19.7 - Conservation Of Habitats Flashcards
What is conservation
- It’s the management of the Earth’s natural resources by humans in such a way that maximum use of them can be made in the future.
- This involves active intervention by humans to maintain ecosystems and biodiversity.
- It is therefore a dynamic process that entails careful management of existing resources and reclamation
of those already damaged by human activity
What are the main reasons for conservation
- personal to maintain our planet and therefore our life support system.
- ethical. Other species have occupied the Earth far longer than we have and should be allowed to coexist with us. Respect for living things is preferable to disregard for them.
- economic. Living organisms contain a gigantic pool of genes with the capacity to make millions of substances, many of which may prove valuable in the future. Long-term productivity is greater if ecosystems are maintained in their natural balanced state.
- cultural and aesthetic. Habitats and organisms enrich our lives. Their variety adds interest to everyday life and inspires writers, poets, artists, composers, and others who entertain and fulfill us
Some species may no longer exist in a climax community because habitats have disappeared as a result of succession. How might we be able to conserve these species
- One way of conserving these habitats, and hence the species they contain, is by managing succession in a way that prevents a change to the next stage.
- If the factor that is preventing further succession is removed, then the ecosystem develops naturally into its climatic climax (secondary succession).
Describe legislation as a way of conservation
- the preparation and enacting of laws that a country’s government passes
- e.g. stopping poachers
What are the 2 types of conservation
- In situ conservation
- Ex situ conservation
Describe in situ conservation
It is the active management to conserve species in their natural habitat
Describe ex situ conservation
It is the active management to conserve species outside their natural habitat
What is the advantages and disadvantages of in situ conservation
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- plants and species kept in their natural environment
- minimise the human impact on the natural environment as well as protecting it
- it protects biodiversity and representative examples of ecosystems
- permanently protects significant elements of natural and cultural heritage
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- may not have a large impact if the population has already lost much of its genetic diversity
- conditions that caused the habitat or species to become endangered may still be present
- wildlife reserves can draw poachers and tourists to the area, which disturbs the natural habitat
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ex situ conservation
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- seeds are produced in large numbers and can be collected from the wild without causing too much disturbance to the ecosystem
- seeds can be stored in huge numbers without occupying much space and can be germinated in. Protected surroundings
- seeds can be used to reproduce endangered habitats with endangered species
- plants that grow from the seeds may provide the molecules needed for the development of medicines
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- the organisms live outside their natural habitat
Fenland is an area of waterlogged marsh and peat land. It supports a rich and unique community of plants and animals, If left alone, reeds initially dominate and the area gradually dries out as dead vegetation accumulates. Grasses, shrubs and trees in turn replace the fenland species.
Identify reasons for conserving habitats such as fenland.
- The species within the habitat possess unique genes that at some point in the future may be useful.
- Conserving habitats maintains biodiversity.
- The greater the variety of habitats, the greater their potential to enrich our lives and provide enjoyment,
Fenland is an area of waterlogged marsh and peat land. It supports a rich and unique community of plants and animals, If left alone, reeds initially dominate and the area gradually dries out as dead vegetation accumulates. Grasses, shrubs and trees in turn replace the fenland species.
Suggest practical measures that may be taken to prevent succession by grasses, shrubs, and trees in fenland.
- Cut back reeds to prevent them becoming dominant.
- Remove dead vegetation to prevent build-up and thus stop fens drying out.
- Pump water into fens to keep them waterlogged.
- Cut back grasses and shrubs to prevent succession.
What is some methods of conservation
- Conserved Areas
- Conservation in Captivity
- Storing Genetic Material for Conservation
Describe the method for conservation: Conserved Areas
- National parks are areas within countries where the wildlife and environment are protected
- Governments control these areas and pass legislation to ensure their protection
- There are several restrictions
1) Humans access is strictly controlled
2) Industrial activities such as agriculture and building are tightly regulated
3) Hunting is limited or completely prohibited - Public engagement with conservation efforts is important for long term success:
National and Marine parks can attract thousands of tourists each year which increases money and awareness for the conservation effort
Involving members of the local community in the management of protected areas can provide jobs and increase acceptance of the parks
Some of the profits made from parks can be used to improve the health and education standards in the nearby communities to illustrate the benefits of having such areas nearby
Describe the method for conservation: Conservation in Captivity
- Zoos (or botanic gardens) can also contribute towards the conservation of endangered animal species
- Captive breeding programmes can breed individuals of a species so their offspring can be released into the wild
- Zoos are an invaluable resource for scientific research
- Scientists are able to closely study animal’s genetics, behaviours and habitat needs
- There are some problems with zoos and their role in conservation:
1)Captive breeding of small species populations can reduce genetic diversity
2) Certain animal species will not breed in captivity
3) Not all zoos can provide adequate habitats for animals with specific needs
Describe the method for conservation: Storing Genetic Material for Conservation
Done in 2 ways:
1) Frozen zoos store genetic material from animals (eggs, sperm, tissue samples etc) at very low temperatures so that they can be kept for a very long time
- Ideally, samples are collected from different individuals of the same species to maintain the gene pool
- The temperature used is roughly -196oC
- A large amount of genetic material can be stored in a relatively small space
- In the future genetic materials from extinct animal species could be used to breed and reintroduce a species through IVF and genetic engineering
2) A seed bank is a facility that conserves plant diversity by drying and storing seeds in a temperature-controlled environment
Usually, seeds of the same species are collected from different sites to maintain the gene pool
- If the plant species goes extinct then the seeds can be used to grow them again
- Seeds can only be stored for so long. After a certain period of time, the stored seeds are grown into plants and fresh seeds for storage are taken from those plants
