D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 1.6 Biodiversity and the Heritage of our Lands Flashcards
What do individuals and groups of people who live in towns, cities, and farms do in relation to the environment?
Interact with the environment
True or False: Every human activity has a spinoff effect on the environment.
True
What is a challenge when understanding the impact of human activities on the environment?
Understanding all the connections
Fill in the blank: The two stories mentioned in the text are about _______ and a shopping trip to a large urban shopping mall.
[woodland caribou]
What activity is suggested to help identify connections between the two stories?
Following the caribou tracks
What is the purpose of the descriptions of woodland caribou and the shopping trip?
To identify connections between details of the two stories
What might the challenge of connecting the two stories appeal to?
Those who enjoy guessing endings to suspenseful movies
What is a key characteristic of mature male and female caribou?
Both mature male and female caribou have antlers, but male antlers are larger and have more points.
What family does the woodland caribou belong to?
The deer family.
What type of hooves do caribou have, and why are they significant?
Large, crescent-shaped hooves that are ideally suited for travelling in Alberta’s boreal forests, deep snow in winter, and the soft, spongy peat of Muskeg in summer.
What is the primary winter diet of the woodland caribou?
Tree lichens found in mature boreal forests.
How long does it take for a forest to grow enough lichens to support caribou?
At least 80 years.
What does the caribou’s summer diet include?
Willows, wildflowers, and ground lichens.
What conservation status is attributed to caribou in Alberta?
Considered to be an endangered species.
What is a symbiotic organism formed by a fungus and a photosynthetic alga called?
Lichen.
Define endangered species.
A species that may soon become extinct in certain regions or may face imminent extinction.
What is habitat fragmentation?
The conversion of formerly continuous habitat into patches separated by non-habitat areas
Habitat fragmentation affects ecosystems by breaking up habitats into smaller, isolated areas.
How is human health defined in the context of disease?
People are considered healthy if they are free of disease and can readily heal themselves of minor infections, small cuts, and bruises
This definition assumes access to adequate resources like food, water, and shelter.
What does it mean for an ecosystem to be healthy?
An ecosystem is considered healthy if it is free of stress sources and can recover on its own from disturbances that disrupt its normal functioning
Healthy ecosystems are self-sustaining and self-regulating.
What are some sources of stress for an ecosystem?
- Pollution
- Loss of vegetation
- Disruption of water flow
- Introduction of a new species
These stressors can interfere with an ecosystem’s ability to sustain itself and regulate its essential processes.
True or False: An ecosystem can be considered healthy even with the presence of multiple stress sources.
False
A healthy ecosystem must be free of stress sources to maintain its functionality.
Fill in the blank: An ecosystem is considered healthy if it can recover on its own from _______.
[disturbances]
Disturbances can include natural events or human-induced changes.
What is the primary cause of stress in Alberta’s boreal forests?
Human activities
Activities include timber harvesting, roads, mining, pipelines, power lines, and petroleum and natural gas exploration.
What is habitat fragmentation?
The process of dividing habitats into smaller, isolated patches
Often involves cutting corridors through forests for access to natural resources.
How is habitat fragmentation in Alberta’s boreal forests typically visualized?
Through an examination of aerial photographs.
What activities lead to habitat fragmentation in Alberta’s boreal forests?
Timber harvesting, roads, mining, pipelines, power lines, petroleum and natural gas exploration.
Fill in the blank: Habitat fragmentation usually involves cutting _______ through the forest.
corridors
What is one source of habitat fragmentation in the boreal forest?
Seismic exploration conducted by companies searching for petroleum and natural gas
Seismic exploration can disrupt local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
What is the purpose of sending seismic waves through the ground?
To gather information about subsurface rock formations
This process helps in assessing areas for potential natural resource extraction.
What technology is used to create images of rock formations during seismic exploration?
Powerful computers create images based on sound-wave data
The accuracy of these images depends on the quality of the seismic data collected.
What device detects returning echoes in the seismic exploration process?
Geophones
Geophones are sensitive devices that pick up vibrations and sound waves from the ground.
What initiates the seismic wave process in the exploration method?
A small explosion
The explosion sends sound waves through the rock layers to gather data.
Fill in the blank: The seismic exploration process involves sending sound waves through rock layers using a _______.
[small explosion]
True or False: Seismic exploration is solely used for geological studies and does not impact the environment.
False
Seismic exploration can lead to habitat fragmentation and environmental disruption.
What is habitat fragmentation?
The process where habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities such as seismic exploration.
What is one consequence of habitat fragmentation from seismic exploration?
The creation of access roads and seismic lines that disrupt the forest landscape.
How do access roads and seismic lines affect the woodland caribou?
They increase the vulnerability of caribou to predators like wolves.
What happens to moose populations as a result of habitat fragmentation?
Cleared areas generate more habitat for moose, leading to population increases.
True or False: Habitat fragmentation has no significant impact on predator populations.
False
Fill in the blank: The chain of events responsible for the decline of the caribou begins with _______.
habitat fragmentation
What attracts predators like wolves to areas affected by seismic exploration?
The increase in moose populations due to habitat fragmentation.
Describe the visual impact of seismic lines and access roads from the air.
They appear as a collection that looks like a spider’s web.
What role do competing companies play in habitat fragmentation during seismic exploration?
They may conduct independent seismic explorations over the same area, exacerbating fragmentation.
What is the relationship between moose and wolves in fragmented habitats?
As moose populations increase, wolves are attracted, using seismic lines for hunting.
What percentage of the boreal forest in Alberta has been leased for industrial activities?
Almost 75%
This leasing is for drilling, mining, and logging purposes.
What are the two main products supplied by logging?
- Lumber
- Raw materials for paper
Logging supplies lumber for construction and raw materials to make paper.
From where do sawmill operators prefer to source timber for construction?
Old-growth forests
Old-growth trees are large enough to be processed through sawmills.
What is a significant consequence of removing old-growth stands of trees?
Negative effect on woodland caribou population
Habitat destruction affects the population due to the loss of lichen that supports caribou.
Why is the woodland caribou classified as endangered?
Habitat destruction
Habitat destruction is a major reason for the endangered status of woodland caribou.
Define habitat destruction.
The permanent alteration of vital characteristics in an organism’s habitat
This definition highlights the critical impact on ecosystems.
What does ‘extinct’ mean?
Species no longer exist.
What does ‘extirpated’ refer to?
Species no longer exist in a specific area but live elsewhere.
Define ‘endangered’.
Species at risk of extinction.
What does ‘threatened’ mean?
Species likely to become endangered in the near future.
What does ‘vulnerable’ indicate?
Species at risk due to declining populations or habitats.
What is an example of an extinct species?
Species that no longer exist anywhere.
What is a specific example of an extirpated species mentioned?
Species no longer exists in Alberta but lives elsewhere.
What are the main threats to species survival?
Habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, chemical pollution.
Which fish species was affected by habitat changes in Banff National Park?
A tiny fish that lived in a marsh fed by a hot spring.
What species depends heavily on the black-tailed prairie dog?
Black-footed ferret.
What are the consequences of habitat destruction?
Leading cause of species extinction.
True or False: The wolverine requires large areas of disturbed forest.
False.
What does forest fragmentation threaten?
The wolverine’s habitat.
What is a major cause of habitat destruction worldwide?
Human desire for natural resources.
Fill in the blank: The _______ needs large areas of undisturbed northern wilderness forests.
wolverine
What event in the 1970s caused the extirpation of the peregrine falcon from Alberta?
Widespread use of DDT.
What has helped the peregrine falcon populations recover?
Captive breeding programs.
What happens to a boreal forest when a web of seismic lines and access roads subdivides it?
Other human activities can reduce the ability of the forest to recover.
How do local residents contribute to the loss of biodiversity in boreal forests?
They drive vehicles such as quads on seismic lines for recreational purposes.
What species are mentioned as experiencing a decline in numbers due to habitat fragmentation?
Woodland caribou and wolverine.
What is the consequence of the decline of species like the woodland caribou and wolverine?
The diversity of life is diminished.
What term do ecologists use to describe the reduction in the variety of life in an ecosystem?
Loss of biodiversity.
Why is biological diversity important in ecosystems like Alberta’s boreal forest?
Organisms interact through food webs and affect geochemical cycles.
What happens if species that other organisms depend upon are removed from an ecosystem?
The ecosystem may no longer function.
What are some serious consequences of losing biodiversity in boreal forests?
It cleans water, acts as a carbon sink, and produces oxygen.
How is the boreal forest compared to the tropical rainforest in terms of ecological importance?
If the tropical rainforest is one lung of Earth, the boreal forest is the other.
From where to where does the boreal forest stretch?
From northern Alberta to Labrador and from northern Europe to Siberia.
What percentage of Canada’s boreal forest is located in northern Alberta?
Ten percent.
What is the long-term consequence of the loss of biodiversity or deforestation?
Human activity is inflicting serious damage on the planet’s ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity is the variety of _______.
life.
What percentage of all prescription drugs are based on compounds discovered in natural species?
More than 40%
This highlights the importance of biodiversity in pharmaceutical development.
What is the name of the substance in the bark of the Pacific yew that is used to treat ovarian and breast cancer?
Paclitaxel (brand name Taxol)
This substance was initially overlooked and often discarded.
Why is biodiversity important for agriculture?
It ensures a genetic reservoir of plants
This allows for the development of varieties that are more drought and pest-resistant.
Which species of wild corn was used to combat a leaf fungus affecting the U.S. corn crop in the 1970s?
A species of wild corn from Mexico
This intervention helped stop a fungus that had destroyed 15% of the corn crop.
What role does biodiversity play in the tourism industry?
It is the basis of a multimillion dollar tourism industry
This industry provides recreation, spiritual fulfillment, and quality of life.
True or False: Maintaining biodiversity is in everyone’s interest.
True
Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem health and human well-being.
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity ensures that there is a ______ of plants for developing new varieties.
genetic reservoir
This genetic diversity is crucial for agricultural resilience.
What are invasive species?
Species that are introduced into an ecosystem, either intentionally or unintentionally, causing problems for native species.
Give an example of an invasive species.
Zebra mussel.
How were zebra mussels introduced into the Great Lakes?
By the release of bilge water from ships that had travelled to Canada from western Asia.
What is the native habitat of the zebra mussel?
Caspian Sea.
What allows zebra mussels to out-compete native species?
Their ability to out-compete for nutrients and a lack of natural predators.
What is the density of zebra mussels in some parts of the Great Lakes?
More than 20,000 individuals per square metre.
How do zebra mussels affect the food chain in the Great Lakes?
They feed intensively on photosynthetic micro-organisms, reducing food availability for other organisms.
What is the impact of zebra mussels on native species?
Decline in numbers of native species.
What is the consequence of the presence of zebra mussels instead of native mussel populations?
Loss of biodiversity.
Fill in the blank: Invasive species can cause problems for _______.
native species.
What are serious problems affecting the prairie grassland ecosystem?
Habitat fragmentation, habitat destruction, and invasive species
These issues have significantly impacted the ecosystem, replacing it largely with modern agriculture.
What has largely replaced the original prairie grassland ecosystem?
Modern agriculture
This transformation has led to the loss of the natural prairie ecosystem.
What is the current state of the boreal forest ecosystem in Alberta?
Suffering significant stress
Future generations may never see the same plant and animal life that existed in the natural boreal forest ecosystem.
What do most ecologists trace the source of ecological problems to?
Conflict between two different systems
These systems are the economic system and the ecological system.
What does the economic system provide people with?
Employment and means to buy goods and services
This system facilitates modern life.
What does the ecological system provide for humans and other organisms?
Air, water, and food
This system serves as the life-support for all organisms on Earth.
Fill in the blank: The economic system is concerned with _______.
[employment and consumption]
Fill in the blank: The ecological system is concerned with _______.
[sustaining life-support systems]
True or False: The ecological system and economic system are in complete harmony.
False
There are fundamental differences that lead to debates concerning land use.
What are the two systems discussed in relation to ecological problems?
Economic system and ecological system
These systems often conflict, leading to environmental degradation.
How long does it take for a new species to emerge in an ecological system?
Thousands and sometimes millions of years
This long time frame increases biodiversity and allows for the development of intricate patterns of interaction described by food webs.
What is a vital characteristic of an ecosystem?
The physical environment
The local climate and terrain significantly affect the abiotic factors that, together with organisms, form the ecosystem.
What are some units used to measure ecological systems?
- Joules of energy
- Millimetres of rainfall
- Biomass per square metre
- Kilograms of CO2 absorbed per hectare
These units help quantify various aspects of ecological systems.
What is the typical time frame for businesses to publish performance appraisals?
Every three months
This frequent appraisal cycle reflects the fast-paced nature of economic systems.
How often are government economic policies tied to elections?
Every two to five years
This cycle influences the decision-making process in economic systems.
What role does the physical environment play in economic systems compared to ecological systems?
Minor role in economic systems
In ecological systems, the physical environment plays a critical role.
What is the fundamental unit of measure in an economic system?
Money
The success or failure of a business venture is measured in terms of dollars of profit relative to the dollars invested.
Fill in the blank: The biggest difference between ecological and economic systems has to do with the units of _______.
measurement
Ecological systems use various units of measurement related to environmental factors, while economic systems primarily use monetary units.
What are more important characteristics for businesses compared to the physical environment?
- Availability of cheap labour
- Low transportation costs
These factors often dictate business decisions and location strategies.
True or False: Ecological systems develop over a short time frame.
False
Ecological systems take a long time to develop, in contrast to economic systems.
What is the impact of the local climate and terrain on ecosystems?
They have a huge effect on abiotic factors
These abiotic factors, along with organisms, form the ecosystem.
What are the three Rs commonly associated with environmental conservation?
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
These principles aim to minimize waste and promote sustainable practices.
What is the proposed fourth R that some people suggest considering before the others?
Rethink
Rethinking involves questioning basic assumptions about modern lifestyle and economic systems.
What does the concept of ‘Rethink’ suggest regarding lifestyle choices?
It suggests that individuals should reconsider their lifestyle choices before reducing, reusing, or recycling.
What is the implication of rethinking lifestyle choices according to the text?
Many people rigidly assume their options are limited, but rethinking can reveal new possibilities.
Fill in the blank: The four Rs are Retink, Reduce, Recycle, and _______.
Rethink
True or False: The concept of Rethink is about maintaining the same lifestyle without change.
False
Rethinking encourages questioning and potentially changing one’s lifestyle.
What is the estimated percentage of Earth’s species that have become extinct due to human activity since the Industrial Revolution?
Between 10% and 20%
This extinction is attributed to various human activities impacting the environment.
What is the prediction for Earth’s species extinction by the year 2100 if current trends continue?
About 50%
This indicates that humans are currently experiencing a mass extinction event.
How many mass extinction events have occurred in the past 600 million years, according to the fossil record?
Five or six
These events are significant in the history of life on Earth.
What are two potential causes of previous mass extinction events?
- Deep impact collisions
- Large meteors or comets
These events are theorized to have drastically changed Earth’s ecosystems.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life within an area
It is commonly measured by the number of different species living in a specific region.
Why is maintaining biodiversity important?
Loss of a species can disrupt the ecosystem’s food web
Each species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance.
What negative effects do habitat destruction and fragmentation have?
They negatively affect biodiversity
These processes can lead to loss of species and ecological imbalance.
How can the introduction of a new species affect an ecosystem?
It may upset the normal ecological balance
New species may thrive without natural predators or competitors.
What approach can help reduce threats to biodiversity?
Addressing fundamental differences between ecological and economic systems
Rethinking modern lifestyle assumptions is also essential.
True or False: Critics of changing modern consumer lifestyles often question if society can afford to make these changes.
True
Ecologists counter this by questioning if society can afford not to change.
Fill in the blank: The most common measure of biodiversity is the number of different _______.
species
This metric helps assess the health of ecosystems.
