Learning Outcomes and Performance Indicators:

1. Describe biodiversity and its components.

2. Discuss how biodiversity affects the health of the society.
3. Cite factors and activities that destroy biodiversity.
4. Design a program that can help restore and sustain biodiverse resources of the country.
5. Develop values of loving, caring, and helping protect the Philippine biodiversity.

Content Outline
1. Biodiversity 4. Conservation of Biodiversity
2. Biodiversity and human health 5. Biodiversity Laws
3. Philippine Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the richness and variety of life forms on Earth. It

includes all the species of living organisms, whether bacteria, plants,
animals, and humans, that can be found in one distinct area. To date, it
has been recorded that there are approximately 8.7 million species of
plants and animals on earth. Surprisingly, only about 12 million species
have been identified and classified properly. Insects have the greatest
number of organisms that have been identified. Because of this millions of
species or organisms are waiting to be explored and named accordingly
(National Geographic Society, 2020).
It is important in how society benefits from it. Society benefits
greatly from the richness of biodiversity since humans can source from
nature biological resources such as food, medicine, energy and more. It can also regulate climate,
flood, pollution, water and air quality, water storage and decomposition of wastes among others.
However, these numerous benefits of biodiversity are vulnerable to exploitation. Humans
need to be responsible in optimizing the benefits of biodiversity through the proper utilization of
science and technology.

There are four main types of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem
diversity, and functional diversity. Each of these types of biodiversity plays a crucial role in
maintaining the balance and stability of our
planet's ecosystems, and they are all
interconnected and interdependent. In this
module, we will explore each type of biodiversity in
more detail, examining their importance and the
threats they face in our rapidly changing world.
 Genetic Biodiversity
Refers to the variations among organisms of the same species.
These variations are usually passed down from parents to offspring.

Species Diversity
Refers to the variety of species within a particular region. It
is influenced by the environmental conditions in the region.
Species are the normal measure of biodiversity for these are
the basic units of biological classification. Species are
grouped together in families based on shared
characteristics.
Measurements of Species Diversity
 Species Richness. Refers to the number of different species present in a particular
ecosystem or geographical area. It is a simple count of the number of species, regardless
of their abundance or distribution. High species richness is generally seen as a desirable
characteristic of an ecosystem, as it indicates a diverse range of ecological niches and
greater resilience to disturbances such as climate change or habitat destruction.
 Species Abundance. Measures the relative abundance or frequency of each species
within an ecosystem. It takes into account both the number of individuals of each species
and their distribution, and can provide a more nuanced understanding of the structure
and dynamics of an ecosystem. For example, an ecosystem may have high species
richness but low abundance of certain key species, which can have a significant impact
on ecosystem functioning.
 Species Evenness. Species evenness, also known as equitability, is a measure of the
relative abundance of each species within a community or ecosystem. It quantifies how
evenly distributed the individuals are among the different species in a given area. In a
community with high species evenness, each species has a similar number of individuals,
while in a community with low evenness, a few dominant species have a much larger
number of individuals than other species. This metric is essential for understanding the
diversity of a community beyond just species richness and provides information on how
resources are being used and shared among species. High evenness can indicate a
stable and healthy ecosystem, while low evenness can suggest an ecosystem in a state of
disturbance or degradation.

Ecological Diversity
Refers to the network of different species in an ecosystem and
the interaction of these species. The variations of climatic and
altitudinal conditions along with varied ecological habitats are
the reasons for the richness in biodiversity of a particular region
on earth.

Functional Diversity
Refers to the variety of functional traits and roles
performed by different species within an ecosystem.
Functional traits are physical, physiological, and behavioral
characteristics of species that affect their interactions with
other species and their environment. Examples of functional
traits include plant height, leaf shape, feeding behavior, and
reproductive strategy.
Biotic components – includes all living organisms
 Producers - These include all the autotrophs.
They use light energy and synthesize food on
their own, e.g. plants, green algae, etc.
 Consumers - These include all the
heterotrophs that directly or indirectly
depend on producers for their food.
Consumers are further categorized as
herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and
parasites.
 Decomposers - These include saprophytes
which act on dead matter and decay them
for their nutrition.

Abiotic components – includes all non-living organisms

When they begin interacting with one another, biotic and abiotic elements of an ecosystem
become relevant. For instance, biotic components like plants serve as food for other living things.
The soil is an abiotic component that supports plant growth by supplying nutrients and other neces-
sary ingredients. Abiotic factors like soil, nutrients, etc. are formed with the aid of biotic components,
which depend on abiotic components for their life.

 EVOLUTION. A mechanism allowing organisms to develop traits favorable for their survival
and growth and also making them distinct from other species in the environment.
Because of these unique features, the species can be easily recognized from others. In
general, species that can produce with their fellow species belong to one species while
those that cannot reproduce among themselves often belong to different species of
groups.
 HOTSPOTS. Areas with high levels of biodiversity. Endemic species or species that are
located in one particular region are usually found in hotspots.
 ENDEMISM. Refers to the occurrence of endemic
species in a particular geographic region, often
indicating the uniqueness and ecological
significance of that region.
 ENDEMIC. Refers to a species that is found
exclusively in a particular geographic region and is
not naturally found anywhere else in the world.
 RARE SPECIES. Refers to species that have low
population sizes or are restricted to specific habitats,
making them vulnerable to extinction.
 EXTINCT. Refers to a species that no longer exists
on Earth.
 ENDANGERED. Refers to a species that is at risk of
becoming extinct due to factors such as habitat
destruction, climate change, and human activities.
 Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety
and abundance of different species, as well as the
degradation and fragmentation of ecosystems. Biodiversity
loss is a serious global problem, and is caused by a range
of human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution,
climate change, overexploitation of resources, and
introduction of invasive species.
There are major threats to biodiversity that were
identified by the United Nations' Environment Program
(WHO, n.d.). These are the following:
Alterations in ecosystem composition. Alterations and sudden changes, either within species
groups or within the environment, could begin to change entire ecosystems. Alterations in
ecosystems are a critical factor contributing to species and habitat loss.
Habitat loss and destruction. Major contributing factor is the inhabitation of human beings and
the use of land for economic gains.
Overexploitation. Over-hunting, overfishing, or over-collecting of species can quickly lead to its
decline. Changing consumption patterns of humans is often cited as the key reason for this
unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
Introduction of Alien Species. Plants, animals, and microorganisms transported deliberately or un-
intentionally from an outside geographical region can cause great damage to native spe-
cies by competing with them for food and shelter, spreading diseases unknown to them,
causing genetic changes through the process of interbreeding with native species, and dis-
rupting various aspects of their food chains and the physical environment.
Pollution and contamination. Biological systems respond slowly to changes in their surrounding
environment. Pollution and contamination, cause irreversible damage to species and varie-
ties.
Global climate change. Both climate variability and climate change cause biodiversity loss. Spe-
cies and populations may be lost permanently if they are not provided with enough time to
adapt to charging climatic conditions.
Co-extinction. When a particular species becomes extinct, the plants and animals associated
with it in an obligatory way also come the danger of becoming extinct.
Natural Causes. Floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters also cause biodiversity loss.

THREATS
TO
BIODIVERSITY
 Health is our most essential human right. Most people
consider health as treasure and wealth. Health means overall
wellness that secures our physical, emotional, intellectual,
spiritual, and social aspects. Therefore, health is a reliable
indicator for the country's sustainable development. The
health of people affects economic flow and growth
(Cohabinitiative 2010).

Human health rests on biodiversity. The diverse

collection of goods and services provide unending benefits to
human health. On the contrary, the unprecedented loss of
biodiversity globally impose threat to human health and
well-being. Hence, the call to maintaining a healthy and
sustainable biodiversity should not be disregarded. Life is
impossible without a healthy and sustainable global
environment (Cohabinitiative 2010).

Here are the points on how does biodiversity affect our health (Cohabinitiative 2010).

Biodiversity helps secure food, health, and livelihood for people.

Diverse collection of food systems maintains crop supply and also promote resistance of
crops and livestock to pests and other stressors. Diets containing various types of food
promote good health and provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins for humans,
Biodiversity serves as a rich source of materials for medical research.
Research endeavors on wildlife diversity, anatomy and physiology, ecology, and
biochemistry can contribute to great developments in human medicine. Some organisms of
interest in research include horseshoe crabs, bears, sharks, and cetaceans.
Biodiversity provides abundant resources for traditional and modern medicine.
Nowadays, there are still a lot of people who rely on traditional medicine, for maintaining
their health. Modern drugs are also derived from natural products including pain killers, drugs
against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Meanwhile, millions of species are still
waiting to be discovered for their potential application in medicine.
Biodiversity helps in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
Destruction of biodiversity contributes to the emergence and transmission of infectious
diseases not only in humans but also in animals and plants. Disease outbreaks due to SARS,
avian influenza, malaria, Ebola, Marburg, and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been
accounted to human induced abuse of biodiversity.
Biodiversity serves important roles for the communities' cultural, spiritual, and social growth.
Biodiversity loss causes negative implications for physical, mental, and social well-being of
humans. There has been an increasing rate of pathologic conditions including diabetes,
hypertension, and cardiopulmonary diseases because of such loss. Access to greenspace
are linked to better health outcomes and faster recovery rate for the sick.
 Biodiversity conservation is very important for climate change adaptation.
Biodiversity loss exposes the communities at greater risk of experiencing adverse effects of
climate change particularly floods and droughts among others.
Stable and sustainable ecosystems support relief and recovery efforts.
Healthy ecosystems serve as natural buffers against devastating natural phenomenon
including typhoons, floods, landslides, and droughts among others. These can also provide
essential resources for rebuilding livelihood during post-crisis events.

The Philippines is one of the world's most biologically diverse countries, with a rich array of
plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world. The country is home to over
52,000 described species of plants and animals, and scientists estimate that there may be many
more undiscovered species in the country's forests, seas, and other ecosystems.

One of the main factors contributing to the high level of biodiversity in the Philippines is the
country's unique geography and geology. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands,
which have been isolated from each other and from the Asian mainland for millions of years. This
has allowed for the evolution of numerous endemic species that are found nowhere else in the
world, including over 200 species of birds, hundreds of species of plants, and many mammals,
reptiles, and amphibians.
However, Philippine biodiversity is also under threat from a range of human activities,
including deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Many of the country's forests,
wetlands, and coral reefs have been degraded or destroyed, leading to declines in populations of
many plant and animal species. In addition, many of the country's endemic species are highly
vulnerable to extinction due to their small population sizes and limited geographic ranges.
Efforts to protect and conserve Philippine biodiversity include the establishment of protected
areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the development of sustainable
management practices for forests, fisheries, and other natural resources. There are also ongoing
efforts to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and to promote sustainable
development practices that prioritize the protection and conservation of the country's unique and
valuable natural heritage.
WHY IS PHILIPPINES A MEGADIVERSE COUNTRY?
The Philippines is one of the 17 mega biodiverse countries, containing two-thirds of the Earth's
biodiversity and 70 percent of world's plants and animal species due to its:

 geographical isolation (the patchwork of isolated islands)

 the tropical location of the country
 diverse habitats
 once extensive areas of rainforest
 and high rates of endemism
ENRICHMENT VIDEO AND ACTIVITY

Watch the video on Philippine Biodiversity to be played by your instructor. Make sure to take
notes of the information about the biodiversity in the country. Questions will be asked by your
instructor at the end of the video. Provide insights about the video and discuss the issues that the
country faces in terms of biodiversity loss and conservation measures.

To watch the video, kindly copy the link and paste it on your browser or
scan the QR code:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81l_2HQERz4&t=1s
 Seeing the threats to Biodiversity, there is a need to conserve Biodiversity. The Conservation of
Biodiversity means preserving, protecting, and managing the ecosystem and natural habitats. There
are two types of biodiversity conservation.

IN-SITU CONSERVATION
The Conservation of Biodiversity in the natural environment is called in-situ conservation. E.g.,
Sanctuaries, National parks, Reserved forests, Biosphere Reserves, etc.
The principal aims of in-situ conservation include:
 Promotion of protection, restoration, and sustainable management of the
protected area.
 Development of strategies for conservation of biodiversity within the area.
 Creation of natural corridors linking areas of biological interest to prevent further
habitat fragmentation.
 Introduction of legislation to protect the species.
 Information dissemination, education, and awareness generation.
 Promoting sustainable tourism in sensitive areas.

EX-SITU CONSERVATION
Conservation of the Biodiversity outside the naturally occurring area is known as ex-situ con-
servation: E.g., DNA banks, cryopreservation, Zoological parks, Wildlife Safari parks, botanical gar-
dens, Seed banks, Sperm banks, and Collection of living organisms for research and development
purposes.

Biodiversity laws play a crucial role in protecting the world's natural heritage and promoting
sustainable development. These laws provide a framework for the conservation and sustainable
management of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. They also promote economic benefits
through the development of eco-tourism and sustainable use of natural resources, while supporting
human well-being through the provision of ecosystem services. Biodiversity laws also facilitate
international cooperation and collaboration, and reflect ethical and cultural values related to the
importance of nature and its diversity. By effectively implementing and enforcing biodiversity laws,
countries can help ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, which is
essential for the well-being of both people and the planet.

There are several international laws and agreements related to biodiversity that have been
developed and adopted by countries around the world. Some of the key agreements include:
1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): This is a global treaty that was adopted at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. The CBD aims to promote the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of the
benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): This
treaty regulates the international trade in endangered species of animals and plants, with the aim
of ensuring their survival in the wild.
3. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: This treaty aims to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity, as
well as to promote their wise use and sustainable management.
4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): While primarily focused on
climate change, this treaty recognizes the important role of biodiversity in contributing to climate
change mitigation and adaptation.
5. World Heritage Convention: This treaty is focused on the protection of cultural and natural herit-
age sites around the world, including those with high biodiversity value.
These international laws and agreements provide a framework for countries to work together
to protect and conserve biodiversity. They also promote cooperation and collaboration between
countries, as well as the sharing of knowledge and resources to support conservation efforts. Howev-
er, their effectiveness depends on the commitment and implementation of these agreements by
individual countries.

1. Republic Act No. 7586 – “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992”: This law pro-
vides for the establishment of a comprehensive system of protected areas to preserve the coun-
try's biodiversity and natural resources.
2. Republic Act No. 8550 - "The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”: This law regulates the fishing in-
dustry in the country and aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of
marine resources.
3. Republic Act No. 9147 - “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”: This law provides
for the protection and conservation of wildlife in the country and regulates activities related to
the capture, trade, and transportation of wildlife.
4. Republic Act No. 7942 – “Philippine Mining Code”: This law regulates the exploration, develop-
ment, and utilization of mineral resources in the country and aims to promote responsible mining
practices and the sustainable development of the mining industry.
5. Republic Act No. 8485 – “Promote Animal Welfare in the Philippines”: This law aims to promote
the welfare of animals in the country and prohibits animal cruelty and abuse.
6. Presidential Decree 1433 – “Plant Quarantine Decree of 1978”: This law regulates the importation
and exportation of plants and plant products in the country to prevent the introduction and
spread of plant pests and diseases.
7. Presidential Decree 1586 – “Environmental Impact Statement System Law”: This law requires pro-
ponents of projects with potential environmental impacts to submit an environmental impact
statement and undergo an environmental impact assessment process before their projects can
be approved.
In conclusion, biodiversity is essential to the well-being of both people and the planet.
It provides numerous benefits, including ecosystem services, economic benefits, and cultural and
ethical values. However, biodiversity loss is a growing problem worldwide, driven by various human
activities and environmental challenges. To address this issue, countries have implemented
biodiversity laws and policies aimed at conserving and sustainably managing ecosystems, species,
and genetic resources. These laws play a crucial role in protecting the world's natural heritage,
promoting sustainable development, and supporting human well-being. By effectively
implementing and enforcing these laws, countries can help ensure the long-term conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity, which is critical for the health of our planet and future generations.
SONG WRITING (50 POINTS)
 Compose a song that focuses on biodiversity and environmental conservation.
 Make use of any dialect/language
 The song is limited to 3-5 minutes only.
 You may adapt any melody from any songs or you may use an original music.

Exemplary Satisfactory Fair Poor

10 pts 8 pts 6 pts 4 pts
Lyrics The song lyrics are The song lyrics are The song lyrics are The song lyrics are
outstanding. The good. The words somewhat coherent. not coherent. The
words memorable. memorable. The song The song lyrics are words not memo-
The song lyrics are lyrics are enthusiasti- well received by the rable.
enthusiastically re- cally received by the audience.
ceived by the audi- audience.
ence.
Creativity The student com- The student com- The song composed The song com-
posed an original posed an original is not very original, posed is not very
song with a clear song but there are but there are some original. The mes-
theme. some elements that elements that are sage is not con-
are not excellent. not excellent. veyed.
Tempo and The melody and Tempo and rhythm Tempo and rhythm The song is chop-
Melody rhythm were per- are consistent. The are sometimes un- py with an unnatu-
fectly performed. melody is mostly clear or slow down ral mix of tempo.
Students could clap smooth and clear.. and speed up. The The melody of the
along to a steady melody is apparent is song is unclear.
beat. some places but un-
clear in others.
Organization The writer clearly The writer lacked one The writer lacked two The song was un-
organized infor- of the following: clear- of the following: organized and
mation, used mostly ly organized infor- clearly organized difficult to follow.
correct grammar mation, correct gram- information, correct
and spelling and mar and spelling us- grammar and
used legible hand- age, and/or legible spelling usage, and/
writing. handwriting. or legible handwrit-
ing.
Relevance to The themes are The theme from the The theme from the The theme from
the Theme clearly explained composition is ex- composition is not the composition is
and relevant plained but specific clearly explained totally not ex-
details as evidence and specific evi- plained and spe-
that support this dence that supports cific evidence that
theme are not provid- this claim is not pro- supports this claim
ed. vided. is not provided.

Answer the question briefly and comprehensively: (25 points)

1. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affected biodiversity?

 Include five (5) pictures to prove your claims with captions.

 Cite your citation in APA format.

REFERENCES
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Jain, S. A. (2022, August 17). Biodiversity - Types, Importance, Hotspots, Conservation. Retrieved from
Byju's Exam Prep: https://byjusexamprep.com/biodiversity-upsc-notes-i
Pimm, S. L. (2022, September 19). Biodiversity. Retrieved from Britannica: https://
www.britannica.com/science/biodiversity
Schleiger, M. H. (2022, September 6). Threats to Biodiversity. Retrieved from LibreTexts: https://
bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ecology/Environmental_Science_(Ha_and_Schleiger)/03%
3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity
Serafica, J., Pawilen, G., Caslib, B., & Alata, E. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Quezon
City: Rex Book Stor Inc.
Thijssen, A. (n.d.). What is biodiversity? Retrieved from World Wildlife Fund: https://
www.worldwildlife.org/pages/what-is-biodiversity#:~:text=Biodiversity%20is%20all%20the%
20different,maintain%20balance%20and%20support%20life.