Alexis Boldridge
Ms. Unwin
Biology
May 18, 2017
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. However biodiversity is more than just species. There are two types of biodiversity that some might not know about ; Genetic and Ecological biodiversity. Genetic biodiversity is helpful to understand biodiversity because it helps explain the variations in genes that exist in a species. Ecological biodiversity is the same as genetic, except it explores the diversity of ecosystems, habitats, and natural communities. Biodiversity is important because it provides humans with natural resources, natural services, and aesthetic pleasure.
https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Biodiversity.aspx
https://quizlet.com/7062717/63-biodiversity-flash-cards/
Invasive species are only one in the many threats to biodiversity. Right now, only 42% of threatened or endangered species are at risk because of invasive species. Invasive species is a plant, fungus, or animal that is not native to to a specific location, in which has a tendency to spread and possibly harm other ecosystem, habitats, and other various useful resources. The results of invasive species often cost billions of dollars each year. Invasive species are usually spread by human activities on accident. They can be spread by ship, wood product, ornamental plants, and/or pet trade. Biodiversity is threatened by invasive species because it can breed and spread quickly, taking over an area. Therefore, wildlife may not have evolved defenses against the invader and/or they cannot compete with that invasive specie(s). It can also change food webs, decreased biodiversity, and alter ecosystem conditions.
https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species
The brown marmorated stink bug is from China and Japan. But in the late 1990’s they have been discovered in the United States, in the state of Pennsylvania. Since then this stink bugs’ population exploded due to the fact that there was no predator to kill them off. They’ve also started to disturb homes and agricultural industries. BMSBs have infested homes so far. They come into a home looking for a warmer and more protected place to start once fall and winter come around. Even Though they live in the home they don’t reproduce or cause structural damage, they still cause a disturbance with their smell, noisy flying, and their large number become a nuisance.
To prevent these bugs from invading your home, be sure to cover/repair any cracks or damaged screens. If the bug had already invaded your home, vacuum up the stink bug(s). Take note as to where the bug was when you found it. There could be entry points from where the bug had entered. Common places to look is cracks around doors and windows, door trims, baseboards, exhaust fans, and around lights in the ceiling. Don’t use any bug sprays or other bug repellant. They not only harmful to people's health, but repellents aren't