Discussion: What is Biodiversity?

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In this week’s material, there are lots of videos. First, you will view two short films that explain the concept of biodiversity and the importance of biodiversity hotspots. You will then virtually go on a biodiversity inventory (like an expedition) into the Peruvian Amazon with scientists from The Field Museum via The Brain Scoop. In this series, you will have a chance to see what each of the biologist team members and support staff does during the inventory and why.

Finally, you will also view two longer films that feature two of the most prominent and well known biodiversity scientists on Earth: Jane Goodall and Edward O. Wilson. In these films, they will describe their innate curiosity about the natural world and how they have followed that curiosity for much of the past 80+ years.

This week’s assignment is an interactive discussion on the topic of biodiversity. You must post at least 2 discussion comments, each at least 100 words long (the equivalent of about a 4-5 sentence paragraph). One post can be your own initiation, and one should be a response or comment to another classmate’s post.

For your posts, please choose from these topics / questions:

• Do you feel like you understand the concept of biodiversity? If not, what confuses you? What questions do you have?
• What was the most interesting part of the Peruvian Amazon biodiversity inventory with the Field Museum and Peruvian scientists? What surprised you the most?
• Do Jane Goodall or Edward Wilson inspire you? If so, why? Had you heard of them before?
• Both Jane Goodall and Edward Wilson had strong interest in the natural world as young children. Where does your interest in the natural world stem from?
• Do you have a favorite plant or animal group? Or a particular species that you want to learn more about? What is it? Why do you find it fascinating?
• Are you concerned about biodiversity loss? If so, why? What worries you most?
• Have you ever participated in a community conservation project, like a Bio Blitz? Or a research experience? Tell us about it.
• Biodiversity – Vancouver Film School (VFS) – YouTube
• What is a biodiversity hotspot? – YouTube
• How to save life on Earth, according to E.O. Wilson – YouTube
• Sustainable Development Goals – a new social contract – YouTube
• Classmate Discussions I need answefor each one
• 1- Miguel Alonso
• Do you feel like you understand the concept of biodiversity? If not, what confuses you? What questions do you have?Yes, thanks to the materials and documentaries presented in this module, the concept is clear.The questions I’d have would be what are some of the most endangered species currently in South America? (where I am from).I read that the Andean Condor is an endangered species in South America. It has 10.5 feet wingspan. It weighs about weighs up to 50 LBS. This makes it the heaviest soaring bird alive today. I know that there are currently just a few hundred left worldwide.I’d love to learn more about way in which I could help to preserve this species. Collapse Subdiscussion
• Discussion 2
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  2- Gabriella Mello LacerdaGabriella Mello LacerdaJul 22, 2021Jul 22 at 1:42pmManage Discussion Entry

  Discussion: What is Biodiversity?The term biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems. It encompasses the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life. Biodiversity includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but also every living thing, that is, from human beings to organisms such as fungi and invertebrates. Concerning the videos on the concept of biodiversity, biodiversity is one of the words explained in the area of ecological and environmental sciences. The word biodiversity, according to Science for Environment Policy (2015), has different meanings assigned in line with the context of its usage in ecosystems assessments and ecological services. Originally, it has been estimated that more than 50 million species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms are existing in the world. Out of these, about 1.4 million species have been identified so far. Each species is adapted to live in a specific environment, from mountain peaks to the depth of seas, from polar ice caps to tropical rain forests and deserts.The term biodiversity was introduced by Walter Rosen in 1986. According to Walter Rosen, Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the variety and variability among the living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur. The variability is among species of plants, animals, and microorganisms; ecosystems; ecosystem including terrestrial, aerial, marine, and other aquatic systems and ecological complexes of which they are part. In other words, biodiversity is the assemblage of different life forms.I have reviewed the biodiversity inventory, the Peruvian Amazon with scientists from the Field Museum via the Brain Scoop, and one of the biologist team members is Vriesendorp. She has been working in the Yaguas region. In her first year at the Field Museum and then did a more extensive inventory in 2010 with her team. They have been working with residents and partners for fourteen years on supporting the park and it has been a priority for the local people for much longer. According to (Kremen & Merenlender, 2018)After reporting on the region’s biodiversity and cultural needs, the team of scientists worked with the Peruvian government to explain the extraordinary features of the landscape.Dr. Jane Goodall was a groundbreaking primatologist and environmentalist who received the 2003 global environmental citizen award. Together with Edward Wilson and other environmental forerunners inspired the launching of a sustainable sunglass line. Dr. Jane Goodall teaches how people can conserve the environment. She also shares her research on the behavioral patterns of chimpanzees and what they taught her about conservation. Jane Goodall and Edward Wilson inspire me. This is because they explain the importance of conserving the environment and urge everyone to take part in environmental conservation. I have heard of them before because of their efforts of being environmental forerunners.ReferenceKremen, C., & Merenlender, A. M. (2018). Landscapes that work for biodiversity and people. Science, 362(6412). Reply