BIO 301M Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Ecosystem Diversity, Prairie, Bushmeat
Document Summary
Broad term for biological variety measured at a number of organizational levels. Originally described the number of species and individuals present at a particular area ranging from a mountain, continent or the planet. Now includes several levels of biological organization to help focus efforts to preserve the biologically and technologically important elements of biodiversity. Protection is challenged by technological advancement of the human population. Cultural transition of human populations has made it difficult for humans to recognize their dependence on the ecosystem. The raw material for adaptation in a species. A species" future potential for adaptation depends on the genetic diversity held in the genomes of the individuals in populations that make up the species. The genus with the greatest potential for subsequent evolution is the most genetically diverse genetic diversity produces chemical diversity. Chemical diversity is important to humans; sources of medications.
