Impacts of Extinction

The Domino or Ripple Effect

Each species of living organisms whether

big or small has specific roles to play. The
loss of one species can upset the
balance of the environment and affect
its biodiversity. Remove one species and
this “small change” can lead to bigger
problems that are far reaching and
difficult to repair.
The Domino or Ripple Effect

 The removal of one species can further change the

relative composition or the relative abundance of other
species in a community.

 The domino or ripple effect can happen if the species

that have been removed in the area are keystone
species.

 A keystone species is one whose presence and activities

strongly affect the other species in the community.
Importance of Biodiversity

1. Ecological Perspective
 Biodiversity functions as buffer against extreme
climatic events. It functions as carbon dioxide sin and
helps maintain the normal carbon dioxide
concentration of the atmosphere.
 Species absorb and process waste materials to make
them non-toxic. They also help filter waterborne and
airborne pollutants.
 Species pollinate flowers, which are important in fruit
and crop production.
Ecological Perspective

 Species fill specific niches and habitats to make

ecosystems stable and functioning.

 Interactions of different soil organisms

contribute to soil formation and soil fertility.

 Coral reefs and mangroves that protects

coastlines from strong tropical storms.
Economic Perspective

Food sources
 75% of the plant species in the world are
edible.

Source of the Pharmaceutical Products

 About 40% of plant and animal species are
sources of drugs; about 68% of plant species
in the Philippines have medical values.
Ethical and Aesthetic Perspective
 The biologically-rich landscapes and seascapes
provide enjoyment to people.

 Species add richness and beauty to the

landscapes and enable people to enjoy
nature.

 Each species is unique and has the right to exist.

 People are nature’s steward. It is our moral

responsibility to protect our companion on
Earth.
 Adaptations as Key Factors for
Species Survival
Extinction and Adaptation
 Extinction is the termination of a species
lineage. Failure of the organisms to respond
to change would lead to extinction
 Adaptation is the ability to the organisms to
respond to changes in the environment. For
the organisms to survive, they must have
structure, physiology and behavior that
would enable them to meet the
requirements of the new environment.
Structural Adaptation

Structural adaptation involves changes

in the morphology of the organisms.
E.g. In order for plants to survive on land
environment, they must possess an
extensive root system to get water and
other important nutrients from their
surroundings.
Physiological Adaptation

 Physiological adaptation is any function which

an organism exhibits as a direct response to an
environmental change.

 E.g. Sweating is an evaporative cooling

process.