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Lecture 1-1: Introduction: Natural Heritage

This document discusses key concepts in natural history and biodiversity, including the use of scientific names for organisms, factors considered in prescribing names, and the process of scientific naming. It provides an overview of biodiversity in Singapore, including species numbers, habitat loss, and conservation efforts like the Singapore Green Plan. Examples are given of introduced and indigenous species, and the impacts some introduced species have had on native wildlife in Singapore.

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Jiadong Ye
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55 views

Lecture 1-1: Introduction: Natural Heritage

This document discusses key concepts in natural history and biodiversity, including the use of scientific names for organisms, factors considered in prescribing names, and the process of scientific naming. It provides an overview of biodiversity in Singapore, including species numbers, habitat loss, and conservation efforts like the Singapore Green Plan. Examples are given of introduced and indigenous species, and the impacts some introduced species have had on native wildlife in Singapore.

Uploaded by

Jiadong Ye
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LECTURE 1-1: INTRODUCTION

 Natural – nature (plants and animals)


Heritage – something that is inherited
The terms “nature”, “natural history”, “natural heritage”, “wildlife”, “biodiversity” are used interchangeably.
 All plant and animal species are identified by a unique scientific name in Latin, invented by
Carolus Linnaeus (1753, 1758)

Scientific name always to be italicized when script is in normal


(or un-italicized) font, or underlined when using same font.

 Why do we need a scientific name? (in italic, family name first letter capitalized)
o Standard point of reference
o Data management
o Start point for other biological disciplines

 Factors to consider when prescribing scientific name?


o Novelty of name.
o Gender and etymology.
o Descriptiveness and appropriateness.
o Length, usage and mnemonic value.
o Ethics and honour.
 Common names can be used but can sometimes refer to different organisms!
 Process of scientific naming
 An expert thinks a specimen is potentially a new species.
 Decides which taxa (taxon in pleural) it is in.
 Compares it against existing materials in museums.
 Checks all literature (all languages).
 Describes it in great details, usually with illustrations and
 images.
 Gives it a NAME.
 Submit it to a scientific journal, reviewed, accepted and
 published.
 Specimen sent to museum for storage and future reference.
 Singapore
 Population of 5.874 million
 Population Density of 8.383/km^2
 1819 – Covered by Natural Habitats
 Now > 95% of forests lost > 98% of mangroves lost > 60% of coral reefs lost
 Urbanization leads to habitat loss and habitat modification
 • 2,145 native vascular plant species • 25 bat species • 392 bird species • 122 dragonfly
species • > 800 spider species • 35 true mangrove plant species • 12 seagrass species • 255
hard coral species • 50 sea anemone species • 200 sponge species

 Singapore Green Plan (2012):


 Set up a National Biodiversity Reference Centre to better manage databases on indigenous
biodiversity.
 The Singapore Green Plan 2012 (Ministry of the Environment, 2002, 2006) recognizes the
challenge of protecting nature while pursuing economic development. Reviews every 3 years.
 Verify and update information on indigenous flora and fauna through biodiversity surveys (Mega
marine surveys).
 Implement a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to research, document and conserve
biodiversity in Singapore.
 Develop a City Biodiversity Index with international partners to promote biodiversity conservation
efforts among cities globally (2009, 2010)

 Discover New Species


 2005 – new mangrove tree species (Bruguiera hainesii)
 Rediscovery of Bruguiera sexangula
 Introduced species (exotic species – brought in for a purpose)
1. Brought in for a purpose:
o Guppies to control malaria
o Tilapia to supplement protein supply
o Ornamental plants for roadsides

2. Accidentally introduced
 Giant African land snail
 American cockroach, German cockroach.

 Indigenous species or native species


 Found locally
 Well adapted to local habits
 Important keystone species

 Impact on indigenous species (Lizard and red-ear slider)


 e.g. Changeable lizard: Calotes versicolor displaced Bronchocela cristella
 e.g. Red-ear slider: realized into the wild has competed with native species for food and shelter.
Very aggressive and carry parasites

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