BIO-RESOURCES
BI1201 Introduction to Life Sciences and Technology School of Life Sciences and Technology
February, 2015
Contents
Natural System and Bio- Resources
Bio-Resources Preservation &
Conservation
Bio-Resources & Traditional
Knowledge
Natural System
• Natural system, consists of biosystem, is the source of biodiversity.
• Biosystem and biodiversity are sources for bio-resources.
Biosystem/Biodiversity Bio-Resources
Biodiversity
“Variety of different species, genetic variability among individuals within each species, variety of ecosystems and functions such as energy and
matter cycling needed for the survival of species and biological communities.”
1. Genetic Diversity
• They are all cabbages (Brassica oleracea) but they're not the same because their genes are different.
2. Species Diversity
• For example, both are junglefowls (Gallus), yet they belong to the different species.
Ecosystem Diversity
• Prairies, ponds, coral reefs and tropical rain forests are all ecosystems. Each one is different, with its own set of species living in it.
Gallus gallus
Gallus varius
Biosystem/Biodiversity Bio-Resources
Resources Natural Capital
“Anything obtained from the environment to meet human
needs and wants.”
Biosystem
The ultimate source for renewable natural resources.
There will not be sufficient fresh air, fresh water, fertile soil and
biodiversity if the function of Biosystem is degraded.
Bio-Resources Degradation & Loss:
Land Degradation by Agriculture
Bio-Resources Degradation
& Loss:
Threat of
Extinction
Preservation & Conservation of Bio-Resources
• Preservation
– Non use of a resource
• Conservation
– Careful and thoughtful use of a resource
– Management and
sustainable use of the natural environment and natural resources for
ethical reasons and the benefit of humanity
Preservation vs. Conservation
Conservation Efforts
Examples on Bio-resources Conservation
Traditional Knowledge on Bio-Resources:
Foods
Preservation & Storage of Food
Traditional Knowledge on Bio-Resources:
Energy
• In 1999 some 1.75 billion m3 of wood was extracted for fuel wood and conversion to charcoal ± 90% of which has been produced &
consumed in developing countries.
• 11% of the world energy consumption mainly from fuel wood.
• 19% of China's primary energy consumption comes from biomass, the figure for India being 42% & ± 35% for developing countries
Traditional Knowledge on Bio-Resources:
Medicine
Traditional Knowledge on Bio-Resources:
Materials
Timber still the commercially most important economic product for most forests. The value of world trade in
industrial wood products is around $140 billion
annually.
