Biodiversity Flashcards
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
A region with a high level of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities.
How many biodiversity hotspots are recognized worldwide?
25 biologically rich areas.
What percentage of their original habitat have biodiversity hotspots lost?
At least 70 percent.
Why do biodiversity hotspots need special consideration?
They need emergency conservation attention.
What type of forests predominantly make up biodiversity hotspots?
Mostly tropical forests.
What percentage of identified terrestrial biodiversity do biodiversity hotspots contain?
60% of identified terrestrial biodiversity.
What percentage of all primates are found in biodiversity hotspots?
55% of all primates.
What percentage of all carnivores are found in biodiversity hotspots?
22% of all carnivores.
How many people live in poverty near biodiversity hotspots?
1.1 billion people.
How much funding annually is suggested to ensure the preservation of biodiversity hotspots?
$500 million annually.
What are the aesthetic reasons for preserving species and habitats?
Beautiful to look at.
What ecological reasons support the preservation of species and habitats?
Rare habitats may harbor endemic species affecting the food chain.
What economic reasons justify the preservation of species and habitats?
They provide goods and services of economic value.
What ethical reason is given for preserving species?
Every species has the right to life and survival.
What social reasons are associated with preserving biodiversity?
Indigenous peoples provide food, shelter, and culture.
How can sustainability be managed socially?
Preserving habitats may involve improving local facilities such as health clinics, schools, and training facilities.
How can sustainability be managed economically?
Economic efforts may include reducing poverty by helping locals make a living through ecotourism.
How can sustainability be managed environmentally?
Environmental preservation may involve actions like replanting trees.
Why is it so difficult to estimate how many species there are on earth?
Difficult to access habitat
Species live inside other species - hard to know they are there
Too small to find
Have to use estimates based on patterns of biodiversity
Definition of “species” is not agreed
What is in-situ conservation?
Definition:
Conserving species in their natural habitat.
Examples: National parks, Wildlife reserves, Marine protected areas
Pros: Maintains natural behavior and ecosystem, supports biodiversity and ecosystem functions
What is ex-situ conservation?
Definition:
Conserving species outside their natural habitat.
Examples: Zoos, Botanical gardens, Seed banks, Captive breeding programs
Pros:
Protects species from immediate threats
Allows for research and education
Can reintroduce species into the wild
IGO
Definition:
An organization formed between countries (governments).
Examples:
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Features:
Funded and run by member states
Make policy decisions, often with legal influence
NGO
Definition:
A private, non-profit organization that operates independently of governments.
Examples:
WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
Greenpeace
Friends of the Earth
Features:
Funded by donations, grants, memberships
Focus on awareness, activism, conservation projects
Similarities and difference between IGO and NGO
Both aim to protect the environment and promote sustainability
Work on conservation, climate change, and education
Can collaborate on large-scale projects
