Causes of Global Wildlife Fluctuations Flashcards
Define the term ‘migration’.
The movement of an individual or a group of individuals from one habitat to another across a large distance
How does migration cause global wildlife fluctuations?
The arrival of populations in a new area will increase the number of individuals in that area because they are adding to the numbers
The departure of populations from an area will decrease the number of individuals because they are leaving that area
Define the term ‘emerging diseases’.
A new or increasing illness or infection in a new area
How does emerging diseases cause global wildlife fluctuations?
Diseases could cause fatalities which will decrease the number of individuals in a population as well as other population
A decrease in a prey species population will result in not enough prey to feed predator species
A decrease in a predator species population will result in an overpopulation of prey species because there are no predators to hunt them
Define the term ‘habitat destruction’.
The physical removal or vandalism of a habitat
How does habitat destruction cause global wildlife fluctuations?
Causes a decrease in populations which could lead to extinction because they have nowhere to live as well as no water and food sources and breeding sites
This will affect other populations because it will cause a change in the presence of prey or predator species, both of which are vital to keep each other’s numbers stable
Define the term ‘climate change’.
A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s climates
Changes observed in Earth’s climate since the mid-20th century are driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere, raising Earth’s average surface temperature
What are the affects of climate change?
Melting polar icecaps and glaciers causing sea levels to rise which encroach on coastal habitats and the artic tundra
Changes in global rainfall patterns leading to droughts and flooding
CO2 concentrations in oceans/seas are leading to higher water temperatures which causes mass coral bleaching
Changes in weather patterns like early spring and warm winters lead to changes in natural cycles and events
More frequent and severe stochastic events
Define the phrase ‘influence of man’.
Humans having the power to have an effect on global ecosystems
How does influence of man cause global wildlife fluctuations?
Can both increase and decrease wildlife populations
Hunting, poaching and habitat destruction will decrease wildlife populations
In-situ and Ex-situ conservation strategies will increase wildlife populations
