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Biodiversity:
Ecological Effects of Species Introductions and Extinctions
by Waterose et. al.
Biodiversity is the total richness of biological variation which includes population-based genetics of species, communities and their inter-dynamics. Biodiversity is important because species have intrinsic value, provide food, medicine, and essential services such as photosynthesis, the recycling of nutrients, and cleansing of ecosystems.
Ecological stressors, which include short-term and long term durations, alter biodiversity. Stressors can be natural such as climate change, or anthropogenic such as destruction of habitat, deforestation, and pollution. An introduced species makes large geographic jumps quickly whereas an extinct species no longer exists. Extinctions have occurred naturally but are now occurring due to anthropogenic influences. When an ecosystem is disrupted by a substantial event of physical stress, wildfire, or harvesting, it can quickly suffer mortality of its component species, structural disruptions and other ecological damages. Primary or secondary succession then begins and a new ecosystem evolves.
Growing concerns about biodiversity has led to ecological mapping that provides information about changes in biodiversity in order to make important land use decisions and develop solutions. Many countries now have long-term programs such as the Global Biodiversity Strategy (World Conservation Strategy) which began in the late 1970’s. Other solutions include preservation parks and seed banks.
Examples of Introductions and Extinctions: Local to Global
- The introduction of the Green Crab on Vancouver Island.
- The extinction of Martha, the last passenger pigeon in BC.
- The longterm decline of the American Elm Tree in North America.
- The recovery of the Northern Pacific Grey Whale around the globe.
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