Conservation Units

Question 1

“species”

Answer 1

includes any subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when mature.’

Question 2

“distinct population segments”

Answer 2

Congress included “distinct population segments” into endangered species legislation (1978) in order for USFWS to implement flexible and pragmatic approach to listing populations of vertebrate species

Question 3

ESU

Answer 3

Evolutionarily significant unit, not taxa.

Question 4

DPS

Answer 4

Distinct population segment, not taxa.

Question 5

Function of policy

Answer 5

Provide focus and guidance.

Question 6

A population is an ESU if

Answer 6

1. Is reproductively isolated from other conspecific population units; and. 2. It represents an important component in the evolutionary legacy of the species. Criteria are applied sequentially

Question 7

Data relevant to discreteness and significance

Answer 7

Genetics •  Morphology/morphometrics •  Biogeography •  Behavior •  Ecology *  Each is sufficient, none (including genetics) is required

Question 8

Elements” to be considered

Answer 8

Discreteness, significance,and conservation status of the population segment to the species to which it belongs;

Question 9

Waples definition: ESU

Answer 9

1) Reproductively distinct segment of species Uses genetic and systematic techniques 2) Important in the evolutionary legacy of species Conserve the building blocks of the past for future evolutionary potential

Question 10

ESU provides a

Answer 10

ESU provides a flexible means to identify functional units of conservation below the species level along axis of genetic and adaptive diversity