Ecosystem Health And Wildlife Disease

Question 1

What is resilience theory

Answer 1

Resilience theory is a multidisciplinary field of study that examines how individuals, communities, and systems respond and adapt to significant changes or challenges, including natural disasters, economic disruptions, social and political upheavals, and health crises.

Question 2

What are habitats

Answer 2

Habitats are specific environments or regions where particular organisms, plants, or animals live and thrive.

Question 3

What are biomes

Answer 3

Biomes are large ecological regions characterized by distinct types of vegetation, climate, and other abiotic factors, such as temperature, rainfall, and soil type.

Question 4

What are ecosystems

Answer 4

An ecosystem is a community of living and nonliving things that interact with each other and their physical environment.

Question 5

How can disease management reduce resilience

Answer 5

Replacement of natural bio security with artificial Is followed by Increasing institutional efficiency and inflexibility in the control methods use
-For example, the use of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making future disease outbreaks more difficult to manage. Similarly, the use of pesticides and other chemical agents to control disease vectors can have negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, reducing the resilience of these systems.

Question 6

How do ecosystems lose resilience

Answer 6

Habitat destruction: When ecosystems are destroyed or modified, they can lose their ability to provide essential ecological services, such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. This can result in a reduction in biodiversity and a decrease in ecosystem resilience.
Climate change: Climate change can have significant impacts on ecosystems, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns. These changes can lead to changes in species composition and distribution, as well as alterations in ecosystem processes such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling.
Pollution: Pollution, such as from industrial or agricultural activities, can have negative impacts on ecosystem health and resilience. It can alter soil and water chemistry, harm or kill organisms, and disrupt ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling and photosynthesis.
Invasive species: The introduction of invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species, altering ecosystem processes, and reducing biodiversity. This can reduce the resilience of ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to further disturbances.
Overexploitation: Overexploitation of natural resources, such as overfishing or overharvesting of timber, can lead to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This can reduce the resilience of ecosystems and make them more susceptible to further disturbances, such as climate change or pollution.

Question 7

What are Holocene extinctions

Answer 7

Holocene extinctions refer to the extinction of various animal and plant species that have occurred during the Holocene epoch, which began around 11,700 years ago

Question 8

What we’re Holocene extinctions due to

Answer 8

Over hunting

Question 9

What is Anthropocene extinctions

Answer 9

Anthropocene extinctions refer to the ongoing and accelerated loss of plant and animal species due to human activities, particularly since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Question 10

What we’re Anthropocene extinctions due to

Answer 10

Agriculture and hunting

Question 11

What are the drivers of emerging infectious disease

Answer 11

. Host abundance (humans+livestock) and opportunity
. Genetic homogenisation of food species
. Loss of resilience
. Rapid evolution and adaption of pathogens
. Increasing contact with potential pathogens through invasion and disturbance if natural systems

Question 12

Why study wildlife disease

Answer 12

Conservation: Wildlife diseases can have significant impacts on wildlife populations and can contribute to declines or even extinctions of species. By studying wildlife diseases, researchers can better understand the causes of population declines and develop strategies to protect and conserve endangered species.
Public health: Wildlife diseases can also pose a risk to human health. For example, some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans (known as zoonoses), such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and COVID-19. Studying wildlife diseases can help identify potential risks to public health and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Agriculture: Some wildlife diseases can impact domesticated animals and livestock, leading to significant economic losses in the agriculture industry. By studying wildlife diseases, researchers can develop strategies to prevent the spread of disease between wildlife and livestock, and mitigate the impacts of disease outbreaks on agriculture.
Ecosystem health: Wildlife diseases can also impact the health and resilience of ecosystems. For example, the loss of keystone species due to disease can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes and biodiversity. Studying wildlife diseases can help identify potential threats to ecosystem health and develop strategies to maintain or restore ecosystem function.

Question 13

Definition of wildlife health

Answer 13

As the physical, physiological behavioural and social well-being of free-ranging animals measured at an individual, population and wider ecosystem level, and their resilience to change such as habitat loss

Question 14

Health definitions

Answer 14

Biological definition: Health can be defined as the absence of disease or illness. This definition is often used in medical contexts and focuses on physical well-being.

Psychological definition: Health can also be defined as a state of psychological well-being, in which an individual is able to cope with stress and maintain positive relationships. This definition is often used in mental health contexts.

Social definition: Health can be defined as a state of social well-being, in which an individual is able to participate fully in society and have access to necessary resources. This definition is often used in public health contexts.

Ecological definition: Health can also be defined as the state of an ecosystem or environment, in which it is able to function properly and support the well-being of its inhabitants. This definition is often used in environmental health contexts.

Question 15

What is an ecosystem

Answer 15

An ecosystem in the context of health and disease can be defined as a complex network of interdependent living organisms, their physical environment, and the various interactions and processes that take place among them.

Question 16

What is the health of an ecosystem measured on

Answer 16

The health of an ecosystem is typically measured by its ability to maintain a stable and diverse community of organisms over time. This includes factors such as the availability of resources, the presence of predators and prey, and the ability of organisms to adapt and evolve to changing conditions.

Question 17

What is the health of an ecosystem measured on in the context of disease

Answer 17

In the context of disease, the health of an ecosystem can be measured by its ability to resist the spread of pathogens and to maintain a balance between host and pathogen populations. This includes factors such as the availability of vaccines, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the ability of organisms to develop immunity to diseases over time.

Question 18

Biomes

Answer 18

Tropical rainforest
Temperate forest
Taiga (boreal forest)
Grassland (savanna)
Desert
Tundra
Freshwater
Marine

Question 19

Tropical rainforest

Answer 19

Tropical Rainforest: Characterized by high rainfall and temperatures, with dense vegetation and a wide variety of animal life.

Question 20

Temperate forest

Answer 20

Temperate Forest: Found in areas with moderate temperatures and rainfall, with trees that lose their leaves in the winter.

Question 21

Taiga (boreal forest)

Answer 21

Taiga (Boreal Forest): Located in northern regions with long, cold winters and short summers, dominated by coniferous trees.

Question 22

Grassland (savanna)

Answer 22

Grassland (Savanna): Characterized by grasses and few trees, with hot temperatures and a distinct wet and dry season.

Question 23

Desert

Answer 23

Desert: Defined by low rainfall and extreme temperatures, with sparse vegetation and specialized animal life.

Question 24

Tundra

Answer 24

Tundra: Found in regions with extremely low temperatures, strong winds, and a short growing season, with low-growing vegetation and animal life adapted to the harsh conditions.

Question 25

Freshwater

Answer 25

Freshwater: Includes rivers, lakes, and wetlands, with unique ecosystems adapted to the specific conditions of each body of water.

Question 26

Marine

Answer 26

Marine: Includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries, with a vast array of plant and animal life adapted to living in saltwater environments.

Question 27

What is a montane ecosystem

Answer 27

A montane ecosystem is a type of ecosystem found in mountainous regions, characterized by distinctive plant and animal communities that are adapted to living at high elevations.

These ecosystems typically occur at elevations between 1,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level, depending on the latitude and local climate.

Montane ecosystems are characterized by relatively cool temperatures, high levels of precipitation, and steep topography. The plant communities in these ecosystems can include coniferous forests, mixed forests, and alpine meadows, depending on the elevation and local conditions.

Animal species found in montane ecosystems can include birds of prey, mountain goats, elk, and a variety of small mammals.

Montane ecosystems are important for a number of reasons. They help to regulate water flow in mountainous areas, providing a source of freshwater for downstream communities. They also support a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to these high-elevation environments. Finally, montane ecosystems can also provide important recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and skiing.

Question 28

What is resilience theory of an ecosystem

Answer 28

Resilience theory of an ecosystem is a framework used to understand how ecosystems respond to disturbance or change.

The theory suggests that ecosystems have the ability to absorb and recover from perturbations and disturbances, while maintaining their essential structure, function, and identity.

Resilience theory recognizes that ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing, and that disturbances are a natural and integral part of their functioning.

Resilience is determined by the interactions between the components of an ecosystem, including its biotic and abiotic factors.

An ecosystem with high resilience is able to maintain its structure, function, and identity even in the face of disturbances or changes, while a system with low resilience may shift to an alternative state, becoming less productive or even collapsing altogether.

Resilience theory suggests that it is important to identify the factors that influence the resilience of an ecosystem, including the diversity of species and functional groups, the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the landscape, and the feedbacks between ecological processes.

By understanding these factors, we can develop strategies for managing and conserving ecosystems that promote their resilience and ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Question 29

Describe risk of ecosystem disruption to free ranging wild animal health and ultimately to human dominated landscapes

Answer 29

Ecosystem disruption can have significant impacts on the health of free-ranging wild animals, and these impacts can ultimately affect human-dominated landscapes in a number of ways.
Here are some examples:

Disease transmission: Ecosystem disruption can increase the risk of disease transmission between wild animals, as well as between wild animals and domestic animals or humans. When ecosystems are disrupted, animals may be forced to move into new areas, bringing with them diseases that can spread to other species. This can ultimately impact human health, as zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from wild animals to humans.

Habitat loss: Ecosystem disruption can lead to habitat loss for wild animals, as well as changes in the availability of food and water resources. This can have direct impacts on the health of free-ranging animals, making them more susceptible to disease and malnutrition. It can also lead to population declines or local extinctions, which can have cascading effects on the ecosystem as a whole.

Invasive species: Ecosystem disruption can create opportunities for invasive species to thrive, which can outcompete native species for resources and disrupt ecological processes. Invasive species can also introduce new diseases or parasites to ecosystems, further exacerbating the risks to wild animal health.

Human-wildlife conflict: Ecosystem disruption can increase the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict, as animals are forced to move into new areas in search of food and shelter. This can lead to negative interactions between humans and animals, such as crop damage or attacks on livestock, which can ultimately impact human livelihoods.

Overall, ecosystem disruption can have a range of negative impacts on the health of free-ranging wild animals, and these impacts can ultimately affect human-dominated landscapes in a number of ways.

By understanding the risks associated with ecosystem disruption, we can work to develop strategies for managing and conserving ecosystems that minimize these impacts and promote the health and resilience of both wild animals and human communities.

Question 30

How can humans try and protect ecosystems

Answer 30

Humans can protect ecosystems in a number of ways, including:

Conservation efforts: One of the most important ways humans can protect ecosystems is through conservation efforts. This can include protecting habitats and wildlife, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, and reducing the impact of human activities on the environment.

Restoration and rehabilitation: In areas where ecosystems have been damaged, humans can work to restore and rehabilitate these systems. This can involve planting native species, restoring wetlands and other important habitats, and reducing pollution and other sources of environmental stress.

Sustainable resource use: Humans can protect ecosystems by using natural resources in a sustainable manner. This can involve reducing waste, promoting recycling and reuse, and using renewable resources such as solar and wind power.

Education and awareness: Educating people about the importance of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment can help to raise awareness and encourage more responsible behavior. This can include teaching people about conservation practices, promoting eco-tourism, and encouraging people to reduce their ecological footprint.

Policy and regulation: Governments can play a critical role in protecting ecosystems by enacting policies and regulations that promote sustainable development and protect natural resources. This can include regulations on emissions and pollution, as well as measures to protect habitats and wildlife.

Overall, protecting ecosystems requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, and governments around the world. By working together to promote conservation, sustainable resource use, and responsible behavior, we can help to protect the planet’s natural resources and promote a healthier and more sustainable future.

Question 31

How do we measure ecosystem loss

Answer 31

Measuring ecosystem loss is a complex process that requires a variety of tools and methods. Here are some ways that scientists measure ecosystem loss:

Satellite imagery: One of the most important tools for measuring ecosystem loss is satellite imagery. Satellite imagery can provide detailed information on land use changes over time, including deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.

Field surveys: Field surveys can provide detailed information on changes in the composition and structure of ecosystems over time. These surveys can include measurements of vegetation cover, soil characteristics, and wildlife populations.

Remote sensing: Remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR and radar can be used to measure changes in the physical structure of ecosystems, including changes in topography and biomass.

Ecological indicators: Ecological indicators can be used to measure changes in the health and function of ecosystems over time. These indicators can include measures of water quality, soil quality, and biodiversity.

Modeling: Modeling tools can be used to project future changes in ecosystems based on current trends in land use, climate, and other factors. These models can help to identify areas at risk of ecosystem loss and inform conservation planning efforts.

By using a range of approaches, scientists can better understand the drivers of ecosystem loss and develop strategies for protecting these important resources.

Question 32

What is topography

Answer 32

Topography refers to the physical features of the land, including its elevation, slope, and relief. It describes the shape and characteristics of the earth’s surface and is often represented on maps through contour lines, which show changes in elevation.

Question 33

How does agriculture affect ecosystem health

Answer 33

Agriculture can have negative impacts on ecosystems in several ways:

Habitat loss: Agriculture often involves clearing land for crops or livestock production, which can result in the loss of natural habitats and the displacement of wildlife.

Soil degradation: Intensive agriculture practices, such as excessive tillage, monoculture cropping, and heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides, can lead to soil degradation, erosion, and loss of soil biodiversity.

Water pollution: Agricultural runoff can contaminate water sources with excess nutrients and chemicals, leading to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and other water quality issues.

Biodiversity loss: Monoculture cropping, habitat loss, and the use of pesticides can all contribute to declines in biodiversity, reducing the number and variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem.

Greenhouse gas emissions: Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the production and use of synthetic fertilizers, which release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Overall, while agriculture is important for food production and can provide important benefits for ecosystems, it can also have negative impacts on the environment.

By promoting more sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, we can reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on ecosystems and promote a more sustainable future.

Question 34

Why are new diseases emerging because of ecosystem disruption

Answer 34

Ecosystem disruption can lead to the emergence of new diseases in several ways:

Habitat fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation caused by land use changes such as deforestation and urbanization can lead to the creation of new interfaces between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. This can increase the likelihood of transmission of diseases between species.

Loss of biodiversity: Ecosystems with high levels of biodiversity tend to have lower disease transmission rates because pathogens have fewer opportunities to spread. Loss of biodiversity through ecosystem disruption can lead to the proliferation of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, and the emergence of new diseases.

Climate change: Ecosystem disruption caused by climate change can lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of disease vectors, as well as alterations in the behavior and physiology of hosts and pathogens. This can facilitate the emergence of new diseases or the re-emergence of old ones.

Increased human-wildlife contact: Ecosystem disruption can lead to increased contact between humans and wildlife, which can increase the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases (diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans).

Question 35

Wildlife health definition

Answer 35

Wildlife health refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being of wild animals, as well as the health of the ecosystems in which they live.

It encompasses a range of factors, including disease status, nutritional health, reproductive success, behavioral patterns, and interactions with other animals and the environment.

Maintaining the health of wildlife populations is important for a variety of reasons. Wildlife play important roles in ecosystems, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.

They can also serve as important indicators of ecosystem health, as changes in wildlife populations can signal broader ecosystem disruptions. Additionally, wildlife can be important resources for human populations, providing food, fiber, and other valuable products.

Monitoring and managing wildlife health is therefore an important component of wildlife conservation and ecosystem management. Wildlife health professionals, including veterinarians and ecologists, work to identify and respond to threats to wildlife health, such as disease outbreaks, habitat loss, and pollution. By promoting wildlife health and ecosystem health more broadly, we can help to protect the long-term viability of wildlife populations and the services they provide.