9. Biodiversity

Question 1

Name one indirect driver of biodiversity decline.

Answer 1

• Population demand
• Economic demand
• Institutions governance
• Conflicts and epidemics

Question 2

Name one direct driver of biodiversity decline.

Answer 2

• Land and sea use
• Over-exploitation
• Climate change
• Pollution
• Invasive species

Question 3

Which 2 indicators are used for the Planetary Boundary biosphere integrity?

Answer 3

1. Genetic diversity as species extinction rate
2. Functional integrity

Question 4

How is functional integrity measured?

Answer 4

Using energy available to ecosystems (NPP)

Question 5

What is the pre-industrial value of genetic diversity?

Answer 5

0.1-1 species lost per million species per year

Question 6

What is the current status of genetic diversity?

Answer 6

> 100 species per million species per year

Question 7

How can traits help define an ecological niche?

Answer 7

It allows for matching species to specific environmental conditions.

Question 8

Name one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world.

Answer 8

• Tropical coral reefs (high sensitivity to present warming and ocean acidification)
• Savannas (vegetation shifts due to CO2)
• Tropical forests (vegetation shifts due mainly to drying, high lagitude and altitude ecosystems
• Mediterranean-climate ecosystems (high vulnerability to the high levels of ongoing and projected climate warming)
• Coastal ecosystems (exposed to multiple factors) are among the most affected

Question 9

Describe what Alpha, Gamma and Beta diversity are.

Answer 9

• Alpha diversity (a-diversity) is the mean species diversity in sites or habitats at a local scale. Within habitat.
• Gamma diversity (y-diversity) is the total species diversity in a landscape. In a region.
• Beta diversity (b-diversity or true beta diversity) is the ratio between regional and local species diversity. Between communities.

Question 10

Which index allows to compare different types of habitat in terms of diversity?

Answer 10

The Shannon Diversity Index (H)

Question 11

What are intrinstic, instrumental and relationsional values?

Answer 11

• Intrinsic values: Nature as a value by itself, independent from what people extract from it
• Instrumental values: being in nature; seeing nature brings pleasure, satisfaction and services
• Relationsional values: cultural identity; social cohesion; social responsibility; moral responsibility

Question 12

Name 2 of the 5 categories of the Aichi targets.

Answer 12

1. Mainstreaming
2. Sustainable use
3. Protect biodiversity
4. Benefits to all
5. Enhance implementation