Biodiversity

Introduction to this section:

Video 1: What is biodiversity? (7:51)

Video 2: Cataloging an Ecosystem (2:16)

Video 3: CNN Explains: Deforestation (2:22)
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Study Guide (Transcripts/Summaries):
Biodiversity is cataloging all of the species in an ecosystem and their interactions with the aim of understanding their evolutionary and genetic history. This understanding should help with making decisions on how best to preserve and manage ecosystems. The values of biodiversity are: 1) economic value, 2) ecological life support, 3) cultural value, 4) recreational value, 5) scientific value, 6) negative value.

Deforestation is the practice of cutting down forests. Deforestation is most common in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and Russia. Three reasons for deforestation are: 1) industrial uses, 2) to promote agriculture, and 3) clearing land for livestock. Deforestation affects the environment in two main ways. 1) Trees absorb carbon dioxide. As human beings put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere while at the same time cutting down more trees, the ability of the planet to balance how much carbon is in the atmosphere is disrupted. 2) The habitat for animals to live in is reduced.

Sources:
Video 1: What is biodiversity and why is it important?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgNamjTRkk
Video 2: Cataloging an Ecosystem, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e759amzOJdk
Video 3: CNN Explains: Deforestation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4jhjt1_eyM