24.9 - Environmentally Sensitive Ecosystems

Question 1

What human activities have disrupted the Galapagos Islands?

Answer 1

• fishing & whaling (upset marine ecosystem)
• new speceis introduction
  
  • goats - compete with native species
  • cats/dogs - prey on native species
  • rats/mice - damage native species’ eggs
  • plants - compete with native vegetation
• tourism
• scientific research causing disturbance/sample collection
• population increase - contributes to new settlements, sewage waste, more water & energy use

Question 2

What management strategies are being implemented in the Galapagos Islands?

Answer 2

• Searching boats/tourists for foreign species
• Using natural tourists to reduce pest populations
• Culling feral (wild) goats & pigs
• Conservation education
• Captive-breeding programmes for endangered species
• Marine reserve management

Question 3

What threats are present to the Antarctica?

How are these threats being dealt with?

Answer 3

• Overfishing - (of krill - a keystone species)
• Krill exploitation controlled by catch size - once catch drops to a certain level - boats must move on
• Whales protected by marine reserves (fishing is restricted)
• Fishing only allowed at night and non-breeding seasons to protect sea bird (less likely to be trapped in nets)

Question 4

What are the attraction, threats and management strategies within Snowdonia?

Answer 4

• Area of natural beauty, rich biodiversity (rare plants and animals)
• Trampling of walkers and climbers
  
  • reduced by providing well-maintained footpaths
• Moorland draining and afforestation of confiers has increased flooding risk, and reduced the suitability of the land as bird nesting areas
  
  • Temporary dams are in place
  • Farmers encourage sheep grazing to avoid creating bare ground (causing erosion)