BIODIVERSITY AND A HEALTHY SOCIETY Flashcards
“As new areas of the world came into view through exploration, the number of identified species of animals and plants grew astronomically. Today, more than 1.25 million different species are known, and no biologist supposes that the count is complete.”
Isaac Asimov
the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Biodiversity
Three Types of Biodiversity
Genetic biodiversity
Species diversity
Ecological diversity
variation among organisms of the same species.
Genetic biodiversity
a variety of species within a particular region.
Species diversity
network of different species in an ecosystem and the interaction of these species.
Ecological diversity
The ______________ are the reason for the richness in biodiversity of a particular region.
variations of climatic and altitudinal conditions along with varied ecological habitats
How does Society benefit from the richness of Biodiversity?
Humans can source from nature different biological resources such as food, medicine, and energy, among others.
Since ______________, people have been using __________ to treat illnesses.
2600 BC; herbal medicines
The ancient ______ (100 BC to 300 BC) recorded the collection, storage, and use of medicinal herbs.
Greeks
The _______________ used various plant-based drugs such as gargles, pills, infusions, and ointment.
ancient Egyptians and Chinese
Have been used to treat coughs, colds, and inflammation since the ancient times.
Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress)
Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh)
Used by Indian tribes of Southern California to aid in childbirth and was believed to protect the immune system from respiratory ailments.
Salvia apiana (California sage)
Secrets a sweet and gummy substance from its stems and leaves called “manna” during hot days. It is believed to have a diuretic—diaphoretic, laxative, expectorant, gastroprotective, antiseptic, and anti-diarrheal properties.
Alhagi maurorum (Camel thorn)
Plant-Based Medicinal Products Available in the Market
Salicylic acid
Morphine
Penicillins
an active ingredient of the anti-inflammatory drug, Aspirin, is derived from the bark of a willow tree.
Salicylic acid
one of the most widely known painkillers which was first marketed and used in the 1800s, is derived from Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy).
Morphine
used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Penicillins
After penicillin underwent its first clinical trials in ____, and the first indication of antibiotic resistance to penicillin was reported in _______.
1938; 1941
a basic need for human survival
Food
During the _________, humans got their food by either hunting wild animals or gathering wild plants. This food supply was sometimes unreliable and risky.
Paleolithic Food Supply
Beginning in the _____________, humans learned to farm. Now they were able to get their food by planting their own crops and domesticating animals, such as cows and sheep.
Neolithic Food Supply
The change to agriculture gave humans more reliable food supply and brought other changes. For the first time, they could settle down in one spot and form larger communities since they didn’t have to follow herds of animals.
Effect of Agriculture
is the result of careful selection and innovative development by farmers, fishers, and herders throughout the years.
Agrobiodiversity
