Chapter 1: The History and Distinctions of Conservation Biology

Question 1

1. A new scientific organization, originated in 1985.
2. Founder

Answer 1

Society for Conservation Biology

Michael Soule

Question 2

What is the “true test” in conservation biology?

Answer 2

The true test will be whether the field can actually preserve biodiversity.

Question 3

The environmental impact triangle

Answer 3

1. “Value Cognition” = human perception of nature.
2. “Nature” -Local natural environment.
3. “Resource Use” - Local human economy

Question 4

The origin of Conservation

Answer 4

??

Question 5

Conservation as Preservation of Landscape example

Answer 5

The Washburn Expedition in 1870 led to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park!

Question 6

Conservation as Moral Mission by ___ and explain.

Answer 6

John Muir & Theodore Roosevelt

Question 7

US conservation activist John Muir, founder of the ___ and champion of the Preservationist Approach to conservation. Muir, who framed conservation as a question of ___, was instrumental in establishing the ____.

Answer 7

Sierra Club,

Preservationist Approach to conservation.

moral choice

US National Park Service

Question 8

Muir was the father of a new school of thought and activism in US conservation, the philosophy of ____.

Answer 8

preservationism

Question 9

A view that argued that the highest and best use of nature was not the extraction of its resources as commodities for human use and material goals, but the appreciation of it intrinsic values and
aesthetic qualities through which the human spirit was transformed, a place where one could draw near to and
commune with God…

Answer 9

Romantic Transcendentalism,

Question 10

a fierce advocate of protecting nature from development and exploitation precisely so that it could be enjoyed in these higher and better ways. He was instrumental in framing the debate in conservation around the essential question ____.

Answer 10

John Muir

What is the best and “highest” use of nature and natural resources?

Question 11

Who is Theodore Roosevelt

Answer 11

the US President who made conservation a national priority during his presidency from 1900 to 1908.

Question 12

Who is Gifford Pinchot

Answer 12

• Promoted a pragmatic “Wise
  Use” or Utilitarian Conservation
• Resource Conservation Ethic

-developed the US Forest Service and its philosophy of Sustained Yield and Multiple Use during the administrations of US President Theodore Roosevelt

Question 13

Explain what is “Resource Conservation Ethic”

Answer 13

developed by Gifford Pinchot, emphasized the responsible and efficient use of natural resources to meet human needs over the long term. It was built on two key principles: equity, ensuring resources are fairly distributed across present and future generations, and efficiency, avoiding wasteful use. Unlike preservationists like John Muir, who valued nature for its intrinsic moral worth, Pinchot advocated for scientific management to maximize sustainable yield and multiple use of resources, thus shaping modern forestry and land management policies.

Question 14

Who is Aldo Leopold?

Answer 14

US conservationist
- founder of The Wilderness Society, a chief intellectual architect of the “Wilderness Ideal” in
conservation at his “shack”.

Under the influence of Gifford Pinchot’s Resource Conservation Ethic, developed the Wilderness Ideal. This concept emphasized preserving wilderness areas for their intrinsic value, rather than solely for human use.

argued that wilderness protection was essential for maintaining ecological balance and fostering a deeper ethical relationship between humans and the natural world, thus shaping modern environmental ethics.

Question 15

Which conservation framework do you believe is most
prominent in our society today? What contemporary
laws and policies are in place that manifest values
espoused by such a framework?

Answer 15

Today, Gifford Pinchot’s Resource Conservation Ethic is the most prominent conservation framework, emphasizing sustainable management of natural resources for human benefit. This approach is reflected in laws and policies such as the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act (1960), which governs U.S. national forests to balance timber, recreation, and other uses, and the National Forest Management Act (1976), which mandates sustainable yield and resource conservation. Additionally, policies like the Clean Water Act (1972) and Clean Air Act (1963) align with Pinchot’s principles by seeking to manage resources efficiently to meet human needs while ensuring environmental quality.

Question 16

The need for increasing international cooperation to protect migratory species from ___ began to be replaced in importance by the emerging awareness of the needs of future generations through sustainable resource
use.

Answer 16

overexploitation

Question 17

____, Swiss scientist and international statesman of
conservation, who founded the Swiss League for Nature Protection and whose vision of an international conservation network eventually led to
the formation of the ____

Answer 17

Paul Sarasin

International Union for the Conservation of Nature
(IUCN).

Question 18

Explain what is IUCN

Answer 18

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that works to conserve nature and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It brings together governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts to develop policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation. The IUCN is best known for its “Red List of Threatened Species,” which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide and guides efforts to prevent extinction.

Question 19

Explain: A Time of Transition: Protecting Nature from People to Protecting Nature for People

Answer 19

Conservation has evolved from just protecting nature from people to also protecting it for people’s benefit. In the past, conservation mainly saw human activities as threats to nature. Today, there’s a greater focus on balancing the needs of both nature and humans. This new approach, called “conservation science,” includes caring for the environment while also considering economic development and social well-being. It aims to protect nature while supporting human needs, recognizing that many conservation efforts must happen in places already shaped by people.

Question 20

Conservation Biology vs Conservation Science

Answer 20

Conservation Biology focuses on protecting species and ecosystems from human impacts, aiming to preserve nature in its original state. It traditionally emphasized minimizing human disturbance and setting aside protected areas. In contrast, Conservation Science takes a broader approach by integrating human needs and social factors, aiming to balance ecological protection with human well-being. It emphasizes sustainable use, economic development, and managing ecosystems in ways that benefit both nature and people.

Question 21

Conservation Biology (illustration)

Answer 21

Genetics
Population Biology
Physiology
Island Biogeography
Historical Biogeography
Hazard Evaluation
Veterinary Medicine
Environmental Monitoring
Ecophilosophy
Social Sciences
Natural Resource Fields (Forestry, Fishery Biology, Wildlife Biology, Public Policy, Management)

Question 22

Conservation Science (illustration)

Answer 22

Conservation biology
Economics
Agriculture
Anthropology
Communications
Psychology
Sociology
Philantrophy
Sustainable Development
Ethics
Public Policy
Public Health
Climate Science

Question 23

Wdym by Arcadian Vision

Answer 23

Conservation as right relationship with Nature-
The Arcadian Vision is an idealized concept of living in harmony with nature, inspired by the ancient Greek province of Arcadia, which was seen as a paradise where humans and nature coexisted peacefully. This vision, reflected in European art and literature, portrays nature as valuable for its own sake and emphasizes a simple, pastoral lifestyle free from the corruption of civilization. While it did not directly lead to modern conservation practices, the Arcadian ideal laid the groundwork for the idea that humans should have a respectful and harmonious relationship with nature.

Question 24

Overview: The origins and history of conservation and conservation biology.

Answer 24

The origins of conservation and conservation biology are rooted in the recognition of human impacts on nature, with significant contributions from various key figures.
1. Michael Soule- often regarded as the father of conservation biology, emphasized the need for scientific research to address biodiversity loss. He founded the new scientific organization in 1985, the “Society for Conservation Biology”

2 . John Muir- a US Conversation activist, founder of Sierra Club advocated for the preservation of wilderness and helped establish national parks

3. Theodore Roosevelt played a vital role in making conservation a national priority during his presidency, expanding the national park system and creating the U.S. Forest Service.
4. Gifford Pinchot- Resource Conservation Ethic developed the US Forest Service and promoted sustainable resource management and the idea of conservation for the greatest good.
5. Aldo Leopold- emphasized the importance of ethics in conservation, advocating for a land ethic that respects all forms of life.
6. Paul Sarasin - founder of Swiss League for Nature Protection and led to the formation of IUCN.

Question 25

• Wrote of nostalgia for lost wilderness
• Left with “a tamer, and as it were, emasculated country”.
• Lived in cabin on Walden Pond 26 months, wrote book
  in 1854
• Advocated rejecting material goods
• Sought harmony by contemplation and scientific study
  of nature
• Advocated each city / town have a large park or
  primitive forest

Answer 25

Henry David Thoreau

Question 26

• Congressman from Vermont
• Scientist – early ecologist studied resource conservation
  principles
• Ambassador to Turkey (1849-54); Italy (1861-1882)
• Called “the fountain- head of the conservation movement”.
• Marsh became convinced that human civilization had
  remade the natural world but with disastrous
  consequences.
• Wrote: Man and Nature (1864). Warnings about
  uncontrolled spoiling of the environment from observations
  of his travels

Answer 26

Perkins Marsh

Question 27

• Geologist, Explorer, Naturalist, Writer
• President and Founder of Sierra Club in 1892
• Did not hold public office
• Influenced others by his writings
• Traveled widely, wrote of his observations of nature
• Influenced by temporary blinding accident while young.
• Loved Yosemite, and the Sierras
• Wanted to open up access to Sierras
• Opposed forest logging and burning,
• Opposed running cattle, sheep in Sierras
• Opposed Hetch Hetchy Project

Answer 27

John Muir

Question 28

Promoted Biocentric Conservation
“The world we are told was made for man. A
presumption that is totally unsupported by the facts…
Nature’s object in making animals and plants might
possibly be first of all the happiness of each one of
them… Why ought man to value himself as more than
an infinitely small unit of one great creation?”
Establish Parks to preserve pristine environment

Answer 28

John Muir

Question 29

Promoted a pragmatic “Wise
Use” or Utilitarian Conservation
* First native born professional forester, becomes
Director of Forestry for Roosevelt
* Conserve “not because they are beautiful or because
they shelter wild creatures of the wilderness, but only
to provide homes and jobs for people.” Resources
used for “the greatest good, for the greatest number
pf people, for the longest time”.
* National forests are to provide trees for your
grandkids to go cut down.
* Supported damming Hetch Hetchy

Answer 29

Gifford Pinchot

Question 30

• Established US Bureau of Reclamation
• More than tripled size of National Forest lands,
  moved to USDA for enforcement
  most important conservationist president
• Game legislation established
• Wants to conserve resources
• Expands national forests
• Wants to protect endangered species
• First National figure to take up Conservation issues

Answer 30

Theodore Roosevelt

Question 31

Founder of occupational medicine
* First woman professor at Harvard Medical School
* Study health hazards in the workplace
* Wrote: Industrial Poisons in the United States
* Opposed lead in paint, gasoline
* Work to get several worker’s compensation laws
passed in Illinois and elsewhere.
* Strong advocate of pollution prevention: testing new
materials before their release as products.

Answer 31

Alice Hamilton

Question 32

Founding father of wildlife ecology,
* Text Book “Game Management” (1933)
* Stressed “Land Ethic”!!!!
* Stressed importance of ecosystem (living and non
living resources)
* In 1935, purchased a worn-out farm near the sand
counties. It is here Leopold put into action his beliefs
that the same tools people used to disrupt the
landscape could also be used to rebuild it.
* Wrote Sand County Almanac, published
posthumously.
* One of Wilderness Society founders

Answer 32

Aldo Leopold

Question 33

Aquatic biologist for U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service
* Wrote: The Sea Around Us, published in 1961
* Silent Spring, was published in 1962.
* Warned about the toxic role of DDT in ecosystems
* Started Environmentalism movement
* President Kennedy’s Science Advisory Committee
confirmed her results in 1963
* In 1980, Carson was posthumously awarded the
presidential Medal of Freedom

Answer 33

Rachel Carson

Question 34

What is the role of conservation biology in the world of
conservation.

Answer 34

Conservation biology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding and preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in the world of conservation by studying the impacts of human activities on the environment, identifying endangered species and their habitats, and developing strategies to protect and restore ecosystems. By integrating ecological, genetic, and social sciences, conservation biology informs policy decisions, guides conservation efforts, and promotes sustainable resource management, ultimately aiming to prevent species extinction and maintain the ecological balance necessary for the health of our planet.

Question 35

The seven core disciplinary distinctions of conservation biology

Answer 35

1. Basis in preserving biodiversity
   - Focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, rather than the management of individual species
2. Value laden and value driven
   - Is committed to valuing biodiversity, regardless of its utilitarian value
3. Mission- and advocacy oriented
   - Emphasizes intention and action to save species and habitats
4. Crisis-oriented
   - Requires rapid investigation and response, even before risk or replication studies can be performed
5. Integrative and multidisciplinary
   - Synthesizes information across disciplines (biology, ecology, ethics, politics, and other disciplines)
6. Concerned with
   evolutionary time
   - Seeks preservation of genetic information and processes that promote speciation for future biodiversity, not just
   conservation for present organisms
7. Adaptive
   - Treats management options as experimental and imprecise, where outcomes may be risky or unpredictable