BIODIVERSITY, PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION

Question 1

Define biodiversity

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are the three types/levels of biodiversity

Answer 2

Habitat
Species
Genetic

Question 3

Define habitat biodiversity

Answer 3

Number of different habitats found within an area
Each habitat can support a number of different species
E.g. beaches, forests

Question 4

Define species biodiversity

Answer 4

A measure of diversity in the community

Species richness, evenness and diversity

Question 5

Define species richness

Answer 5

Number of species found in a habitat

more species= richer habitat

Question 6

Define species evenness

Answer 6

Number of individuals of each of the different species in a habitat

Question 7

Define species diversity

Answer 7

Richness and evenness

High diversity index Indicates large number of species (richness) with relatively even spread of individuals (evenness)

Question 8

Define genetic biodiversity

Answer 8

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)

Question 9

What are the 8 factors affecting biodiversity

Answer 9

Human population growth 
Deforestation 
Agriculture
Invasive species 
Over-exploitation 
Pollution 
Climate change 
Climate change and disease

Question 10

Briefly explain human population growth as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 10

Growing at dramatic rate

Demand for food, houses, etc has lead to destruction of habitats, pollution, climate change and species extinction

Question 11

Briefly explain deforestation as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 11

Occurs for timber, fuel and land

Decrease of overall biodiversity when clearing rainforests etc

Question 12

Briefly explain agriculture as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 12

Use of insecticides to improve crop yield, kills species and affects food chain

Question 13

Briefly explain invasive species as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 13

Introduced species may increase rapidly in number and decrease native populations due to competition and predation

Question 14

Briefly explain over-exploitation as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 14

Species are harvested faster than they can replenish themselves

Question 15

Briefly explain pollution as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 15

Fertilisers in sewage, litter, fishing nets, oils

Question 16

Briefly explain climate change as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 16

Species with low genetic variation may be unable to evolve to adapt to the changes in temp, and rainfall, so may need to move

Question 17

Briefly explain climate change and disease as a factor affecting biodiversity

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What are the reasons for maintaining biodiversity

Answer 18

Ethics
Aesthetic reasons
Economic //
Ecological //

Question 19

Explain ethics

Answer 19

Every species has a value and humans have responsibility to look after them

Question 20

Explain aesthetic reasons

Answer 20

Presence of diff plants and animals and our environment enrich our lives
Provides inspiration for artists etc

Question 21

Explain economic reasons

Answer 21

Biodiversity improves long term productivity
Undiscovered species have potential economic importance (e.g. medical use)
Breeding crops with disease resistance/ high yields= more production

Question 22

Explain ecological reasons

Answer 22

Interdependence of organisms means that if one organism is removed it may have a significant effect on others

Question 23

What is conservation

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is preservation

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What is conservation in situ

Answer 25

Protecting species in their natural habitat | e.g. control invasive species, feeding animals

Question 26

Advantages of in situ conservation

Answer 26

Plants and animals remain in their natural habitat Permanently protects biodiversity and ecosystems by maintaining genetic diversity Cheaper than ex situ

Question 27

What is conservation ex situ

Answer 27

Protecting species by removing individuals from a threatened habitat and looking after them in a ew area e.g. zoos, captive breeding, seed banks

Question 28

Problems with in situ conservation

Answer 28

Endangered habitats may be fragmented- areas too small for survival Population may have already lost most of its genetic diversity Attract ecotourists/poachers

Question 29

Advantages of ex situ

Answer 29

Organisms are protected from predation/poaching, bred to increase numbers Health of individual is monitored and medical assistance given as required Artificial insemination

Question 30

Problems with ex situ

Answer 30

Expensive Behaviour altered- can lead to failure to breed successfully as not in natural enviro, unsuccessful reintroduction to their habitat Gene pool is reduced

Question 31

Explain botanic gardens

Answer 31

Species actively managed to provide them with he best resources to grow 1500 world-wide, helping 35000 plant species Reproduce asexually through tissue culture

Question 32

What are the conditions in a seed bank

Answer 32

Dry, -20 degrees

Question 33

Do seed banks work for all seeds and how is contained viability ensured?

Answer 33

No- some seeds die when frozen | Seeds are germinated and grown- new seeds then collected

Question 34

Advantages of seed banks

Answer 34

Seeds can be stored and germinated in protected surroundings Take up little space Large number of seeds produced

Question 35

Disadvantages of seed banks

Answer 35

Collection of seeds causes some disturbance Lack of genetic diversity in sample collected Conclusions from research may be invalid due to small sample

Question 36

Explain the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) State its main aims

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Explain Convention on Biological Diversity (DBD) | State its main aims

Answer 37

Signed by 150 government leaders at Rio Earth Summit (1992) Dedicated to promoting sustainable development Aims: Conserve biodiversity Appropriate shared access to genetic resources

Question 38

What is the country side stewardship scheme

Answer 38

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

Question 39

In many environmentally sensitive areas, what management techniques are used

Answer 39

Limiting areas tourists can visit Controlling movement of livestock Introducing anti-poaching measures

Question 40

``` Case study 1: The Galapagos Islands Description Main habitats Biodiversity Threats ```

Answer 40

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

Question 41

How have the Galapagos Islands been conserved

Answer 41

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)

Question 42

Captive breeding in the Galapagos Islands

Answer 42

Tortoise eggs collected so not eaten by rats | Adults brought into breed

Question 43

Removal of invasive species in the Galapagos Islands

Answer 43

Quarantine system= prevention

Question 44

Sustainable development in the Galapagos islands

Answer 44

Island split into zones | Tourism controlled

Question 45

Case study 2: Antartica Overview of habitats Organisms present

Answer 45

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

Question 46

What are threats to biodiversity in Antartica

Answer 46

Whaling and seal hunting Overfishing- especially Krill= shrimp-like organism that provides food for whales, seals, penguins Tourism, global warming

Question 47

What conservation measures are being taken in Antartica

Answer 47

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

Question 48

Case study 3: Snowdonia National Park Overview of habitats Organisms present

Answer 48

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

Question 49

What are biodiversity threats in Snowdonia

Answer 49

Grazing fo sheep leaves areas barren and reduces biodiversity in this particular habitat Walkers dropping rubbish, harmful to birds and mammals

Question 50

What conservation measures are being taken in Snowdonia

Answer 50

The hydroelectric power statin is inside a mountain to reduce its effects Footpaths built

Question 51

Case study 4: The Lake District Overview of habitats Organisms present

Answer 51

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

Question 52

What are threats to biodiversity in Lake District

Answer 52

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

Question 53

What conservation measures are being taken in Lake District

Answer 53

Foot paths/bridleways to restrict access | Better public transport to reduce cars

Question 54

Ecosystem management Cause study 1: the Masai Mara Human land use Overview of ecosystem

Answer 54

``` 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 ```

Question 55

Where do conflicts arise between human land use and conservation- Masai Mara How are they being resolved

Answer 55

``` 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 ```

Question 56

Case study 2: the Terai region of Nepal Overview of ecosystem Human land use

Answer 56

Extremely fertile land Mountain regions Subtropical plants Human use: Fertile area= main agriculture region for Nepal Timber trade, used for fuel and building materials

Question 57

Where does conflict arise due to human land use and conservation How are these conflicts resolved

Answer 57

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

Question 58

Case study 3: Peat bogs Overviews of ecosystem Human land use

Answer 58

``` Supports significant area of vegetation Dominated by few groups of plant (moss) Human use: Burnt for fuel Drained for agriculture use ```

Question 59

Where does the conflict arise between human land and conservation How are these conflict resolved?

Answer 59

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)