Science, Technology & Society. BIODIVERSITY part 2

Summary

The lecture discusses the Philippines' status as one of the world's 18 mega-diverse countries, with 70-80% of its species unique to the nation. It highlights factors contributing to this biodiversity, such as tropical climate, diverse topography, and isolation. Despite this richness, the country is also a biodiversity hotspot due to threats like habitat destruction, overexploitation, deforestation, and climate change. The talk also explores technological advancements aiding biodiversity conservation, including mapping, remote photography, gene sequencing, and the use of drones for ecological monitoring.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Philippines is recognized as one of the 18 Megadiverse countries, hosting around 70-80% of the world's plant and animal species.
• 🌱 The country ranks fifth in terms of plant species diversity and maintains 5% of the world's flora.
• 🏞️ The Philippines' rich biodiversity is attributed to its variety of ecosystems, species, and genetic makeup, as well as its tropical climate and diverse topography.
• 🐦 Approximately 50% of the species found in the Philippines are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
• 🏔️ The country's location as an archipelago and its elevation contribute to the high biodiversity, with unique species found in highland areas.
• ⚠️ Despite its biodiversity richness, the Philippines is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to the alarming rate of habitat destruction and species endangerment.
• 🏗️ Factors contributing to the decline in biodiversity include urbanization, industrialization, overexploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and climate change.
• 🔭 Technological advancements such as Google Earth and remote photography have been instrumental in mapping, visualizing, and monitoring biodiversity and its threats.
• 📸 Remote measurement tools like stereo camera systems allow for precise observations and measurements of species like sharks and crocodiles without direct contact.
• 💉 Gene sequencing technology is used to identify pathogens and understand the biology of organisms, which is crucial for disease treatment and prevention.
• 🌍 The script highlights the drastic changes in Earth's appearance from 1978 to 2017, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to ensure a habitable planet for future generations.

Q & A

What is the status of biodiversity in the Philippines?

The Philippines is one of the 18 Mega-diverse countries in the world, containing about 70 to 80% of the Earth's biodiversity and between 70 to 80% of the world's plant and animal species. It ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world's flora.

Why is the Philippines considered rich in biodiversity?

The Philippines is rich in biodiversity due to its variety of ecosystems, species, and genetic makeup within species. Its location as an archipelago provides a multitude of resources for organisms, with many islands believed to have a great number of endemic organisms both on land and in water.

What percentage of species found in the Philippines are endemic?

50% of the total species, or 50% of the 5,170 species found in the Philippines, cannot be found in any other parts of the world.

What are the geographical and ecological characteristics that contribute to the Philippines' biodiversity?

The Philippines is located in the tropics where the climate supports high levels of organic productivity. Its highly heterogeneous topography varies from mountain ranges to coral reefs, providing a multitude of habitats for plants and animals.

Why is the Philippines considered a biodiversity hotspot?

The Philippines is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to the alarming rate of destruction and loss of important resources. Many species from different groups are being threatened, and the country is undergoing modernization which leads to the conversion of forests and wild ecosystems into urban and industrial areas.

What are the technological advancements that support biodiversity?

Technological advancements supporting biodiversity include better mapping and visualization, remote photography and videography, remote measurement tools, conservation drones, and gene sequencing.

How does Google Earth contribute to biodiversity conservation?

Google Earth has been instrumental in locating organisms in specific regions or parts of the Earth. It helps in mapping and visualizing threats to the survival of organisms, allowing for better monitoring and conservation efforts.

What is the role of remote photography and videography in studying wildlife?

Remote photography and videography allow for close observation and recording of wildlife behavior in their natural habitats without human interference. This is essential for learning about the needs and risks of endangered species.

How do conservation drones help in monitoring deforestation?

Conservation drones equipped with camera sensors and GPS can map deforestation, making it easier to monitor and identify illegal logging activities. They provide a top-down view of areas that are difficult to access.

What is gene sequencing and how does it help in understanding biodiversity?

Gene sequencing is used to identify pathogens and understand the biology of organisms. It is also used to confirm the grouping of organisms at the species level, which helps in disease diagnosis and understanding genetic predispositions.

How has the Earth's appearance changed from 1978 to 2017?

The Earth's appearance has significantly changed from 1978 to 2017, with noticeable increases in temperature and extreme weather events. This change is indicative of the impact of climate change and the urgency to find ways to prolong the Earth's life for future generations.