Current Issues Flashcards
What is endangered species?
A species in imminent danger of extinction or extirpation throughout their range in PA
What is Endangered Species Act?
This federal act was signed into law in 1973 to protect critically imperiled species from extinction.
What is extinct species?
Species that has occurred in PA but no longer exists.
What is the PA Natural Heritage Program?
This organization conducts inventories and collects data regarding PA’s native biological diversity.
What is over 1300?
According to the US EPA, there are this many endangered species in the US.
What is the spotted lanternfly?
This colorful insect has infected trees and has 51 counties in PA in a quarantine zone.
What is garlic mustard?
When crushed, this invasive plant smells like a popular ingredient in many recipes.
What is nutria?
This was brought to the US in the early 1900s for fur ranching
What is Asian carp?
This invasive can grow up to 5 feet and 100 pounds.
What is emerald ash borer?
This invasive insect can kill trees within 4 years.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life on earth.
What is species diversity?
This type of diversity includes all living things, from the tiniest bacteria, to raccoons, to giant hemlocks.
What is monoculture?
Strands of a single plant species with little ecological value.
What is the PNDI (PA Natural Diversity Index)?
This is continually refined and updated to build, maintain, and provide accurate and accessible ecological information needed for conversation, development planning and resource management.
What is ecosystem diversity?
This includes the habitats that house all life forms and the interconnections that tie all living things together.
What is do not release bait?
This is most effective way to control the spread of Asian carp, rusty crayfish, and Asian clams.
What is tree of heaven?
Mechanical removal, like cutting or mowing, is ineffective to control this invasive plant.
What is spotted lanterfly, emerald ash borer, and gypsy moth?
Not transporting firewood controls the spread of these species.
What is purple loosestrife?
This invasive plan has a biological control approved in PA.
What is gypsy moth?
Wrapping the tree trunk in burlap is an effective control method for this invasive species.
What is fragmentation?
The breaking up of large habitats into small, isolated chunks.
What is non-native species?
A species that has been introduced to an area from other continents, states, ecosystems or habitats that remain neutral or beneficial to the environment.
What is mile-a-minute?
This invasive species was first introduced in the US in the 1930s at a nursery in York County.
What is a raccoon?
This mammal, native to PA, is considered invasive in Germany.
What is genetic diversity?
This part of biodiversity safeguards against future problems such as disease or natural disaster.
What is native species?
A species that occurs naturally in an area.
What is extirpated species?
Species that have disappeared in PA but still exist elsewhere.
What is overconsumption?
The use of resources at a rate that exceeds the ability of natural processes to replace them.
What is decontamination?
To neutralize, destroy, or remove any harmful substance by checking, cleaning, and drying equipment and clothing.
What is sustainability?
State of relative equilibrium with our environment; able to persist for generations without producing significant amounts of pollution, depleting natural resources, and causing a decline in biodiversity.
What are the 4 characteristics of invasive species?
1- not native to the area
2- have the ability to cause harm to the environment
3- have the ability to cause harm to human health
4- have the ability to cause harm to the economy
