BIODIVERSITY, PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION Flashcards
Define biodiversity
Refers to the variety and complexity of life
A measure of all the species of organisms, the genes they contain and the ec oysters they are part of
What are the three types/levels of biodiversity
Habitat
Species
Genetic
Define habitat biodiversity
Number of different habitats found within an area
Each habitat can support a number of different species
E.g. beaches, forests
Define species biodiversity
A measure of diversity in the community
Species richness, evenness and diversity
Define species richness
Number of species found in a habitat
more species= richer habitat
Define species evenness
Number of individuals of each of the different species in a habitat
Define species diversity
Richness and evenness
High diversity index Indicates large number of species (richness) with relatively even spread of individuals (evenness)
Define genetic biodiversity
Variety of genes that make up a species
More alleles present in a population, the more genetically diverse the population is
Can lead to different characteristics (e.g. breed of dog)
What are the 8 factors affecting biodiversity
Human population growth Deforestation Agriculture Invasive species Over-exploitation Pollution Climate change Climate change and disease
Briefly explain human population growth as a factor affecting biodiversity
Growing at dramatic rate
Demand for food, houses, etc has lead to destruction of habitats, pollution, climate change and species extinction
Briefly explain deforestation as a factor affecting biodiversity
Occurs for timber, fuel and land
Decrease of overall biodiversity when clearing rainforests etc
Briefly explain agriculture as a factor affecting biodiversity
Use of insecticides to improve crop yield, kills species and affects food chain
Briefly explain invasive species as a factor affecting biodiversity
Introduced species may increase rapidly in number and decrease native populations due to competition and predation
Briefly explain over-exploitation as a factor affecting biodiversity
Species are harvested faster than they can replenish themselves
Briefly explain pollution as a factor affecting biodiversity
Fertilisers in sewage, litter, fishing nets, oils
Briefly explain climate change as a factor affecting biodiversity
Species with low genetic variation may be unable to evolve to adapt to the changes in temp, and rainfall, so may need to move
Briefly explain climate change and disease as a factor affecting biodiversity
Crops no longer suitable for areas where they used to be grown- new areas to grow crops will encounter disease as they have not evolved resistance to pests
What are the reasons for maintaining biodiversity
Ethics
Aesthetic reasons
Economic //
Ecological //
Explain ethics
Every species has a value and humans have responsibility to look after them
Explain aesthetic reasons
Presence of diff plants and animals and our environment enrich our lives
Provides inspiration for artists etc
Explain economic reasons
Biodiversity improves long term productivity
Undiscovered species have potential economic importance (e.g. medical use)
Breeding crops with disease resistance/ high yields= more production
Explain ecological reasons
Interdependence of organisms means that if one organism is removed it may have a significant effect on others
What is conservation
The maintenance of biodiversity through human action or management
May involve:
Sustainable development- using natural resources of an ecosystem whilst ensuring the won’t run out
Reclamation- restoring destroyed or damaged ecosystems
What is preservation
The protection of an area by restricting or banning human interference so the ecosystem is kept in its original state
e.g. set aside areas n nature reserves
What is conservation in situ
Protecting species in their natural habitat
e.g. control invasive species, feeding animals
Advantages of in situ conservation
Plants and animals remain in their natural habitat
Permanently protects biodiversity and ecosystems by maintaining genetic diversity
Cheaper than ex situ
What is conservation ex situ
Protecting species by removing individuals from a threatened habitat and looking after them in a ew area
e.g. zoos, captive breeding, seed banks
Problems with in situ conservation
Endangered habitats may be fragmented- areas too small for survival
Population may have already lost most of its genetic diversity
Attract ecotourists/poachers
Advantages of ex situ
Organisms are protected from predation/poaching, bred to increase numbers
Health of individual is monitored and medical assistance given as required
Artificial insemination
Problems with ex situ
Expensive
Behaviour altered- can lead to failure to breed successfully as not in natural enviro, unsuccessful reintroduction to their habitat
Gene pool is reduced
Explain botanic gardens
Species actively managed to provide them with he best resources to grow
1500 world-wide, helping 35000 plant species
Reproduce asexually through tissue culture
What are the conditions in a seed bank
Dry, -20 degrees
Do seed banks work for all seeds and how is contained viability ensured?
No- some seeds die when frozen
Seeds are germinated and grown- new seeds then collected
Advantages of seed banks
Seeds can be stored and germinated in protected surroundings
Take up little space
Large number of seeds produced
Disadvantages of seed banks
Collection of seeds causes some disturbance
Lack of genetic diversity in sample collected
Conclusions from research may be invalid due to small sample
Explain the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
State its main aims
International’s agreement made by majority of government (1973)
Regulate and monitor international trade in selected species of plants and animals
Ensure trade doesn’t affect wild populations
Explain Convention on Biological Diversity (DBD)
State its main aims
Signed by 150 government leaders at Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Dedicated to promoting sustainable development
Aims:
Conserve biodiversity
Appropriate shared access to genetic resources
What is the country side stewardship scheme
Operated 1991-2014 offered government payments to farmers to enhance and conserve English landscape
Aimed to make conservation a part of normal farming and land management practice by defra
In many environmentally sensitive areas, what management techniques are used
Limiting areas tourists can visit
Controlling movement of livestock
Introducing anti-poaching measures
Case study 1: The Galapagos Islands Description Main habitats Biodiversity Threats
Volcanic, hot, surrounded by deep ocean, col water
Main habitats:
Subtropical forests, dominated by daisy trees
Exposed rocky coastal shores and beaches
Barren, volcanic plains
Biodiversity:
Unique climate and range of diverse habitats \Isolation of islands
Threats:
Population growth
Invasive species
Tourism
How have the Galapagos Islands been conserved
1955- 97.5% of landed area declared a National Park
Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF)- organisation dedicated to conservation, e.g. eradication of introduced species that threatened endemic wildlife (goats, rats)
Captive breeding in the Galapagos Islands
Tortoise eggs collected so not eaten by rats
Adults brought into breed
Removal of invasive species in the Galapagos Islands
Quarantine system= prevention
Sustainable development in the Galapagos islands
Island split into zones
Tourism controlled
Case study 2: Antartica
Overview of habitats
Organisms present
Almost all covered in 2km thick ice containing 70% of worlds fresh water
Two season- summer= 24hr sunlight, winter= 24 hour darkness
Average winter temp= -30 degrees
Organisms:
All endothermic, rely on thick blubber
Emperor penguin, warm blooded animals, male on land with egg, female in the sea
Some plants- moss, etc
What are threats to biodiversity in Antartica
Whaling and seal hunting
Overfishing- especially Krill= shrimp-like organism that provides food for whales, seals, penguins
Tourism, global warming
What conservation measures are being taken in Antartica
Tourism management
‘trigger level’ catch size in some krill fishing areas- once catch size is reached fishing must be conducted equally across all fishing areas up to total catch limit
Case study 3: Snowdonia National Park
Overview of habitats
Organisms present
Contains highest mountain range in England
Wide range of lakes, fast flowing rivers and wide tracts of woodland
Organisms:
Large number of bird species across different habitats-coast- chough, forest- flycatcher, mountain- osprey
What are biodiversity threats in Snowdonia
Grazing fo sheep leaves areas barren and reduces biodiversity in this particular habitat
Walkers dropping rubbish, harmful to birds and mammals
What conservation measures are being taken in Snowdonia
The hydroelectric power statin is inside a mountain to reduce its effects
Footpaths built
Case study 4: The Lake District
Overview of habitats
Organisms present
Limestone pavements
Cliff, rock and scree- nesting for birds
Heathland- open habitat with small shrubs
Organisms:
Wide range of wildlife- toads, deer, eagles
Habitat for organisms existing above tree line
Some of UKs few carnivorous plants
What are threats to biodiversity in Lake District
Invasive species- laurel, out compete native species as their dense canopy reduce light intensity on woodland floor
Peat extraction has left mires under threat
Damage to cliffs/rock faces by climbers
What conservation measures are being taken in Lake District
Foot paths/bridleways to restrict access
Better public transport to reduce cars
Ecosystem management
Cause study 1: the Masai Mara
Human land use
Overview of ecosystem
Savannah divided by the Mara river Fertile grasslands close to the river Large migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra Human use: Live stock and breeding grounds Crops
Where do conflicts arise between human land use and conservation- Masai Mara
How are they being resolved
Conserving animals causes conflicts -predators take cattle -elephants trample crops Resolved? Darwin initiative for survival of species t undertake research and training in human, wild life conflict
Case study 2: the Terai region of Nepal
Overview of ecosystem
Human land use
Extremely fertile land
Mountain regions
Subtropical plants
Human use:
Fertile area= main agriculture region for Nepal
Timber trade, used for fuel and building materials
Where does conflict arise due to human land use and conservation
How are these conflicts resolved
Terai is the most populated region in Nepal
Highly affected by population pressures
Rely on forest for tourism and wood
Resolved?
Supportive national legislation
Development of local community forest groups, harvesting rules and rates for products
Case study 3: Peat bogs
Overviews of ecosystem
Human land use
Supports significant area of vegetation Dominated by few groups of plant (moss) Human use: Burnt for fuel Drained for agriculture use
Where does the conflict arise between human land and conservation
How are these conflict resolved?
Burning peat as fuel release trapped carbon (as CO2) int the atmosphere- global warming
Industrialised, mechanical extraction’s led to 90% loss of Peat bogs, loss pf rare habitat
Resolved?
Schemes (don’t sue compost with peat in)
