Handout Biodiversity

Concepts of Environmental Science
Hand-out # 5: Environmental Systems: Biodiversity

Prepared by : Jennifer M. Sunga
From the biomes, we have learned that life really occurs in a marvelous spectrum of sizes,
colors, shapes, life cycles, and interrelationships. The varieties of organisms and complex
ecological relationships give the biosphere its unique, and productive characteristics.
Biodiversity, the variety of living things, also makes the world a more beautiful and exciting
place to live.
Living organisms are integral part of the environment. Thus, the number of organisms in
a particular place may be considered as a determinant of a healthy environment. The
measure of diversity of living organisms, in both number of individuals and number of
species, keep track of the status of habitats as well as the efforts for conservation and
preservation.
Biodiversity, generally speaking, refers to the variety of living organisms. Biodiversity

can be further defined as:
Genetic diversity – measure of the variety of versions of the same genes within
individual species;
Species diversity – number of different kinds of organisms within individual
communities or ecosystem; and
Ecological diversity – richness and complexity of a biological community (niches,
trophic levels, and ecological processes)
To understand the diversity of species, certain terminologies must be considered:

Endemic species – can only be found in a particular place
Native species – naturally existing organism in a particular area
Invasive species – introduced or foreign species that “steals” natural
niches or disturbs the ecosystem
Endangered species – few number, almost near extinction
Extinct species – species that does not exist anymore
Keystone species – plays a critical role in a biological community that is
out of proportion to its abundance
Some areas have greater biodiversity because of the geography, climate, and level of
human activity. Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high biodiversity but are at greater
risk of being destroyed due to natural and anthropological activities. Most of these areas
are located near the equator, including the Philippines. Benefits of biodiversity include
providing food and medicine, aiding ecosystem sustainability, and serving aesthetic and
cultural values.
Threats to biodiversity may be summarized by the acronym “HIPPO” which means:

Habitat destruction – living organisms are being displaced when their habitats are
being destroyed. Conversion of forests to farmlands, mangrove areas to fishponds,
and habitat fragmentation threaten biodiversity
Invasive species – alien, non-native, or introduced species compete with the

available resources. Furthermore, they can have adaptations that allow them to
survive and thrive better than native species.
Pollution – anthropogenic activities can result to problems of waste disposal and

pollution. Pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals are introduced to the
environment and threaten environmental health and safety.
Population Growth – the increase of human population led to increased
consumption of valuable resources, expansion of agriculture and fisheries,
urbanization, and spread of waste and harmful chemicals to the environment.
Overharvesting – abuses to the environment by taking more individuals than

natural reproduction and recovery can replace takes its toll on the biodiversity.
Some species become endangered because of poaching and illegal trade.
Protection of biodiversity is a social responsibility. We protect the environment not only

because humans benefit from it but living organisms also have the inherent right to live.
Humans must learn to co-exist with other living organisms as our species, Homo sapiens,
is just one of the species that enrich the biodiversity of Earth.
The call for protection of biodiversity and the environment have made its way to
advocacies supporting protection of endangered species, rebuilding populations and
recovery plans, reforestation, stricter hunting and fishing laws, and habitat protection. In
the Philippines, certain laws exist to protect biodiversity such as NIPAS Act of 1992,
Wildlife Protection Act, Philippine Mining Code, and others. However, the real challenge
remains on how to implement the laws fairly and at a broader scale, and all together
working for sustainable development.
Summary
1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms
2. Some areas, including the Philippines, are considered biodiversity hotspots
3. Benefits of biodiversity include providing food and medicine, aiding ecosystem
sustainability, and giving aesthetic and cultural value
4. Threats to biodiversity include Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution,
Population growth, Overharvesting
5. Conservation and protection of biodiversity is integral part of sustainable
development
Reference:
Cunningham W., Cunningham M. 2011. Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry
and Applications. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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Concepts of Environmental Science

Hand-out # 5: Environmental Systems: Biodiversity

Biodiversity, generally speaking, refers to the variety of living organisms. Biodiversity

To understand the diversity of species, certain terminologies must be considered:

Threats to biodiversity may be summarized by the acronym “HIPPO” which means:

Invasive species – alien, non-native, or introduced species compete with the

Pollution – anthropogenic activities can result to problems of waste disposal and

Overharvesting – abuses to the environment by taking more individuals than

Protection of biodiversity is a social responsibility. We protect the environment not only

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