Concepts of Environmental Science
Environmental Systems: Biodiversity
Living organisms are an 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
Environmental Systems: Biodiversity
Living organisms are an 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
