Biodiversity and
the Healthy
Society
The Interconnection between Nature and Human
PRE-TEST Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 2
1. What does biodiversity refer to?
A. The variety of climates on Earth
B. The variety of life on Earth, including species,
genetic, and ecosystem diversity
C. The variety of natural disasters
D. The variety of human cultures
3
2. Which of the following is an example of a
provisioning ecosystem service?
A. Climate regulation
B. Pollination
C. Food production
D. Recreational activities
4
3. How does biodiversity contribute to human
nutritional health?
A. By providing a single type of food
B. By promoting genetic uniformity
C. By offering a diverse range of food sources
D. By increasing air pollution
5
4. What is one of the major threats to biodiversity?
A. Exploitation
B. Increased tourism
C. Renewable energy
D. Cultural diversity
6
5. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of
biodiversity loss?
A. Reduced availability of medicinal resources
B. Greater exposure to diseases
C. Increased ecosystem services
D. Loss of species and ecosystem functions
7
6. Which ecosystem is known for its natural water filtration
system and its impact on public health?
A. Desert
B. Wetlands
C. Grasslands
D. Tundra
8
7. What is the primary purpose of establishing protected
areas like national parks and reserves?
A. To promote urban development
B. To increase pollution
C. To conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems
D. To allow unrestricted resource extraction
9
8. How can individuals contribute to biodiversity
conservation?
A. By supporting invasive species introduction
B. By participating in community gardens and local
conservation projects
C. By avoiding eco-friendly products
D. By consuming non-renewable resources excessively
10
9. How can individuals contribute to biodiversity
conservation?
A. By supporting invasive species introduction
B. By participating in community gardens and local
conservation projects
C. By avoiding eco-friendly products
D. By consuming non-renewable resources excessively
11
10. Which of the following is a regulating ecosystem
service?
A. Nutrient cycling
B. Cultural heritage
C. Water purification
D. Food production
12
END OF PRE-TEST
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 13
Introduction
Biodiversity, the variety of
life on Earth, encompasses the
intricate web of ecosystems,
species, and genetic variations
that sustain our planet. It is a
cornerstone of the natural world,
providing essential services that
support human health and well-
being.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 14
Introduction
• From clean air and water to fertile
soils and pollination, biodiversity
supports the ecosystems that
humanity relies on.
• In recent years, there has been
growing recognition of the critical link
between biodiversity and human
health, as a healthy, diverse
environment is fundamental to a
thriving society.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 15
What is Ecosystem?
• An ecosystem is a
community of living
organisms (plants, animals,
and microorganisms) in
conjunction with the non-
living components of their
environment (such as air,
water, and mineral soil),
interacting as a system.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 16
What is Ecosystem?
• These biotic and abiotic
components are linked together
through nutrient cycles and
energy flows.
• Biotic Factors – Living things
(plants, animals,
microorganisms)
• Abiotic Factors – Non-living
things (rock, soil, water, air,
sunlight etc.)
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 17
Biodiversity
The variety of life on Earth,
including species diversity,
genetic diversity, and
ecosystem diversity.
Foundation for ecosystem
services, human well-being,
and cultural significance.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 18
Levels of
Biodiversity
Species Diversity: The variety of
species within a habitat or a region.
Genetic Diversity: The genetic
variation within species.
Ecosystem Diversity: The variety
of ecosystems in a given area.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 19
Species Diversity
It refers to the variety of different
species in a particular area.
High species diversity helps
ecosystems stay stable and
resilient, allowing them to recover
from disturbances.
Losing species diversity can
weaken ecosystems and reduce
the natural resources we rely on.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 20
Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is the range of
genetic differences within a species.
This diversity helps species adapt to
changes in their environment, like
disease or climate change.
High genetic diversity increases a
species' chances of survival, while low
genetic diversity can make them more
vulnerable to extinction.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 21
Ecosystem Diversity
Ecosystem diversity is the
variety of ecosystems in a given
area. It includes different
habitats like forests, oceans,
and wetlands, and the unique
species and processes within
them.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 22
Ecosystem Diversity
Diverse ecosystems provide
various benefits, such as clean
water, air, and fertile soil. They
also help regulate the climate.
Protecting diverse ecosystems
is vital for a healthy planet.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 23
Importance of
Biodiversity
24
Ecosystem
Services
Pollination: Vital for
crop production.
Water Purification:
Wetlands filter
pollutants.
Climate Regulation:
Forests absorb CO2.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 25
Food Sources
Diverse diets from plants and
animals.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 26
Medicinal Resources
Source of pharmaceuticals.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 27
Economic Value
Tourism, fisheries, and
agriculture.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 28
Biodiversity and
Human Health
29
• Clean Air: Forests and plants
produce oxygen.
• Clean Water: Natural filtration
systems.
• Soil Health: Microorganisms
contribute to soil fertility.
• Disease Regulation: Biodiverse
systems can buffer disease
outbreaks.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 30
Medicinal Resources
from Biodiversity
31
• Plant-Based Medicines: Quinine from cinchona tree
(malaria treatment), aspirin from willow bark.
• Traditional Medicines: Used by indigenous cultures.
• Bioprospecting: Searching for new medicinal compounds
in nature.
• Conservation of Medicinal Species: Importance of
protecting habitats for future drug discoveries.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Nutritional and Mental
Benefits of Biodiversity
• Varied Diets: Different fruits, vegetables, and animals contribute to
balanced nutrition.
• Food Security: Diverse crops are more resilient to pests and diseases.
• Nutritional Diversity: Access to a variety of foods ensures adequate
intake of essential nutrients.
• Nature and Mental Well-being: Exposure to nature reduces stress,
anxiety, and depression.
• Green Spaces: Parks and natural areas in urban settings improve
mental health.
• Therapeutic Practices: Ecotherapy and wilderness therapy.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Threats to
Biodiversity
Deforestation
Loss of forests for
agriculture and urban
development.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Climate Change
Alteration of habitats
and species
distribution.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Pollution
Air, water, and soil
pollution affecting
ecosystems.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Overexploitation
Overfishing, hunting,
and resource
extraction.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Conservation
Strategies
40
• Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife reserves.
• Sustainable Practices: Sustainable agriculture, forestry,
and fishing.
• Restoration Projects: Reforestation, wetland
restoration.
• Biodiversity Corridors: Connecting fragmented habitats.
• Role of Technology: Using GIS and remote sensing for
monitoring biodiversity.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Community
Involvement
42
• Education and Awareness: Public awareness
campaigns, school programs.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Community gardens,
local conservation groups.
• Citizen Science: Involving the public in data
collection and monitoring.
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
POST-TEST Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 44
1. What does biodiversity refer to?
A. The variety of climates on Earth
B. The variety of life on Earth, including species,
genetic, and ecosystem diversity
C. The variety of natural disasters
D. The variety of human cultures
45
1. What does biodiversity refer to?
A. The variety of climates on Earth
B. The variety of life on Earth, including species,
genetic, and ecosystem diversity
C. The variety of natural disasters
D. The variety of human cultures
46
2. Which of the following is an example of a
provisioning ecosystem service?
A. Climate regulation
B. Pollination
C. Food production
D. Recreational activities
47
2. Which of the following is an example of a
provisioning ecosystem service?
A. Climate regulation
B. Pollination
C. Food production
D. Recreational activities
48
3. How does biodiversity contribute to human
nutritional health?
A. By providing a single type of food
B. By promoting genetic uniformity
C. By offering a diverse range of food sources
D. By increasing air pollution
49
3. How does biodiversity contribute to human
nutritional health?
A. By providing a single type of food
B. By promoting genetic uniformity
C. By offering a diverse range of food sources
D. By increasing air pollution
50
4. What is one of the major threats to biodiversity?
A. Overexploitation
B. Increased tourism
C. Renewable energy
D. Cultural diversity
51
4. What is one of the major threats to biodiversity?
A. Overexploitation
B. Increased tourism
C. Renewable energy
D. Cultural diversity
52
5. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of
biodiversity loss?
A. Reduced availability of medicinal resources
B. Greater exposure to diseases
C. Increased ecosystem services
D. Loss of species and ecosystem functions
53
5. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of
biodiversity loss?
A. Reduced availability of medicinal resources
B. Greater exposure to diseases
C. Increased ecosystem services
D. Loss of species and ecosystem functions
54
6. Which ecosystem is known for its natural water filtration
system and its impact on public health?
A. Desert
B. Wetlands
C. Grasslands
D. Tundra
55
6. Which ecosystem is known for its natural water filtration
system and its impact on public health?
A. Desert
B. Wetlands
C. Grasslands
D. Tundra
56
7. What is the primary purpose of establishing protected
areas like national parks and reserves?
A. To promote urban development
B. To increase pollution
C. To conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems
D. To allow unrestricted resource extraction
57
7. What is the primary purpose of establishing protected
areas like national parks and reserves?
A. To promote urban development
B. To increase pollution
C. To conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems
D. To allow unrestricted resource extraction
58
8. How can individuals contribute to biodiversity
conservation?
A. By supporting invasive species introduction
B. By participating in community gardens and local
conservation projects
C. By avoiding eco-friendly products
D. By consuming non-renewable resources excessively
59
8. How can individuals contribute to biodiversity
conservation?
A. By supporting invasive species introduction
B. By participating in community gardens and local
conservation projects
C. By avoiding eco-friendly products
D. By consuming non-renewable resources excessively
60
9. What role do urban green spaces play in human
health?
A. They increase air pollution levels
B. They promote physical and mental health
C. They decrease biodiversity
D. They are only decorative and have no health
benefits
61
9. What role do urban green spaces play in human
health?
A. They increase air pollution levels
B. They promote physical and mental health
C. They decrease biodiversity
D. They are only decorative and have no health
benefits
62
10. Which of the following is a regulating
ecosystem service?
A. Nutrient cycling
B. Cultural heritage
C. Water purification
D. Food production
63
10. Which of the following is a regulating
ecosystem service?
A. Nutrient cycling
B. Cultural heritage
C. Water purification
D. Food production
64
END OF POST-TEST
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY 65
THANK YOU!
Justine N. Kusin, LPT, MIB
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY