comBIODIVERSITY TES

BIODIVERSITY
TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT &

SOCIETY
Mohammed Mofizur Rahman M.Sc.

[Part Time Faculty, TVE Department]
Chapter 5 of Botkin & Keller; Chapter 3 of Miller & Spoolman

Part II
Fundamentals
of
BIODIVERSITY
We will learn…
•Biodiversity and its importance;
•Biological diversity basics (genetic, habitat and
•species);
•Key processes of biological evolution (mutation, natural selection,
migration and genetic drift);
•Various types of species (native, ubiquitous, endemic,
cosmopolitan, non-native, exotic, invasive, indicator, keystone); I
•nteraction between species (competition, symbiosis, predation
parasitism);
•Ecological niche;
•Biodiversity patterns and ecological gradients; Biodiversity
hotspot ;
•Threats to biodiversity (e.g., IUCN Redlist category)
1. What is biodiversity
?
LAWACHARA
“variety of life-forms”
usually expressed as no. of species
(Botkin & Keller,2010)
Scale
Biodiversity can be understood at different scales:
1) Genetic Diversity
2) Species Diversity
3) Ecosystem Diversity
Scale
forest mountain
desert
wetland grassland
ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
= It is the variation in
the ecosystems found in a region or
the variation in ecosystems over
the whole planet
Scale
Scale
Scale
SPECIES DIVERSITY
= the number of different species that are represented in a given community
Scale
GENETIC DIVERSITY
genetic variability among individuals within
each species.
≠
2. How many species?
WORLD
Wildlife of Bangladesh
Marine fsh not included

TOTAL
1619-31
=1588
Flora of Bangladesh
300 275
Algae
(in freshwater)
6000 fungi
8
endemic
plant species
3611 230
300
ferns
flowering
exotic
source: banglapedia.org
3. Species diversity
CONCEPTS IN SPECIES DIVERSITY
Species richness
Species evenness
Species abundance
Species richness: number of species

found in a community or ecosystem
Species evenness: the abundance of
individuals within each of species which
exist in a given community /ecosystem
Species abundance:the most abundant
species: Relative abundance of species X =
no. of species X____
total no. of species

1. What is the species richness is both?

2. Which community has higher species evenness?
3. In Community 2 which species is the most
abundant?
4. Calculate relative abundance of species A in
Community 2.
Scale of Species diversity
Alpha
diversity:
within a
community
Alpha
diversity:
within a
community
Beta diversity: Between communities

Gamma diversity:
total diversity
of a region
Alpha
diversity:
within a
community
Beta diversity: Between communities

4. What drove/drives diversity?
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION AND SPECIATION
Biological Evolution:
change in inherited
characteristics of a
population from
generation to
generation.
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION AND SPECIATION
Biological Evolution:
change in inherited
characteristics of a
population from
generation to
generation.
Speciation: begins when

populations become
isolated by changes in
geography or by shifts
in behavior so that they
no longer interbreed.
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
4 mechanisms of evolution
1. Natural Selection
2. Mutation
3. Migration & Isolation
4. Genetic Drift: genetic variation because
of randomness
For more details read section 8.3 of Botkin & Keller (2010)
1. Natural Selection(& survival of the fittest)
Clean Environment
Clean Environment Polluted Environment

4. WHAT DROVE/DRIVES DIVERSITY?

HEH!! You can’t
1.
foolNatural
me now!! #! Selection(& survival of the fittest)
@#^&

4. WHAT DROVE/DRIVES DIVERSITY?



2.Mutation: changes in the genes (made of DNA)
beneficial | useless | harmful:
Examples of beneficial mutation:
-mutations in humans not allowing HIV to bind to
host cells,
-evolution of trichromatic vision in humans(Bower,
1998)
2.Mutation: changes in the genes (made of DNA)
Descended from an eyed
surface fish, over long
periods of time the
subterranean form of the
same species has adapted
to darkness, accumulating
new mutations that make
Astyanax mexicanus them blind.
.
HOW? -> Mutation & Nat. Sel.
WHY? Efficiency?
“If you don’t use it, you lose it”
3. Migration & geographic isolation
•Sometimes two
populations of the
same species become
geographically
isolated from each
other for a long time.
•During that time, the

two populations may
change so much that
they can no longer
reproduce together
even when they are
brought back into
contact.
•Sometimes two
populations of the
same species become
geographically
isolated from each
•During that time, the

two populations may
change so much that
they can no longer
reproduce together
even when they are
brought back into
contact.
•Sometimes two
populations of the
same species become Lush
geographically green
isolated from each
•During that time, the Geographic Barrier

two populations may
change so much that
they can no longer
reproduce together dry
even when they are
brought back into
contact.
4. Genetic drift
Genetic drift: changes in the frequency of a gene in a
population due to chance (not the other 3).
5. Species Interactions
3 ways in which species interact
1. Competition: 2. Symbiosis:
+ve |+ve
-ve | -ve
3.Predation-Parasitism:
BIOLUMINESCENCE
-ve | +ve
Bobtail Squid-A. fisheri

1. Competition: 2. Symbiosis:
+ve |+ve
-ve | -ve +|-ve
+ | 0
3.Predation-Parasitism:
BIOLUMINESCENCE
-ve | +ve
Bobtail Squid-A. fisheri

1. Predation is when a predator organism (“hunter”)
feeds on another living organism or organisms, known
as prey. The predator always lowers the prey’s
fitness (survival + reproduction). It does this by
keeping the prey from surviving, reproducing, or both.
Predator-prey relationships are essential to
maintaining the balance of organisms in an
ecosystem
3 types of predation=>
I. true predation
II. grazing
III. parasitism
WHAT KIND OF
PREDATION IS EACH
WHAT KIND OF PREDATION IS EACH OF

WHAT KIND OF
PREDATION IS
THIS?
Importance of predators in an ecosystem:
Predators play an important role in an ecosystem. For example, if
they did not exist, then a single species could become
dominant over others. Grazers on a grassland keep grass from
growing out of control. There are species that can have a large
effect on the balance of organisms in an ecosystem. For
example, if all of the wolves are removed from a population,
then the population of deer or rabbits may increase. If there are
too many deer, then they may decrease the amount of plants or
grasses in the ecosystem. Decreased levels of producers may
then have a detrimental effect on the whole ecosystem.
2. Competition: is a relationship between

organisms that strive for the same resources
in the same place.
I. Intra-specific: within the same species
II. Inter-specific: among different species
3. SYMBIOSIS IS A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
TWO SPECIES IN WHICH AT LEAST ONE SPECIES
BENEFITS.
I. Mutualism (+ve|+ve) is a symbiotic relationship in

which both species benefit.
II. Commensalism (+ve|0)is a symbiotic relationship in
which one species benefits while the other species is
not affected.
III. Parasitism (+ve | -ve) is a symbiotic relationship in

which one species (the parasite) benefits while the
other species (the host) is harmed.
6. Competition & Ecological
Niche
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: HOW SPECIES CO-EXIST
Definition: Total way of life or role of a species in an
ecosystem. Includes: physical, chemical, biological
conditions a species needs to live and reproduce in an
ecosystem (Miller, 2005)
Fundamental niche: total

range of env. conditions
suitable for a species (w/o
competition)
Realized niche: describes that

part of the fundamental niche
actually occupied by the
species
Niche
RESOURCE PARTITIONING & NICHE DIFFERENTIATION
In the beginning…
competitive exclusion
principle
Fig. Sharing the wealth: resource partitioning of five species of insect-eating warblers in the spruce forests
of Maine.Each species minimizes competition with the others for food by spending at least half its feeding
time in a distinct portion(shaded areas) of the spruce trees, and by consuming somewhat different insect
species.
For details: read section:8.4 (Botkin/Keller) & section:6.3 (Miller)

Niche
In the beginning…
Later…
competitive exclusion
principle
Fig. Sharing the wealth: resource partitioning of five species of insect-eating warblers in the spruce forests
of Maine.Each species minimizes competition with the others for food by spending at least half its feeding
time in a distinct portion(shaded areas) of the spruce trees, and by consuming somewhat different insect
species.

Niche
Fig. Sharing the wealth: resource partitioning of

five species of insect-eating warblers in the spruce
forests of Maine.Each species minimizes competition
with the others for food by spending at least half
its feeding time in a distinct portion(shaded areas)
of the spruce trees, and by consuming somewhat
different insect species.

7. Factors affecting diversity
1.Disturbance (low, moderate, high)
2.Presence of invasive alien species
3.Human population
4.Overexploitation of natural resource
5.Habitat loss and fragmentation
6.High diversity at one trophic level

increases diversity at another level
7.Climate (temperature & precipitation)

high diversity at
one trophic level
high diversity at higher diversity

one trophic level at another level
Example of Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
Example of Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
UNGRAZED
UNGRAZED
GRAZED
GRAZED
TYPES OF SPECIES
• Foundation species: A species that plays a
major role in shaping communities by creating
and enhancing a habitat that benefits
• other species.
• Keystone Species: Species that play roles
affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem.
• Endemic Species: Species that is found in only
one area. Such species are especially vulnerable
to extinction.
• Indicator Species: Species that serve as early
warnings that a community or ecosystem is
being degraded.
TYPES OF SPECIES
• Native species are those species that

normally live and thrive in a particular
community. Other species that migrate into or
are deliberately or accidentally introduced into
an community are called nonnative species,
alien species or exotic species
• Sometimes, however, a nonnative species can
crowd out native species and cause unintended
and unexpected adverse consequences. Then
these are called alien invasive species
(especially if its difficult to stop their spread)
More info: Miller & Spoolman pg 111-113
8. Patterns in Biodiversity
ENVIRONMENTAL/ECOLOGICAL GRADIENTS
An environmental /ecological gradient is a gradual

change in abiotic factors through space (or time).
Environmental gradients can be related to factors such
as
1)altitude, Species abundances usually
2)temperature, change along environmental
3) depth, gradients in a more or less
4) ocean proximity predictive way. However, the
5) soil humidity. species abundance along an
environmental gradient is not only
determined by the abiotic factor
but, also by the change in the biotic
interactions, like competition, along
ECOLOGICAL GRADIENTS
Example: Latitudinal Gradient of Biodiversity
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/ldg_02
Number of species
Problem with measure-> Number of species?
Better measure-> Number of species/ area
Number of species/ area
ecuator
ecuator
BUT WHY IS THERE HIGHER DIVERSITY IN THE TROPICS?
Several Hypotheses
1. Geographical area hypothesis (Blackburn et al, 1997)
Larger biomes in tropics-> lower extinction risk(Rosenzweig 2003).
2. Species-energy hypothesis:
 Amount of energy sets limits to species richness (Fraser &
Curriet, 1997).
 More energy in the tropic – more species diversity
3. Climate harshness hypothesis:

physiological limitations of species in higher latitudes.
Fewer species can tolerate harsh climate.
4. Climate stability hypothesis: stable environment found in the

tropics -> opportunity to specialize on predictable resources,
allowing to occupy narrower niches -> facilitates speciation.
(Morueta-Holme, 2013)
BUT WHY IS THERE HIGHER DIVERSITY IN THE TROPICS?
3.Climate harshness hypothesis

OTHER EXAMPLES OF BIODIVERSITY PATTERNS
k
Species–area relationship Local vs Regional
Species–precipitation relationship
Altitudinal Gradient
a, Species–area relationship: earthworms in areas ranging from 100 m 2 to >500,000 km2 across Europe76. b, Species–precipitation relationship: woody plants in grid cells (20,000 km 2)
in southern Africa78. c, Relationship between local and regional richness: lacustrine fish in North America (orange circles, large lakes; blue circles, small lakes) 61. d, Species–elevation
relationship: bats in Manu National Park & Biosphere Reserve, Peru 77. . Source:: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v405/n6783/fig_tab/405220a0_F1.html
9. BIOMES
k
Biomes are very large ecological
areas on the earth’s surface, with
fauna and flora adapting to their
environment.
-often defined by abiotic

factors such as climate,
relief, geology, soils
and vegetation.
-NOT an ecosystem, although in

a way it can look like a
massive ecosystem
9. BIOMES
k
10.WHAT HAS BIODIVERSITY EVER
k ME?
DONE FOR
k ME?
DONE FOR
Higher diversity = higher ecosystem services
(human benefits from ecosystem)
Water purification
Fertilization of flowers in coffee (nitrate uptake)
Nitrate uptake (µg/cm2/h

Algal species diversity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1691323/pdf/12803911.pdf
k ME?
DONE FOR
Higher diversity = higher ecosystem services
(human benefits from ecosystem)
Soil fertility Aesthetic

(mustilple aspects) Appreciation
http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/332077
k ME?
DONE FOR
Higher diversity = higher ecosystem stability
FLUCTUATION OF ABUNDANCE
BETA DIVERSITY (sp. t/o)

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1777/20131993.fu
THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS ?
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BIODIVERSITY

TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT &

Mohammed Mofizur Rahman M.Sc.

Chapter 5 of Botkin & Keller; Chapter 3 of Miller & Spoolman

Marine fsh not included

Species richness: number of species

total no. of species

1. What is the species richness is both?

Beta diversity: Between communities

Beta diversity: Between communities

Speciation: begins when

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

Clean Environment Polluted Environment

•During that time, the

•During that time, the

•During that time, the Geographic Barrier

Bobtail Squid-A. fisheri

Bobtail Squid-A. fisheri

WHAT KIND OF PREDATION IS EACH OF

2. Competition: is a relationship between

I. Mutualism (+ve|+ve) is a symbiotic relationship in

III. Parasitism (+ve | -ve) is a symbiotic relationship in

Fundamental niche: total

Realized niche: describes that

For details: read section:8.4 (Botkin/Keller) & section:6.3 (Miller)

For details: read section:8.4 (Botkin/Keller) & section:6.3 (Miller)

Fig. Sharing the wealth: resource partitioning of

For details: read section:8.4 (Botkin/Keller) & section:6.3 (Miller)

1.Disturbance (low, moderate, high)

2.Presence of invasive alien species

4.Overexploitation of natural resource

5.Habitat loss and fragmentation

6.High diversity at one trophic level

7.Climate (temperature & precipitation)

high diversity at higher diversity

• Native species are those species that

An environmental /ecological gradient is a gradual

3. Climate harshness hypothesis:

4. Climate stability hypothesis: stable environment found in the

3.Climate harshness hypothesis

-often defined by abiotic

-NOT an ecosystem, although in

Nitrate uptake (µg/cm2/h

Soil fertility Aesthetic

BETA DIVERSITY (sp. t/o)

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