Conservation and biodiversity Flashcards
1
Q
What is biodiversity?
A
Biodiversity can be thought of as the variety of life that exists in a specified area. This can refer to global biodiversity, or to the biodiversity of a smaller region.
2
Q
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?
A
Biodiversity is very important for the resilience of ecosystems; the more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more stable and resistant to change it will be.
3
Q
At what three levels can biodiversity be studied?
A
Biodiversity can be studied at three different levels:
- Ecosystem
- Species
- Genetic
4
Q
What is ecosystem diversity?
A
Ecosystem diversity is the range of different ecosystems, or habitats, within a particular area.
5
Q
What characterizes an area with high biodiversity in terms of ecosystem diversity?
A
If there are a large number of different habitats within an area, then that area has high biodiversity. A good example of this is a coral reef; reefs are complex with many microhabitats and niches to be exploited.
6
Q
What characterizes an area with low biodiversity in terms of ecosystem diversity?
A
If there are only one or two different habitats then an area has low biodiversity. Large sandy deserts typically have very low biodiversity as the conditions are very similar throughout the whole area.
7
Q
How can species diversity be measured?
A
Species diversity can be measured in two ways:
- Species richness is the number of species within an ecosystem
- Species evenness is the number of individuals of each species within an ecosystem
8
Q
What two factors determine high species diversity in an ecosystem?
A
For an ecosystem to have high species diversity it must have:
- High species richness
- High species evenness
9
Q
Give an example of high species richness but low evenness.
A
An ecosystem with 1000 species, but only a few individuals of 500 of those species would have high richness but low evenness.
10
Q
Give an example of high species evenness but low richness.
A
An ecosystem with 10 species and thousands of individuals of each species would have high species evenness but low species richness.
11
Q
Why are ecosystems with high species diversity usually more stable?
A
Ecosystems with high species diversity are usually more stable than those with lower species diversity as they are more resilient to environmental changes.
12
Q
What is the risk of low species diversity in an ecosystem? Give an example.
A
Low species diversity can make an ecosystem vulnerable to collapse. For example, in the pine forests of Florida, the ecosystem is dominated by one or two tree species. If a pathogen targets one of the dominant species, the whole population could be wiped out and the ecosystem could collapse.
13
Q
What is genetic diversity?
A
Genetic diversity is the number of different alleles of genes that are present in an entire species or in a local population.
14
Q
What are two factors that contribute to genetic diversity?
A
Factors that contribute to genetic diversity include:
- The proportion of genes that have more than one allele
- The number of different alleles that each gene has
15
Q
Why can there be genetic differences between populations of the same species?
A
There can be genetic differences between populations of the same species because they may live in different areas and are subject to slightly different selection pressures that affect the allele frequencies in their populations.
16
Q
Why is genetic diversity important for a species?
A
Genetic diversity in a species is important as it can help the population adapt to, and survive, changes in the environment.
17
Q
What is the current estimate for global species diversity?
A
Recent estimates suggest that there could be around 8.7 million species on Earth.
18
Q
How many species have currently been recorded and classified?
A
Around 1.2 million species have currently been recorded and classified.
19
Q
What does the fossil record show about past biodiversity?
A
The fossil record shows that:
- Many species that existed in the past are no longer present due to extinction
- There are many more species alive today than have been alive in the past
20
Q
How does speciation affect global biodiversity?
A
The process of speciation leads to an increase in the number of species. When speciation occurs at a higher rate than extinction, global biodiversity will increase.
21
Q
How do current biodiversity levels compare to the past?
A
Despite many extinctions occurring over recent years, periods of speciation in the past mean that global biodiversity levels are still higher than ever before.
22
Q
How can classification affect estimates of species numbers?
A
The accuracy of estimated species numbers depends on classification:
- Correct classification leads to more accurate estimates
- Incorrectly classifying species together results in underestimates
- Incorrectly separating species results in overestimates
23
Q
What are “lumpers” in taxonomy?
A
Lumpers are taxonomists who focus on similarities more than differences, and are more likely to classify species together.
24
Q
What are “splitters” in taxonomy?
A
Splitters are taxonomists who focus on differences, and are more likely to classify species separately.
25
Why is classification sometimes subjective?
Classification can be subjective because it is not always easy to determine the point at which one species has become two, or whether similar organisms are of the same species or are two different species.
26
What is the Nature of Science (NOS) insight about classification?
Classification is an example of pattern recognition, but the same observations can be classified in different ways. For example, "splitters" recognize more species than "lumpers" in a taxonomic group.
27
What is anthropogenic extinction?
Anthropogenic extinction refers to extinction caused by human activities. Scientists believe we are currently experiencing a mass extinction event largely driven by human activities, potentially the sixth such event in Earth's history.
28
What species is an example of lost terrestrial megafauna due to anthropogenic extinction?
The North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae), a large flightless herbivorous bird that lived in New Zealand until around 1300 CE.
29
What led to the extinction of the North Island giant moa?
Humans arrived in New Zealand between 1200-1300 CE, and it is thought that the moas were hunted to extinction by humans by 1300 CE.
30
What marine species is an example of anthropogenic extinction?
The Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis), which lived in the oceans around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
31
When were Caribbean monk seals declared extinct?
Caribbean monk seals were declared extinct in 2008, though it is believed they may have gone extinct before this date.
32
What factors made Caribbean monk seals vulnerable to extinction?
Their docile nature and habit of lying out on rocks made these seals easy for European colonists to hunt for their oil and meat.
33
What are some general causes of anthropogenic species extinction?
Causes include:
- Habitat destruction (e.g., deforestation)
- Overhunting/overharvesting
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Introduction of invasive species
- Industrialization and infrastructure development
34
How did human population growth contribute to the current mass extinction?
In the 20th century, the human population quadrupled and the global economy grew twenty-five-fold. This "Great Acceleration" intensified species extinction through increased resource consumption and habitat destruction.
35
What role did overhunting play in moa extinction?
Overhunting by humans was the primary cause of moa extinction. Despite low human population density (fewer than 2500 people in New Zealand), moas were exterminated within about a century of human arrival.
36
How did human activities contribute to Caribbean monk seal extinction?
Humans hunted Caribbean monk seals for their blubber oil (used for lamp fuel and machine lubrication) and overfished the reefs the seals depended on for food, leading to their extinction through direct hunting and starvation.
37
What caused the extinction of the North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae)?
The main cause was overhunting by humans for food. Despite low human population density (fewer than 2500 people in New Zealand), moas were exterminated within about a century of human arrival around 1300 CE.
38
What other factors may have contributed to moa extinction?
Habitat destruction
- Predation of moa chicks by introduced Polynesian dogs (kuri)
- Low reproduction rates of moas, making them vulnerable to overhunting
39
What led to the extinction of the Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis)?
The main causes were:
- Overhunting for their blubber oil (used for lamp fuel and machine lubrication)
- Habitat loss
- Overfishing of the reefs the seals depended on for food
40
When was the Caribbean monk seal declared extinct?
The Caribbean monk seal was declared extinct in 2008, though it is believed to have gone extinct some time before this declaration.
41
What factors made the Caribbean monk seal vulnerable to extinction?
- Their docile nature
- Habit of resting on beaches, making them easy targets for hunters
- Restricted breeding areas
- Slow reproduction rate
42
What caused the extinction of the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)?
The main causes were:
- Massive overhunting for food and sport
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation
- Low genetic diversity, making the species vulnerable to extinction
43
How did human population growth contribute to the current mass extinction?
In the 20th century, the human population quadrupled and the global economy grew twenty-five-fold. This "Great Acceleration" intensified species extinction through increased resource consumption and habitat destruction.
44
List five general causes of anthropogenic species extinction.
1. Habitat destruction (e.g., deforestation)
2. Overhunting/overharvesting
3. Pollution
4. Climate change
5. Introduction of invasive species
45
Why is it important to study anthropogenic extinction?
Understanding the causes of anthropogenic extinction helps in developing conservation strategies, creating policies to protect endangered species, and mitigating human impact on ecosystems.
46
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem describes all of the living organisms in an area, along with their interactions with each other and the non-living environment.
47
What is a major cause of ecosystem loss?
Human activities are responsible for damaging and destroying many ecosystems around the world, e.g., the destruction of habitat during deforestation.
48
What are dipterocarps?
Dipterocarps are a family of trees that occur in the tropics and once formed a crucial part of a complex rainforest ecosystem that dominated Southeast Asia.
49
How much of Southeast Asian dipterocarp forests have been lost?
Some parts of Southeast Asia have lost more than 50% of their dipterocarp forests.
50
What is clear-cutting?
Clear-cutting is a practice where all of the trees in an area are cut down and removed. This provides timber and clears land for agriculture, e.g., palm oil plantations.
51
What are two main reasons for clear-cutting dipterocarp forests?
1. To provide timber
2. To clear land for agriculture, e.g., palm oil plantations
52
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system located off the coast of Australia.
53
What are some anthropogenic threats to the Great Barrier Reef?
1. Climate change causing coral bleaching
2. Ocean acidification
3. Pollution from agricultural runoff
4. Overfishing
5. Coastal development
54
How does climate change affect the Great Barrier Reef?
Rising water temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae and can die if the stress is prolonged or severe.
55
What is ocean acidification and how does it impact the Great Barrier Reef?
Ocean acidification is the decrease in ocean pH due to increased CO2 absorption. It makes it harder for corals and other marine organisms to build their calcium carbonate skeletons and shells.
56
What are the main anthropogenic causes of ecosystem loss?
1. Deforestation
2. Urbanization
3. Agriculture expansion
4. Climate change
5. Pollution
6. Overexploitation of resources
57
What is happening to mixed dipterocarp forests in Southeast Asia
Dipterocarp forests, once dominating Southeast Asia, are being gradually lost. Some parts have lost more than 50% of their forests due to clear-cutting for timber and land for agriculture (e.g., palm oil plantations).
58
What is clear-cutting and how does it contribute to ecosystem loss in Southeast Asian dipterocarp forests?
Clear-cutting is a practice where all trees in an area are cut down and removed. It provides timber and clears land for agriculture, leading to the loss of complex rainforest ecosystems.
59
What anthropogenic factors are causing the loss of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem?
1. Climate change causing coral bleaching
2. Ocean acidification
3. Pollution from agricultural runoff and coastal development
4. Overfishing
5. Physical damage from tourism and shipping
60
How does climate change contribute to the loss of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem?
Rising water temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae. Prolonged or severe stress can lead to coral death, disrupting the entire reef ecosystem.
61
What is ocean acidification and how does it impact the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem?
Ocean acidification is the decrease in ocean pH due to increased CO2 absorption. It makes it harder for corals and other marine organisms to build their calcium carbonate skeletons and shells, weakening the reef structure.
62
How does pollution contribute to the loss of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem?
Agricultural runoff introduces excess nutrients and sediments, while coastal development can lead to increased sedimentation. These factors can smother corals, promote algal growth, and reduce water quality, harming the reef ecosystem.
63
Compare and contrast the causes of ecosystem loss in Southeast Asian dipterocarp forests and the Great Barrier Reef.
Similarities: Both affected by climate change and human activities for economic gain.
Differences: Dipterocarp forests mainly lost through direct removal (clear-cutting), while the Great Barrier Reef is damaged through indirect effects (climate change, pollution) as well as direct impacts (overfishing, physical damage).
64
What is required for trustworthy evidence of biodiversity loss?
- Many reliable biodiversity surveys in a wide range of habitats
- Repeat survey data over time
- Assessment of both species richness and species evenness
- Expert analysis of data
65
What is IPBES and what does it do?
IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) is an organization that:
- Gathers information on global biodiversity and ecosystems
- Recommends policies
- Communicates findings
66
What did the 2019 IPBES report contain?
- Comprehensive summary of research findings
- Policy recommendations for governments
67
Who contributes to IPBES data gathering?
- Scientists
- Government bodies
- Local individuals (citizen scientists)
68
What is a citizen scientist?
A member of the public who helps to gather scientific data, in this case for biodiversity surveys.
69
Why are citizen scientists important for biodiversity monitoring?
They help maximize the volume of data collected across various habitats and over time.
70
What is the Nature of Science (NOS) insight about verifiable evidence?
To be verifiable, evidence usually has to:
- Come from a published source
- Be peer-reviewed
- Allow methodology to be checked
71
What unique methodological concerns arise from citizen science data?
While citizen science brings benefits like increased data volume, it also raises concerns about data quality, consistency, and reliability compared to data collected by expert scientists.
72
What organization, besides IPBES, is mentioned as working across multiple governments on biodiversity issues?
IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
73
Why are repeat surveys important in biodiversity monitoring?
Repeat surveys provide evidence of change in species richness and evenness over time, allowing for the detection of trends in biodiversity loss or gain.
74
What is IPBES and what does it do?
IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) is an independent body that:
- Gathers information on global biodiversity and ecosystems
-Provides scientific advice on biodiversity loss to policymakers
- Recommends policies
- Communicates findings
75
What did the 2024 IPBES "Transformative Change Report" conclude?
- Deep, fundamental shifts in how people view and interact with nature are urgently needed
- These changes are necessary to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and safeguard life on Earth
- The report builds on previous IPBES assessments from 2019 and 2022
76
What is the IUCN and what does it do?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is a network of organizations and experts that:
- Gathers knowledge of the natural world
- Proposes helpful environmental policies
- Compiles the IUCN Red List of threatened species
77
What are the IUCN Red List categories for species assessment?
LC = Least Concern
NT = Near Threatened
VU = Vulnerable
EN = Endangered
CR = Critically Endangered
EW = Extinct in the Wild
E = Extinct
DD = Data Deficient
NE = Not Evaluated
78
Why are repeat surveys important in biodiversity monitoring?
Repeat surveys provide evidence of change in species richness and evenness over time, allowing for the detection of trends in biodiversity loss or gain.
79
What is a citizen scientist and why are they important for biodiversity monitoring?
A citizen scientist is a member of the public who helps gather scientific data. They are important because:
- They help maximize the volume of data collected across various habitats and over time
- They enable large-scale data collection that would be challenging for scientists alone
- They can cover vast geographic areas
80
What are some challenges associated with citizen science data in biodiversity monitoring?
- Data quality and reliability concerns
- Potential biases in data collection
- Need for proper statistical analysis
- Difficulty in standardizing methods and protocols
- Challenges in data validation
81
What is the Nature of Science (NOS) insight about verifiable evidence?
To be verifiable, evidence usually must:
- Come from a published source
- Be peer-reviewed
- Allow methodology to be checked
82
How can the challenges of using citizen science data be mitigated?
- Good experimental design
- High-quality data analysis
- Proper training of citizen scientists
- Use of standardized protocols
- Expert validation of collected data
83
What are some benefits of engaging citizen scientists in biodiversity monitoring?
- Increased public awareness and engagement in conservation
- Collection of large-scale data sets
- Cost-effective method for gathering extensive data
- Fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for local environments
- Potential for more comprehensive understanding of local ecosystems
84
What is the main cause of the current biodiversity crisis?
The growth of the global human population is likely to be the main cause of this crisis.
85
How many people are currently on Earth?
There are currently more than 8 billion people on Earth.
86
Why does the global population continue to increase despite decreasing birth rates?
Even though birth rates are now decreasing, people are living longer so births are occurring at a higher rate than deaths and the population continues to grow.
87
Until what year is the human population projected to continue increasing?
Projections suggest that the human population will continue to increase until the year 2100 due to birth rates being higher than death rates.
88
What is an example of overexploitation of marine resources?
Overfishing of the oceans are causing a decline in fish populations.
89
Give examples of hunting animals for resources.
Hunting of animals for resources such as ivory from tusks, oil from whales, or fur from beavers.
90
How does urbanization contribute to biodiversity loss?
Urbanisation, or the building of towns, causes:
- Direct loss of habitat for buildings
- Fragmentation of habitat into smaller pieces by, e.g. roads
- Less land is available for agriculture, so this expands elsewhere
91
What are some reasons for deforestation and habitat loss?
Land is cleared for agriculture, timber, mining, or quarries.
92
Why can agriculture be detrimental to biodiversity despite appearing good for living organisms?
Agriculture may look good for living organisms, but it often involves the planting of monocultures with very low biodiversity, and it leads to loss of soil micro-organisms.
93
Give two examples of pollution affecting biodiversity.
- Microplastics have been found in remote environments
- Fertilisers and organic waste can be washed off farmland into bodies of water
94
How has biodiversity loss led to an increase in pest species?
Biodiversity loss has led to an increase in pest species that damage crops, e.g. the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).
95
How does higher biodiversity affect pest populations?
Higher biodiversity increases the number of pest predators.
96
Why do pests gather in larger numbers in areas of monoculture?
Pests will gather in larger numbers in areas of monoculture.
97
What are invasive species?
When humans travel around the world they often bring species with them, either by accident or on purpose; these 'alien' species can have damaging effects on the habitats to which they are introduced.
98
Give three examples of invasive species.
- Grey squirrels and signal crayfish in the UK
- Cane toads in Australia
- Rats in the Galapagos Islands
99
How can diseases impact biodiversity?
Diseases can wipe out large numbers of species, e.g. the chytrid fungus is thought to have wiped out 90 species of amphibian so far.
100
How does human-caused climate change affect disease spread?
Human-caused climate change can increase the ranges of some diseases.
101
How can human-animal interactions lead to new diseases?
Humans living closely with animal species can result in new diseases as pathogens transfer between hosts.
102
What is the IPBES and what did their 2024 report conclude?
IPBES is the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Their 2024 "Transformative Change Report" concluded that deep, fundamental shifts in how people view and interact with nature are urgently needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
103
How do invasive alien species impact biodiversity according to the 2024 IPBES report?
Invasive alien species have been a major factor in 60% and the only driver in 16% of global animal and plant extinctions recorded. At least 218 invasive alien species have been responsible for more than 1,200 local extinctions.
104
Why is a mixture of different approaches needed to conserve biodiversity?
The problem of biodiversity loss is complex, with no single simple solution. Complexities often arise from conflicts between the needs of the natural world and humans, which are not always easy to resolve.
105
What are two main categories of biodiversity conservation approaches?
1. In situ conservation
2. Ex situ conservation
106
What is in situ conservation?
Conservation of species within their natural habitats.
107
List three examples of in situ conservation approaches.
1. Protected areas
2. Rewilding
3. Reclamation
108
What is a protected area?
A defined geographical space, such as a national park or nature reserve, that is managed and protected for the purposes of conservation.
109
What are two types of protected areas?
1. National parks: government-controlled areas within countries where wildlife and environment are protected
2. Nature reserves: smaller regions on privately or publicly owned land
110
List three possible restrictions inside protected areas.
1. Human access is strictly controlled
2. Industrial activities such as agriculture and building are tightly regulated
3. Hunting is limited or completely prohibited
111
What is ex situ conservation?
Conservation of species outside their natural habitats.
112
List four examples of ex situ conservation approaches
1. Zoos
2. Botanic gardens
3. Seed banks
4. Tissue banks
113
Why is no single conservation approach sufficient by itself?
Different species require different measures, and the complexities of biodiversity loss necessitate a variety of strategies to address the problem effectively.
114
Why are several approaches needed for biodiversity conservation?
No single approach by itself is sufficient, and different species require different measures.
115
What is rewilding?
Rewilding is the restoration of ecosystems to a point at which they can sustain themselves; such sustainable ecosystems are by their nature biodiverse habitats.
116
What are the two types of rewilding?
1. Active rewilding: involves human intervention, e.g. removing human features such as roads, and reintroducing locally extinct species
2. Passive rewilding: leaving an area alone to allow ecological processes to gradually restore themselves
117
Why doesn't passive rewilding work for all habitat types?
Passive rewilding will not work for the restoration of some habitat types, e.g. grassland habitats often require grazing to prevent the dominance of tree species.
118
What is reclamation in biodiversity conservation?
Reclamation refers to the reclaiming and restoration of areas that have been damaged by human activities, e.g. abandoned quarries or areas where deforestation has taken place. Such projects aim to restore previously existing ecosystems.
119
How do zoos contribute to ex situ conservation?
- Captive breeding programmes can increase the number of individuals of a species
- Artificial insemination allows gene flow between individuals in different zoos
- This prevents problems from low genetic diversity
- Can lead to the release of individuals back into the wild
- Provide invaluable resources for scientific research on animal genetics, behaviors, and habitat requirements
120
What is in situ conservation?
Conservation of species within their natural habitats.
121
What are some examples of in situ conservation approaches?
- Management of nature reserves
- Protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
- Biosphere reserves
122
What are some examples of ex situ conservation approaches?
- Zoos
- Botanic gardens
- Storage of germ plasm in seed banks
- Tissue banks
123
How do botanic gardens contribute to biodiversity conservation?
Botanic gardens conserve plant species outside their natural habitats, maintain collections of rare and endangered plants, and contribute to research and education on plant conservation.
124
How do botanic gardens contribute to biodiversity conservation?
- Use cuttings and seeds from the wild to establish populations of endangered species
- Use tissue culturing and cloning to obtain large numbers of plants
- Maintain captive populations for future reintroduction
- Conduct research on plant reproduction, growth, and habitat requirements
125
What is a seed bank?
A facility that conserves plant diversity by drying and storing seeds in a temperature-controlled environment.
126
How do seed banks maintain genetic diversity?
Seeds of the same species are usually collected from different sites to maintain genetic diversity.
127
What is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?
A seed bank located in the Arctic Circle containing seeds from almost 1 million plant species, used for safekeeping of crop plant seeds by many organizations.
128
How long can seeds be stored in seed banks?
Seeds can only be stored for a limited time. After a certain period, the stored seeds are grown into plants and fresh seeds for storage are taken from those plants.
129
What conditions are ideal for seed storage in seed banks?
Cool, dry conditions generally increase the length of time for which seeds remain viable.
130
How can seed banks help if a plant species goes extinct?
If the plant species goes extinct, the seeds stored in seed banks can be used to grow them again.
131
What is the purpose of growing stored seeds periodically?
Stored seeds are grown into plants periodically to:
- Ensure the viability of the seeds
- Obtain fresh seeds for storage
- Maintain the genetic diversity of the stored collection
132
Why is the location of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault significant?
It is located in the Arctic Circle, which provides ideal environmental conditions for long-term seed storage.
133
What are tissue banks?
Tissue banks, or frozen zoos, store genetic material from animals at very low temperatures. It is thought that properly frozen tissue samples can last indefinitely.
134
Why are samples collected from different individuals of the same species?
Samples are ideally collected from different individuals of the same species to maintain genetic diversity.
135
What are the two types of tissue stored in tissue banks?
1. Germplasm
2. Somatic tissue
136
What is germplasm?
Germplasm includes reproductive tissue, such as sperm cells, egg cells, and embryos. This material can be used by zoos in captive breeding programmes.
137
How could germplasm potentially be used to bring back extinct species?
In theory, IVF could be carried out with a suitable surrogate species to bring back an extinct species using stored germplasm.
138
What is somatic tissue?
Somatic tissue is non-reproductive tissue, or body cells. This type of tissue contains the full genome of the species and can be used for DNA research.
139
How might somatic tissue be used in the future for extinct species?
It is thought that somatic tissue could be used for cloning extinct species in the future.
140
What does EDGE stand for in the EDGE of Existence programme?
Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered
141
What are the two main criteria for prioritizing species in the EDGE programme?
1. Evolutionarily distinct
2. Globally endangered
142
What are three characteristics of evolutionarily distinct species?
1. Have few close evolutionary relatives
2. Unusual in appearance, behavior, and DNA
3. Represent a part of Earth's evolutionary tree not represented anywhere else
143
How is the global endangerment of a species determined in the EDGE programme?
The IUCN Red List is used to provide information about the threat level of an evolutionarily distinct species.
144
What level of threat must a species face to be considered by the EDGE programme?
A species must be globally threatened, not just threatened on a local level.
145
List three examples of priority EDGE species.
1. Largetooth sawfish
2. Chinese giant salamander
3. Purple frog
146
What is the main goal of the EDGE of Existence programme?
To highlight the needs of EDGE species to local, government, and international conservation organizations to ensure that such species are not lost before their plight is even recognized.
147
What organization works together with the EDGE programme?
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
148
Why is it important to prioritize species for conservation efforts?
There are so many species that need protection that it can seem like an impossible task to decide where to allocate the limited resources available.
149
What is the Nature of Science (NOS) insight regarding species prioritization for conservation?
Issues such as which species should be prioritized for conservation efforts have complex ethical, environmental, political, social, cultural and economic implications and therefore need to be debated.
150
Why might a species be prioritized even if not globally threatened?
Some species may be important for maintaining ecosystems that support other, more threatened species.
151
How can cultural importance affect conservation prioritization?
A species may be culturally important for a particular nation, influencing its conservation priority.
152
What political factor can make conserving particular habitats difficult?
Political reasons, such as a habitat being located in a war zone, can make conservation efforts very challenging.
153
What is EDGE's role in conservation decision-making?
EDGE does not make decisions about conservation, but passes on important information to stakeholders, allowing a range of people to be involved in the debate.
154
Why is it important to involve multiple stakeholders in conservation prioritization debates?
Involving various stakeholders ensures that complex ethical, environmental, political, social, cultural, and economic issues are considered in conservation decisions.
