Ecosystem health

Question 1

What factor can be used as an inidcator of ecosystem health?

Answer 1

Biodiversity (biological communities rich in species are substantially healthier and more productive than those depleted of species)

Question 2

Threats to biodiversity (5)

Answer 2

1. habitat change/loss
2. overexploitation
3. climate change
4. pollution
5. biological invasions

threat rank is context specific

Question 3

What action should be taken for threats to an ecosystem?

Answer 3

depending on the threat, they occur over various times and spatial scales and require levels ranging from local to international

Question 4

How do livestock production systems interact with ecosystems?

Answer 4

• livestock requires land, water, and crops from the ecosystem
• using the above resources, livestock also generate resources

Question 5

What are the goals of livestock production systems in regards to the ecosystem?

Answer 5

• reduce impact of livestock on climate/ecosystems
• mitigate impact of climate change/unhealthy ecosystems on livestock

Question 6

How do companion animals interact with the ecosystem?

Answer 6

• animals live with us and receive/consume service from the ecosystems
• “wild” companion animals such as feral cats, released exotic pets, and wild horses have detrimental effects on ecosystems

Question 7

Medical Approach to Infectious Disease (2)

Answer 7

• important in diagnosis and treatment
• looks at clinical signs, affected body systems, and disease severity

Question 8

Epidemiologic Approach to Infectious Disease (2)

Answer 8

• important for disease prevention and control in populations
• looks at the cause, who, where, and patterns of disease

Question 9

Ecological Approach to Infectious Disease

Answer 9

• important for prediction of when and where disease will occur
• looks at patterns of disease and the variables that affect these patterns