Conservation Flashcards
What does conservation refer to?
Prevention of wasteful use of a resource
Define sustainable development.
Carefully planned utilization of natural resources
Sustainable development seeks to meet present needs without compromising future generations.
What is an aesthetic argument for conservation?
Valuable to people, adds to quality of life, tourism, economy
Aesthetic appreciation of nature can enhance mental well-being and support economic activities.
What is rehabilitation in conservation?
Restoration of a natural resource to its normal state
Example: Planting leguminous plants in an abandoned quarry to improve soil quality.
What is the purpose of restoration in conservation?
Allows the ecosystem to repair itself
Creating conditions for natural recovery of habitats is essential for ecosystem health.
Define preservation in the context of conservation.
Protection of a resource
This can include creating protected areas for plants and animals through legislation.
What is ex-situ conservation?
Removal of resources from their natural habitat
Organisms are preserved outside their natural environment, such as in zoos or botanical gardens.
List benefits of ex-situ conservation.
- Safe environment for critically endangered species
- Controlled breeding and research opportunities
- Storage of genetic material
These benefits help in the conservation of species that are at risk of extinction.
What are disadvantages of ex-situ conservation?
- Acclimatization challenges for organisms
- Ethical concerns with captivity
- Disease vulnerability due to low genetic variation
These issues can hinder the long-term survival of species in captivity.
Define in-situ conservation.
Occurs in the natural surroundings
Examples include wildlife reserves where species are protected in their natural habitats.
List benefits of in-situ conservation.
- Maintains natural processes and interactions
- Allows natural behaviors, including breeding and migration
- Preserves genetic diversity in wild populations
In-situ conservation supports the ecological integrity of habitats.
What are disadvantages of in-situ conservation?
- High costs for monitoring and protection
- Large areas can be difficult to patrol
- Vulnerability to natural disasters
- Difficulty in treating diseases in large areas
These challenges can limit the effectiveness of in-situ conservation efforts.
aim of conservation
Conservation aims to manage natural resources efficiently to avoid depletion.
