Biodiversity and Evolution Grade 9 Unit 1 Module 3

Summary

This educational session delves into biodiversity and evolution, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by species like the Philippine Tarsier and the Monkey-eating Eagle. It emphasizes the impact of human activities on habitat loss and species endangerment, covering issues like deforestation, water and air pollution, and the consequences of these actions on ecosystems. The session also touches on the importance of responsible tourism and actions to mitigate the threats to biodiversity and the environment.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The Philippine Tarsier and the Monkey-eating Eagle are two endangered species native to the Philippines, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation.
• 🌳 Biodiversity refers to the variety of life-forms in an area, with examples like coral reefs, while population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in a certain place.
• 🏝️ Human activities, such as habitat destruction, are accelerating the rate of extinction, emphasizing the need for immediate conservation efforts.
• 🐘 Extinct species, like the Woolly Mammoth, are gone forever, while threatened and endangered species are at risk of following suit if conservation efforts are not increased.
• 🏞️ Deforestation, including illegal logging and conversion of land for agriculture or housing, leads to soil erosion, loss of wildlife, and depletion of biodiversity.
• 🌊 Water pollution, including eutrophication and fish kills, is often a result of nutrient overload from domestic waste and can severely impact aquatic ecosystems.
• 🌫️ Air pollution from car emissions and factory chemicals contributes to health hazards and climate change, with carbon dioxide being a major greenhouse gas.
• 🌡️ Global warming, an increase in Earth's global temperature, can alter climate patterns and is exacerbated by human activities that release pollutants into the atmosphere.
• 🐠 Destruction of marine habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves, is a significant issue affecting coastal communities and the health of marine ecosystems.
• 🏖️ Responsible tourism and sustainable practices are crucial for preserving marine habitats and ensuring the well-being of coastal environments.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion for the science class session?

The main topic of discussion for the science class session is biodiversity and evolution, focusing on environmental problems affecting communities both locally and globally.

Which two animals are mentioned in the script as examples of endangered species in the Philippines?

The two animals mentioned in the script as examples of endangered species in the Philippines are the Philippine Tarsier and the Monkey-eating Eagle.

What does the term 'biodiversity' refer to in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'biodiversity' refers to the variety of life-forms in an area, such as coral reefs with plenty of fishes.

How does the script differentiate between a threatened, endangered, and extinct species?

A threatened species is one where the population is beginning to decline. An endangered species has a very low population, nearly extinct. An extinct species is one where the very last member has died.

What are the consequences of deforestation mentioned in the script?

The consequences of deforestation mentioned in the script include soil erosion, loss of wildlife resources, and depletion of wildlife, which can lead to species being threatened, endangered, or extinct.

What is eutrophication and how does it relate to water pollution?

Eutrophication is a major water pollution problem where nutrients from domestic waste become concentrated, leading to excessive growth of water plants like water lilies or green algae, which can deplete oxygen in the water and cause fish kills.

How does the script describe the impact of air pollution on human health and the planet?

The script describes air pollution as the release of pollutants such as car emissions, dust, or chemicals from factories into the air, which can be dangerous to human health and the planet.

What is the greenhouse effect and how is it related to global warming according to the script?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat that would otherwise radiate back into space. The script relates it to global warming by stating that human activities that pollute the atmosphere can increase the amount of these gases, leading to an increase in Earth's global temperature and changing climate patterns.

What are some of the human activities mentioned in the script that can destroy marine habitats?

Some human activities mentioned in the script that can destroy marine habitats include pollution, deforestation, coastal tourism, illegal fishing practices like dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing, and the conversion of natural coastal areas to beach resorts.

What is the script's message regarding the responsibility of humans towards wildlife and their habitats?

The script emphasizes that humans have a duty to act now to save endangered species from extinction and to protect biodiversity. It also highlights the importance of responsible tourism and sustainable practices to maintain the well-being of ecosystems while meeting human needs.