Conservation Science Flashcards
do all taxonomic groups of biodiversity hold the same diversity
NO - some, like insects, hold more diversity than others
what levels is biodiversity important
- species level
- genetic level
- ecosystem and habitat level
is diversity evenly spread across different habitats and areas
No
is extinction a natural process
yes
what type of species are more vulnerable to extinction than others
- those that are highly specialized in their habitat or food needs
- k-selected species ; those that are slow to reproduce
what is causing the beginning of a sixth mass extinction
human impacts
main cause of current biodiversity loss
habitat loss and degradation
additional causes of biodiversity loss
- climate change
- pollution
- invasive species
- overharvesting/hunting
6 benefits of biodiversity
- vital for the functioning of ecosystems and provide us services
- contributes to the resilience and stability of ecosystems
- wild species are potential sources of food
- modern medicines are derived from wild species
- contributes to economies through tourism and mostly ecotourism
- humans have a psychological need to connect with the natural world
conservation biology
science that studies biodiversity loss and seeks ways to protect and restore biodiversity at all its levels
why is fragmentation of habitats a problem
it increases the proportion of edge to core habitat (which have two very different compositions)
what is one potential solution to habitat fragmentation
natural corridors
what principles explain how size and distance influence the number of species living on islands
- island biogeography
- area-size relationship
ex-situ vs in-situ conservation
ex-situ ; include captive breeding, reintroduction programs, and preservation of species in zoos and aquaria
in-situ ; involve the preservation of habitat so species can exist in their natural state
what do most conservation efforts focus on
threatened and endangered species
what is Canada’s main vehicle for designating threatened species
Species at Risk Act (SARA)
what is the importance of biodiversity hotspots
they have drawn attention to areas of the world that are highly and uniquely diverse
what is the benefit of community-based conservation
conservation that practices mutual benefit of ecosystems and the local people
what are some economic strategies for conservation
- debt-for-nature swaps
- conservation concessions
what has led to the creation of parks, reserves and wilderness areas
public demand for conservation, preservation and recreation
two types of internationally designated protected lands
- biosphere reserves
- world heritage sites
what do biosphere reserves aim to integrate
protection of natural areas with sustainable human use
Subspecies
Below the species level - denoted by a third scientific name
what constitutes a subspecies
Populations of a species that occur in different geographic areas and differ from one another in some characteristics