Biodiversity and Evolution
Chapter 4
,Core Case Study: Why Should We Care
about the American Alligator?
Largest reptile in North America
1930s: Hunters and poachers
Importance of gator holes and nesting mounds
1967: endangered species
1977: comeback, threatened species
,4-1 What Is Biodiversity and Why
Is It Important?
Concept 4-1 The biodiversity found in genes,
species, ecosystems, and ecosystem processes
is vital to sustaining life on earth.
, Biodiversity Is a Crucial Part of the
Earth’s Natural Capital
Vital renewable resource
Species diversity
Ecosystem diversity
Functional diversity
Chapter 4
,Core Case Study: Why Should We Care
about the American Alligator?
Largest reptile in North America
1930s: Hunters and poachers
Importance of gator holes and nesting mounds
1967: endangered species
1977: comeback, threatened species
,4-1 What Is Biodiversity and Why
Is It Important?
Concept 4-1 The biodiversity found in genes,
species, ecosystems, and ecosystem processes
is vital to sustaining life on earth.
, Biodiversity Is a Crucial Part of the
Earth’s Natural Capital
Vital renewable resource
Species diversity
Ecosystem diversity
Functional diversity
