Organisms and their Environment

Living things do not exist alone.
Organisms interact with each other and with the environment.
Non-living factors are also necessary for the survival of organisms.
The physical environment supplies: sunlight, atmospheric gases, water, and minerals.
The biosphere includes all the land, water, and air in which organisms live.
Basically, the parts of the earth that sustain life make up the biosphere.

The Loss of Diversity

Organisms respond to change in their environment by adapting, fleeing, or dying.
Most organisms can survive a temporary change. But a more permanent change can lead to extinction of organisms that do not adapt to the shift.
Currently, there are more than 1,000 species officially listed as in danger of becoming extinct. Soon another 1,000 species will be added to the list.

What is causing such a major impact?

The main cause is human interference.
Hunting for sport, food, and commercial products also threatens the survival of many animals.
The Florida panther and the bald eagle are both in danger of extinction due to destruction of their habitats.

What is a species?

A species is a group of organisms so similar to one another that they can interbreed.
The extinction of species is a concern for several reasons.

1) The disappearance of any species can upset the balance of its habitat.

2) The loss of a species affects other organisms, especially if the organism was a food source for others.

3) The value of organisms can’t always be predicted. Although some plants and animals may not seem important, human survival depend on them.

Why is biology important?

The study of biology is important for the survival of the diverse life in the biosphere.
Without the knowledge biology brings, it will be impossible to maintain the diversity of organisms in the future.