Biodiversity - 3.1d Flashcards
What is the term used to refer to the greatest harvest that can be utilised indefinitely while leaving the ecosystem intact
Maximum sustainable yield
What is the term used to describe the best possible compromise (in relation to harvests) in the light of all the economic and social considerations
Optimum sustainable yield
What is the maximum human population that can be sustained with the available resources
Carrying capacity
Why is there a need to estimate carrying capacity
In order to manage wildlife numbers i.e. fish stocks
What factors make it difficult to estimate carrying capacity
Seasonal variations and the potential effects of climate change
What are the consequences for ecosystems when MSY is exceeded
Degradation and a lower carrying capacity
Species become threatened
Which player is most responsible for over harvesting
TNCs and other commercial players
What are examples of commercial activities that exceed MSY
Logging in natural forests in much of Africa for the timber industry and hunting of elephants for ivory
What is licensed hunting
Allowing locals to hunt game as a means of sustainable income
Why are some conservationists opposed to licensed hunting
They argue that the profit motive will be prioritised over conservation
What is the term for when consumption exceeds the MSY
Zone of over harvest
What is halfway between zero and the carrying capacity
Maximum sustainable yield (MSY)
What was the effect of over fishing by Soviet trawlers in the Southern Ocean fisheries
Extinction of several species of fin fish
What factor affects MSY
Growing conditions e.g. availability of nutrients, light, precipitation
How has poverty in Komodo threatened marine species
It has led to an over reliance on fishing, putting pressure on fish species
