24.2 - 4: Competition, Conservation, Preservation

Question 1

Define interspecific competition.

Answer 1

Competition between individuals of different species

-Affecting population size and species distribution

Question 2

What happens when 2 species live in competition?

Answer 2

Two species cannot live in complete competition, one species will adapt better than the other, leading to:

• One species will be extinct
• One species specialises to avoid competition – leads to concentration on one food type or nest site
• Change in area species distribution – some species will migrate to avoid competition by living in different areas

Question 3

Define intraspecific competition and the effect it has on population size.

Answer 3

Competition between individuals of the same species.

• As population size increases, resources become limited increasing competition
• The best adapted (competitors) survive, reducing growth and limiting eventual population size

Question 4

Describe the interactions between predators and prey.

Answer 4

1. Prey population increases, giving more food for predators to survive and reproduce
   ​​Predator population increases
2. The prey population decreases (death>birth),
3. the predators have less food so intraspecific predator competition increases,
   Predator populaiton falls
4. Prey population can survive and reproduce, increasing without predation.

Question 5

Define conservation and give examples.

Answer 5

Is the maintenance of biodiversity through human action/management.

• Reclamation: of land to return to original habitat and reduce competiton, e.g.
• by halting succession to increase biodiversity
• by controlled burning

Question 6

Define preservation.

Answer 6

Is the protection of an area by restricting/banning human interference (keeping ecosystem in original shape).
leaves the ecosystem undisturbed

• Used when preserving ecologically, paleontologically or archaeologically sensitive resources
• Usually, preservation prohibits visitation to ensure full protection of an area

Question 7

Give economic reasons for the importance of conservation.

Answer 7

• Provide resources needed for human survival and to provide an income
• E.g. rainforest species provide medicinal drugs, clothes and tradeable foods
• Timber production to sell
• Fuel source

Question 8

Give ethical reasons for the importance of conservation.

Answer 8

• Organisms have a right to exist, they play key roles in ecosystems
• Some people believe humans do not have the right to decide the fate of an organisms life
• Moral responbility to conserve

Question 9

Give social reasons for the importance of conservation.

Answer 9

• People enjoy nature reserves and natural beauty (bird watching, cycling, walking, climbing)
• Beneficial relaxation for mental health wellbeing