspecies are still
critically endangered since 1996. And there is a good reason that: Amur leopards can only
be found in a relatively small region of the far east of Russia and north-eastern China at
present.
 3.SUNDA ISLAND
TIGER

3. SUNDA ISLAND TIGER -The Sunda Island tiger, or the Sumatran tiger, is the
smallest tiger subspecies in the world, weighing up to 140kg. For reference, the tigers that
live in the Amur region are the biggest of all the big cats where males can weigh up to twice
as much as Sunda Island tigers. They are also very rare - there are estimated to be around
600 in the wild, and are only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra
 4.MOUNTAIN
GORILLAS

4. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS- The Mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla,

which lives in two isolated populations in the high-altitude forests up in the volcanic,
mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, and in
the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. The Virunga Landscape has a history of
political instability along with high levels of poverty in the region. This poses a substantial
threat to mountain gorilla numbers as people have moved into areas closer to these great
apes for food, shelter and space-over 500,000 people live near mountain gorilla habitat at
present.
 5.TAPANULI
ORANGUTAN

5. TAPANULI ORANGUTAN- The Tapanuli orangutan is the newly described species of

orangutan, listed as a distinct species in 2017. Only a single, isolated population of Tapanuli
orangutans exist in the wild, which is restricted to the tropical forests of the Batang Toru
ecosystem on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Today, these tree-dwelling primates are
critically endangered with fewer than 800 individuals in the wild, making them the most
endangered great ape species in the world. The loss of habitat is one of the main threats to
its survival as tropical forests are being replaced by agriculture, mining, and hydroelectric
and geothermal development
 6.YANGTZE
FINLESS
PORPOISE

6. YANGTZE FINLESS PORPOISE- The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is the odd one out of
its family as it is the only living freshwater porpoise found in the world. This aquatic mammal
currently resides in the Yangtze River in China and is listed as a critically endangered
species. While the Yangtze river plays a crucial role in healthy ecosystem functioning, years
of environmental degradation, overfishing and water pollution in the region are having
detrimental impacts on many animal species who call it their home. Once upon a time,
Yangtze river dolphins used to live alongside finless porpoises, but there haven't been any
freshwater dolphin sightings for the past two decades. Sadly, this could be yet another stark
reminder of what soon may follow for many endangered species, including the Yangtze
finless porpoise.
 7.BLACK RHINOS

7. BLACK RHINOS-Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino populations suffered dramatic
losses in their numbers due to large-scale poaching. Around 2% survived the severe
onslaught of the past. As rhino conservation took hold, their numbers have more than
doubled across Africa since the 1990s. But, black rhinos are still listed as critically
endangered by the IUCN, with around 5,630 individuals in the wild. Three subspecies of
black rhino now survive, with the western black rhino declared extinct in 2011. Today, 95%
of black rhinos are found in just four countries: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and
Zimbabwe.
 8.AFRICAN
FOREST
ELEPHANT

8. AFRICAN FOREST ELEPHANT- Deep in the dense, humid forests of West and
Central Africa, you can find the elusive forest elephant, one of the two members of the
African elephant species. The actual number of wild African forest elephants remains
uncertain due to their shy nature, but we do know that they are critically endangered
species and have declined by an estimated 86% over 31 years
 9.SUMATRAN
ORANGUTAN

9. SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN- The Sumatran orangutan is found exclusively on the

island of Sumatra, Indonesia. They are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN at
present, with less than 14,000 individuals in the wild. Sumatran orangutans face similar
threats to their Bornean and Tapanuli counterparts. From logging, agricultural plantations,
and expanding infrastructure development to the illicit pet trade.
 10.HAWKSBILL
TURTLES

10. HAWKSBILL TURTLES -The Hawksbill turtle is one of the seven species of marine
turtles and is found in nearshore tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Indian,
and the Pacific Ocean. Their numbers are believed to be between 20,000 and 23,000
nesting turtles, although it is difficult to assess their true population numbers since marine
turtles are the true ocean wanderers. In the last 30 years, the worldwide populations of
hawksbill turtles have reduced by at least 80% as a consequence of accidental capture in
fishing gears, nesting habitat degradation, coral reef damage and the illegal trade of
hawksbill shells and products.
 10 MOST
ENDANGERED
PLANTS
IN THE
 1.CORALLINE
ALGAE

1 coralline algae, are a type of red algae that have a hard, calcareous skeleton. They
are found in marine environments and play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems by
contributing to the reef's structure. These algae have a characteristic pink or red color due
to pigments like phycoerythrin and are important for reef building as they help bind the
calcium carbonate that forms the reef.
2.PITCHER PLANT

2. pitcher plant is a type of carnivorous plant known for its tube-shaped, pitcher-like
leaves that trap and digest insects and other small prey. The plant's leaves are modified to
form a deep cavity filled with digestive fluids, and the inner surface is often slippery or lined
with downward-pointing hairs to prevent escape. These plants attract prey using nectar and
bright colors. They are typically found in nutrient-poor environments where they supplement
their diet with captured insects.
3.THE GIANT STAG
HORN FERN

The giant stag horn fern, scientifically known as Platycerium grande, is a large
epiphytic fern native to tropical regions. It is characterized by its large, broad fronds that
resemble antlers or horns, hence the name "stag horn." These ferns are typically mounted
on trees or other supports in their natural habitat and are known for their dramatic
appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
 4.ALOCASIA
SANDERIANA

4.Alocasia sanderiana- is a species of tropical plant in the Araceae family, commonly

known for its striking foliage. It is native to the Philippines and is appreciated for its large,
arrow-shaped leaves with prominent veins. The plant is often cultivated as an ornamental
houseplant due to its dramatic appearance and relatively manageable size, though it
requires specific care conditions, including high humidity and indirect light, to thrive.
 5.ALOCASIA
SINUATA

5.Alocasia sinuata is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is commonly

known for its striking foliage, which features large, heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive
wavy or sinuate margin. This plant is native to tropical regions and is often grown as an
ornamental houseplant or in gardens with suitable conditions. It typically thrives in warm,
humid environments and requires well-draining soil.
 6.ZAMBALES
PITOGO

6.The term "Zambales Pitogo" refers to a variety of pitogo (a type of taro or yam) that is
grown in Zambales, a province in the Philippines. Pitogo is a local name for a particular kind
of taro, and the Zambales region is known for its agricultural products, including this specific
variety of taro. This variety is often recognized for its distinct characteristics, which may
include differences in flavor, texture, or color compared to other varieties.
 7.CYATHEA
CONTAMINANS

7.Cyathea contaminans-, commonly known as the contaminated tree fern, is a

species of tree fern in the family Cyatheaceae. It is native to the tropical forests of Central
and South America. Like other tree ferns, it has a trunk-like stem that supports a crown of
large, feathery fronds. This species thrives in humid, shaded environments and is often
found in rainforests or cloud forests.
 8.ALOCASIA
MICHOLITZIANA

8.Alocasia micholitziana, commonly known as the "Micholitz's alocasia," is a

species of tropical plant in the Araceae family. It is noted for its striking foliage, which often
features large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins and a dark green color.
This plant is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in warm, humid environments. It is often
grown as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive appearance and dramatic leaf patterns.
 9.ISOETES
PHILIPPINENSIS

9.Isoetes philippinensis, commonly known as the Philippine quillwort, is a

species of quillwort in the family Isoetaceae. It is a type of lycophyte, which is a group of
vascular plants known for their distinctive, grass-like leaves arranged in a rosette. Isoetes
philippinensis is native to the Philippines and typically found in aquatic or semi-aquatic
habitats. It reproduces through spores and is characterized by its unique quill-like leaves
that emerge from a central corm.
 10.KNEMA
RIOSDALEANA

10.The term "Knema riosdaleana" refers to a species of plant in the genus Knema,
which is part of the family Myristicaceae. Knema riosdaleana is a tropical tree that is native
to Southeast Asia. It is known for its aromatic seeds, which are used in traditional medicine
and as spices. The plant's scientific classification and specific characteristics are often
detailed in botanical literature.
 10 MOST
ENDANGERED
PLANTS
IN THE WORLD
1.RHIZANTHELLA
GARDNERI

1.Rhizanthella gardneri, commonly known as the "underground orchid," is a

species of orchid native to Western Australia. Unlike most orchids, it is a mycoheterotrophic
plant, meaning it does not photosynthesize and instead relies on a symbiotic relationship
with fungi in the soil for nutrients. The plant's unique growth habit involves it remaining
entirely underground except for the flowering structure, which emerges from the soil. The
flowers of R. gardneri are typically small and pale, often appearing in clusters.
2.ENCEPHALARTO
S WOODII

2.Encephalartos woodii- is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae, native to

South Africa. It is notable for its large, attractive, and glossy leaves arranged in a pinnate
formation. The species is critically endangered in the wild, with no known natural
populations remaining, though it is cultivated in gardens and botanical collections
worldwide. Encephalartos woodii is valued for its unique appearance and its role in cycad
conservation efforts.
 3.PENNATIA
BAYLISIANA

3.Pennantia baylisiana is a species of sea anemone belonging to the family

Actiniidae. It is found in marine environments and is notable for its distinctive appearance
and behavior. Like other sea anemones, it has a cylindrical body and tentacles that it uses
to capture prey. The species was described by scientists based on specific morphological
features that distinguish it from other sea anemones.
 4.LIVISTONA
AUSTRALIS

4.Livistona australis-, commonly known as the "Cabbage Tree Palm" or

"Australian Fan Palm," is a species of palm native to eastern Australia. It is
characterized by its fan-shaped leaves and tall, slender trunk. This palm typically grows in
subtropical and tropical regions and is often used in landscaping due to its attractive
appearance and tolerance of various soil conditions.
 5.RAFFLESIA
ARNOLDII

5.Rafflesia arnoldii, commonly known as the corpse flower, is a species of parasitic

flowering plant native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is notable for producing the
largest single flower in the world, which can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. The
flower emits a strong odor resembling rotting flesh, which attracts pollinators such as carrion
flies. The plant lacks visible leaves, stems, or roots and relies entirely on its host plant for
nutrients.
 6.ENCEHALARTOS
A WOODII

6.Encephalartos woodii is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae, native to

South Africa. It is notable for its large, attractive, and glossy leaves arranged in a pinnate
formation. The species is critically endangered in the wild, with no known natural
populations remaining, though it is cultivated in gardens and botanical collections
worldwide. Encephalartos woodii is valued for its unique appearance and its role in cycad
conservation efforts.
 7.PAPHIOPEDILUM
ROTHSCHILDIANU
M

7.Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is a species of orchid belonging to the genus

Paphiopedilum, commonly known as "slipper orchids." This species is native to the
mountainous regions of Borneo and the Philippines. It is characterized by its large, striking
flowers that have a distinctive pouch-like lip, often with a greenish or yellowish coloration
and dark red or brown markings. The plant is noted for its unique and elegant floral
structure, making it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts.
 8.KOKIA COOKEI

8. Kokia cookei, a species of flowering plant. Kokia cookei is a rare and endangered
plant native to Hawaii. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is known for its beautiful,
vibrant flowers. Unfortunately, this species has faced significant threats due to habitat loss
and other environmental factors, making conservation efforts critical for its survival.
 9.HIBISCADELPHU
S WOOCHEE

9.Hibiscadelphus woochee is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family.

It is endemic to Hawaii and is known for its distinctive and beautiful flowers. The plant is
typically found in forested areas and is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss
and other environmental pressures. Conservation efforts are in place to help protect and
preserve this unique species.
 10.FRANKLINIA
ALATAMAHA

10.Franklinia alatamaha, commonly known as Franklin tree, is a deciduous tree

species in the family Theaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, specifically
along the Altamaha River in Georgia. The tree is known for its showy, fragrant white flowers
and bright fall foliage. It is named after Benjamin Franklin and was discovered by botanists
John and William Bartram in the 18th century. Franklinia alatamaha is notable for being
extinct in the wild and surviving only in cultivation.