6.6 Populations and Sustainability Flashcards
What is carrying capacity (k)?
the maximum population size that can be maintained over a period in a particular habitat
What is a limiting factor?
the factor whose magnitude slows down the rate of a natural process
Define interspecific competition
competitions between individuals of different species
Define intraspecific competition
competition between individuals of the same species
What is conservation?
maintenance of biodiversity, including diversity between species, genetic diversity within species, and maintenance of a variety of habitats and ecosystems
What is preservation?
maintenance of habitats and ecosystems in their present condition, minimising human impact
What is a population?
A group of individuals of one species that occupy the same habitat at the same time
What are the two types of strategists?
k and r
Abiotic limiting factors
- temperature
- light
- pH
- humidity
- water availability
- O2
Biotic limiting factors
- predation
- competition for resources
- disease
What type of strategists are determined by carrying capacity?
k
Examples of k strategists
birds, large mammals
Characteristics of k strategists
- low reproductive rate
- slow development
- late reproductive age
- long lifespan
- large body mass
Characteristics of r strategists
- high reproductive rate
- quick development
- young reproductive age
- short life span
- small body mass
What happens to r-strategists?
exceed theoretical carrying capacity, species die and out migrate
Threats to biodiversity
- overexploitation (food, sport, commerce)
- habitat disruption/ fragmentation (agriculture, pollution, urbanisation)
- introduction of new species that outcompete native species
Things to take into account with conservation strategies
- social and economic costs to local community
- communication/liaison with local community
Conservation strategies
- raise carrying capacity with extra food
- move individuals or encourage dispersion between fragmented habitats
- restrict by fencing
- control predators and poachers
- preventing pollution or disruption
Why conserve?
ethical, social, economic
List of social and ethical reasons to conserve
- biodiversity harbours future potential
- breeding drought resistant crops
- discovering medicines
- discovering sources of energy and sustainable food
- natural predatores can act as pest control
- pollination
- tourism and recreation
What is sustainable management?
Balancing needs of rapidly growing human population and maintaining biodiversity and preventing overexploitation
What is used in small scale timber production?
rotational coppicing
-dont cut same section every year
What is coppicing?
Stem of a tree is cut close to ground in winter
once it is cut, new shoots grow into narrow stems
Why is rotational coppicing good for biodiversity?
Different sections = wont finish succession, less big trees to block out light = more biodiversity