Conservation Of Biodiversity Flashcards
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for resources?
- Wood: buildings, tools, furniture
- Fibres: cotton, wool, silk, rayon
- Oils: vegetable and animal oils are used in foods, lubricants, soaps
- Fuels: wood, charcoal, alcohol, vegetable oils
- Food: plants, animals, algae, fungi
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for new food species?
- Very few species of plant or animal are used for human food, and are often kept in areas they are not evolved to live in
- Indigenous species are usually better adapted to local conditions, so may have higher survival rates
- lots of plants have potential including: Potato Bean of North America, Yeheb tree has edible nuts, Kernza - a perennial cereal
- Lots of animals too: American Bison, Common Eland, Common Ostrich
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for biomimetics- vehicle design?
- Splayed wingtip feathers of soaring birds rescue wind turbulence and drag, helping to improve aircraft desgin and increase fuel efficiency.
- Humpback whale tubercles on their flippers, channel water flow allowing them to turn in tigh circles, this ha been applied to ship designs for rudders
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for biomimetics-infection control?
Bacteria doesn’t easily stick to shark skin, this is because they have a special coating, which has now been imitated in operating theatres to control bacterial infections.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for biomimetics-Architecture?
The mounds termites construct above the ground to absorb sunlight and become hot. Using convection currents, this system has been copied in shopping complexes and office blocks to create natural ventilation and cooling without the need for air conditioning.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for biomimetics-Adhesion?
- Toes of gecko lizards have pads that provide strong adhesion = used to provide adhesion without glue
- Seeds of some plants have burrs with hooks that stick to animals for seed dispersal = Velcro
- Lotus flowers water-repelling properties = self-cleaning glass
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for biomimetics-materials?
Lightweight, flexible, strong silk produced by spiders being copied to produce better car airbags and body armour
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for medicine?
Many plants produce chemical toxins for self defence:
- Poppies = painkillers e.g. morphine and codeine
- Willow tree bark = Aspirin
- Tropical marine sponge = AZT to treat HIV/AIDs
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for physiological research?
Studying species adaptations to environmental conditions in the interest of understanding human health greater:
- Marsupials pouches, studying kangaroo development = better understanding of a baby inside the womb still.
- Hippopotamus skin secretes and acid which is a natural sunscreen = treatment of burn victims
- Bat and Dolphin echolocation = ultrasound scanners, 3-D images for medical diagnosis
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for pest control species?
- Parasitic wasp (Encarsia Formosa) released in greenhouses or control whitefly pests
- Cactoblastis moth to kill of prickly pear cacti in South America
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for genetic resources?
Domesticated crops often lack genetic diversity, Crop Wild Relatives have been introduced to be bred with the domesticated crops as they often hold desirable characteristics:
- Disease resistance
- Salt-tolerance
- Resistance to drought
- High yields
- Improved taste or appearance
- Nutrient uptake
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for centres of diversity?
Some areas of the world have high concentrations of the close relatives of the crop species, these were named Centres of diversity or Vavilov centres.
E.g. Chinese centre = millet, soya, onion, cucumber, pear, peach, apricots, sugarcane and opium poppy
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-atmospheric composition?
Abiotic and biotic processes that cancel each other out to create dynamic equilibrium
E.g. Concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen are largely regulated;acted by photosynthesis and aerobic respiration
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-hydrological cycle?
Evapotranspiration from vegetation produces a large amount of the water vapour that forms clouds, controls surface temperatures and increases precipitation.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-biogeochemical cycles?
Cycles such as the nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus, all rely on microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Without these processes, waste products would build up and nutrient resources would become depleted.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-soil maintenance?
Soil is vital for growth, regulating water cycles, reducing flooding.
The formation process involves break down and decomposition which involves animals, fungi and bacteria.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-interspecies relations?
- All species rely on other species for a range of resources such as food, shelter, protection etc.. and ecological services.
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-food?
All heterotrophs rely on other organisms as a source of energy and nutrients
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-pollination?
- Pollination by insects = plants have dispersed populations as insects search over large distances, the plants also save energy as they do not need to produce as much pollen
- Pollination by animals = important in forests as trees slow wind velocity
- Many plants have evolved for specific pollinators and pollinators have evolved from specific plants
E.g. Darwins Orchid = Sphinx Moth as they have a long enough tongue
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-seed dispersal?
- Seed dispersal by animals = not haphazard, seeds can travel longer distances, increases survival of the seeds as they have more nutrients
- Plants often attract animals with bright fruits or flowers
- Faecal matter can act as a fertiliser
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for ecosystem services-habitat provision?
One species may provide habitats for other species:
- Trees = nests for birds
- Hermit crabs = shells of dead molluscs
- Trees = microclimates beneath the canopy
Why is important to conserve biodiversity for gene-pool problems?
Gene pool = total number of different genes present in all individuals in a population of a particular species
- Domesticated species often lack genetic diversity and so are often all susceptible to the same environmental changes
- Large gene pool = larger range of tolerance = better at adapting to change
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How is direct exploitation of food a threat to biodiversity?
Many species are overexploited to provide food for humans e.g. turtles, cod swordfish, tuna, sharks and many herbivores, some have been hunted to extinction e.g. dodo birds
How is direct exploitation of fashion a threat to biodiversity?
Animal skins for clothing, certain animals particularly are affected:
- Fur coats and accessories = leopard, snow leopard, ocelot, tiger, fur seals
- Leather bags and shoes = crocodiles and alligators
- Feathers from kingfishers, parrots and ostriches
How is direct exploitation of pets and entertainment a threat to biodiversity?
Pets: parrots, lizards, snakes, tortoises, tropical fish
House plants: tropical exotics, fly traps
Zoos: used to be wild animal collections, nowadays they are for conservation reasons
Aquaria: most marine fish do not breed well in captivity
Marine life centres: whales and sharks and dolphins that have been caught from the wild
How is direct exploitation of furniture and ornaments a threat to biodiversity?
Furniture = timber from tropical rainforest species like mahogany, teak and ramin
Black piano keys = tropical ebony wood, white piano keys = elephant ivory
Jewellery = shark teeth, turtle shells and mollusc shells
Coral and sea shells collected by tourists, sold as souvenirs
How is direct exploitation of traditional medicines a threat to biodiversity?
Little evidence that they are as effective as medicines, many species were used:
- Tigers = claws as a sedative, tail for skin disease, dung for alcoholism, brain for laziness, whiskers for toothache
- Rhinoceroses = horn cure for many problems from nosebleeds to smallpox
- Sea horses = treat infertility, baldness, asthma and arthritis
How is direct exploitation of other products a threat to biodiversity?
- Fine oils from whale blubber
- Spermaceti from sperm whales
= used to make candles, lamp oil, soap, lubricating oil, cosmetics and perfume
How does eradication of predators and competitors threaten biodiversity?
Many species killed if they threaten human life or activities:
- Sharks, snakes, crocodiles = threat to humans
- Malaria mosquitoes = pathogen vectors
- Wolves, lions, puma, birds, seals = predators of livestock
- Insects, fungi, birds molluscs = agricultural pests
- Rabbits and deer = competitors of agricultural species
- Beetles, deer, squirrels, beavers = forestry pests
How can changes in the abiotic factor, water availability threaten biodiversity?
Land drainage for farmland means large areas of wetland no longer exist = wetland species no longer survive
Hydroelectric power schemes cause flooding and flood nests killing eggs
How can changes in the abiotic factor, dissolved oxygen threaten biodiversity?
Dissolved oxygen can be reduced by hot water discharges which deoxygenates the water
= Reduced survival rate of aerobic organisms
How can changes in the abiotic factor, temperature threaten biodiversity?
Global climate change = temperature changes will cause changes in the distribution of species, or they will die out where they are as the conditions are no longer suitable
Hot effluent water = increase growth rates of aquatic vegetation = deoxygenation
How can changes in the abiotic factor, pH threaten biodiversity?
Mine drainage water and pollutant gases from burning fossil fuels can produce acidic conditions, which can denature the enzymes of exposed tissues.
Particularly vulnerable = fish eggs, gills, calcium based exoskeletons
How can changes in the abiotic factor, water turbidity threaten biodiversity?
Ploughing, mining and dredging can increase water turbidity
- Reducing light penetration and preventing submerged aquatic pants from photosynthesising
- Can kill-filter feeders as their gills become blocked
How can changes in the abiotic factor, physical damage threaten biodiversity?
Discarding litter or old fishing gear = can be swallowed by or trap an animal
How can changes in the biotic factor, pollinators threaten biodiversity?
Many plants rely on pollen being transported between flowers
- If insects die out, plants wont be able to reproduce
- Use of pesticides and loss of flowering plants has reduced populations of insect species
How can changes in the biotic factor, seed dispersal species threaten biodiversity?
Animals that eat seeds and fruit can be vital in the successful spiral of seeds.
- Elephants disperse most of the seed for tree species where elephants are found
How can changes in the biotic factor, food chain impacts threaten biodiversity?
Decline in populations of some species may be caused by the over-exploitation of their food e.g. puffins reduced as sand eels over exploited
Increase in populations of the prey of over-exploited predator species such as increase in jellyfish due to decrease in sea turtles
How do introduced competitors threaten biodiversity?
- Grey squirrels were introduced to UK from North America, where in many areas it has outcompeted the red squirrel as it is better adapted to exploit available food, can compete for better nest sites.
- Rhododendrons were introduced to the UK from Asia, but are invasive, and are evergreen so prevent growths of native vegetation, and release toxins that inhibit growth of other plants
How do introduced predators threaten biodiversity?
- The range of the European Water Vole in Uk rivers has been reduced by the American Mink that escaped from fur farms
- Ground nesting birds on many oceanic islands such as New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii are threatened by cats, rats, pigs and dogs
- Nile Perch was introduced into lake Victoria to improve food supplies but it ate the indigenous fish such as cichlids
How do introduced pathogens threaten biodiversity?
- Grey squirrel brought squirrel pox virus which doesn’t effect them but is deadly to the red squirrels
- White-clawed Crayfish is indigenous to the UK but has declined due to introduction of non indigenous species which carry a fungal pathogen killing the White-clawed Crayfish
- Dutch Elm Disease, Ash Dieback and Sudden Oak Death
How does introducing species that hybridise threaten biodiversity?
If a species very closely related to an indigenous species is introduced the cross-breeding may produce fertile hybrids.
E.g. Wildcats in Scotland bred with domestic cats
How does introducing loss of species that control abiotic factors threaten biodiversity?
Some species change habitats and produce abiotic factors that other species need for survival
E.g. African Forest Elephants create forest clearings and water holes that other species may rely on.
If these species are lost then other species may decline.
How does habitat destruction threaten biodiversity?
Human activities cause habitat destruction such as deforestation, ploughing of grassland, reservoir creation, mineral extraction, urban expansion.
What does wildlife conservation involve?
Interfering with habitats or wild populations in ways that are intended to be beneficial for conservation
What does IUCN stand for?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature
What are the roles of the IUCN?
- Coordinating global data on biodiversity conservation
- Increasing understanding of the importance of biodiversity
- Deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food, sustainable development
What are the IUCN red list categories? (In order)
Extinct = no known individuals remain
Extinct in the wild = only remain in captivity
Critically endangered = extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Endangered = high risk of becoming endangered
Vulnerable = high risk of becoming endangered
Near threatened = likely to become endangered
Least concern = lowest risk of becoming endangered
Data-deficient = insufficient information for the species
What’s an example of a species recategorised in 2016 on the IUCN?
Plains Zebras has been recategorised from Least Concern to Near threatened because of declining population mainly caused by habitat loss.
What are examples of species recategorised in 2015 on the IUCN?
- Successful conversation of the Iberian Lynx has resulted in re-categorisation from Critically Endangered to Endangered. Due to a captive breeding programme
- White-headed vulture has been re-categorised to Critically Endangered as the population has continued to decline dues to poisoning and persecution
What are some species assessed in 2014 on the IUCN?
- 100 species of Lemur all endemic to the island of Madagascar, 22 are critically endangered, 48 are endangered due to habitat loss and bushmeat.
- Fregate island Beetle of Fregate island in the Indian Ocean was categorised as threatened, but a programme to remove rats resulted in a recategorise to Vulnerable
What are some species assessed in 2013 on the IUCN?
- Okapi is indigenous to forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, its population declined dues to hunting, habitat loss, and the difficulties in conservation programmes as early as military conflict has caused it to be recategorised from Near Threatened to Endangered Species
Why is species, in habitats under a particular threat, a reason for categorising them?
Their status may indicate the status of the rest of the community of species, such as the decline of lemurs in Madagascar is used to predict the decline of other species.
Why are Evolutionarily Unique species (EDGE) a reason for categorising them?
Species that have a high degree of evolutionary uniqueness may be categorise, e.g. if there are only few closely related species.
E.g. Bacteria Camel, Pygmy Hippo
What does EDGE stand for?
Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered
Why are endemic species a reason for categorising them?
Means not in any other area, so if there is a change in the threats to its survival and it dies out locally, there will be no surviving population elsewhere. E.g. Galapagos, Seychelles, Hawaii, Madagascar = Gozo Wall Lizard, Red ruffed Lemur, Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
Why are keystone species a reason for categorising them?
A key stone species has an important role on maintaining the ecological structure of a community. Its importance is usually great compared to their low abundance or population biomass. Roles include provision of food, seed dispersal, creation of structural features
E.g. African Forest Elephants
Why are flagship species a reason to categorise them?
Flagship species are species with a high public profile that often raise support to protects other species.
E.g. Tigers, elephants, lions, etc to raise support for spiders, bats, moths, etc which are just as important
Why is degree of population dispersal a reason to categorises them?
When the global population of a species is fragmented into a number of isolated population it is important to ensure that viable local populations are maintained.
Habitat fragmentation can cause small gene pools = interbreeding, or lack of sufficient resources.
What is the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and what does it cover?
It is a Uk law which includes much of legislation that protects UK wildlife:
- Designated protected areas
- Protection of wild birds and their nests
- Protection of mammals
- Stopping the uprooting of wild plants
- Protection of bats so they are not disturbed
What ways does designation of a protected area protect habitats and species?
- Protection of species and habitats
- restrictions on activities outside and inside the protected areas
- Management agreements between the landowner and designating organisation
- Access restrictions
- International cooperation
What does SSSI stand for?
Site of Special Scientific Interest
What does NNR stand for?
National Nature Reserve
What does SAC stand for?
Special Area of Conservation
What does SPA stand for?
Special Protection Area
What are Natura 2000 sites?
These are SACs and SPAs
What are Ramsar sites?
Wetland of international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology.
What does MNR stand for?
Marine Nature Reserve
What does LNR stand for?
Local Nature Reserve
What does MPA stand for?
Marine Protected Area
What does MCZ stand for?
Marine Conservation Zone
What does CITES stand for?
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
How are CITES selected species categorised?
Appendix 1: species threatened with extinction, all international trade is banned except movement for conservation breeding programmes e.g. all great apes, all big cats, al rhinos etc
Appendix 2: species that may be threatened with extinction if trade is not closely controlled. Trade is permitted from countries where the species is well protected so limited exploitation does not threaten their survival e.g. Honduras Mahogany and Common Hippopotamus
What does the IWC stand for and what are their aims?
International Whaling Commission.
- Banned whaling in 1986 as populations were so depleted
Aims:
- total protection for certain species
- designation of whale sanctuaries
- setting limits on numbers and sizes of whales that’s can be taken
- protection of suckling mothers and their calves
- carrying out research into whales that’s biology and activities that threaten whales such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing nets
What are the three reasons Whaling can take place?
- Aboriginal subsistence = whaling is permitted for cultural groups that have traditionally hunted whales for food e.g. Inuit of Alaska have a catch quota of 55 Bowhead whales per year.
- Special Permit Whaling of Scientific Whaling = involves the killing if whales for scientific research
- Commercial Whaling = Iceland and Norway use an IWC regulation to set a quota of 800 Fin and Minke whales in 2014
What does EU CFP stand for and what are their aims?
Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union = a series of regulations that control fishing within the territorial waters of the European Union, to ensure fishing is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable, provide healthy food source.
Aims:
- catch quotas to limit the total mass that can be landed
- size limits, so fewer small fish are killed and have a chance to grow
- net mesh-size regulations that allow smaller fish to escape survive and have the chance to grow larger and breed
- limits on fishing effort, maximum size of boats, number of days of fishing limits
- a ban on the discarding of unwanted fish
What does ITTO stand for and what are their aims?
International Tropical Timber Organisation = aims to encourage sustainable management of tropical forests
- 1990
- agreed to strive for an international trade of tropical timber from sustainably managed forests by 2000, without unsustainable exploitation
- little evidence if success
