B2h - sustainability Flashcards
Explain reasons for conservation programmes(4)
protecting human food supply
ensuring minimal damage to food chains, which may be hard to predict
protecting plants and animals that might be useful for medical use
cultural aspects
Explain reasons for endangered species becoming extinct (3)
if number of individuals falls below critical level, it will be harder to find mates, and resulting in less genetic variation
-less likely to be able to adapt to changes in environment or survive appearance of a new disease
number of suitable habitats falls below critical level makes it hard to find resources like food and shelter
What factors should be considered when evaluating a conservation programme(8)
genetic variation of key species
-enough to survive appearance of new diseases and to cope with change in environment
viability of population
- must have both males and females of reproductive age
- large enough population to prevent inbreeding which reduces genetic variation
plenty of suitable habitats to live in
interaction between species
-like they would in their natural environment(e.g. predators hunting prey)
What commercial values do whales have(1+3)
When alive: tourist attraction
When dead: food, oil and cosmetics
Arguments for and against keeping whales in captivity(1+3)
For: -captive breeding programmes allow whales to be bred in numbers and released back into wild Against: -used for entertainment -used for research -lack of freedom
Why are whales in captivity used for research? (2)
to help us understand their needs better to help conservation
some aspects of whale biology still not fully understood: communication, migration patterns, survival at extreme depths
Describe issues concerning whaling(2)
difficult to obtain and police and enforce international whaling agreements
some countries are permitted to do it for research
Explain the term sustainable development
providing for the needs of today’s increasing population without harming the environment
How can fish stocks and woodland be sustained and developed? (3)
quotas - fishing limits to prevent overfishing
replanting woodland to keep up the supply of trees
education - to avoid overuse and increase recycling; increase awareness
What must we do to maintain sustainable development(3)
protect population size of many species and prevent species from becoming endangered
produce and sue food and energy efficiently
manage waste production carefully to minimise pollution
What does sustainability require
planning and cooperation at local, national and international levels
Describe how sustainable development may protect endangered species
it helps endangered species by considering the impact on their habitats