ENVIRONMENTAL (LIVING ENVIRONMENT) Flashcards
how can human activities change abiotic factors?
WATER AVAILABILITY = over-exploitation of groundwater supplies can lower the water table, this may cause surface wetland habitats to dry out.
TEMPERATURE = global climate change can cause changes in the distribution of species. Increased water temperatures can increase the growth of aquatic vegetation.
PH = mine drainage water can produce acidic conditions, which denatures cell proteins of exposed tissues, such as fish eggs/gills and the exoskeleton of insects.
how can humans change biotic factors?
POLLINATORS = plants rely on pollen being transported between flowers by insects. human use of pesticides has reduced insect species.
SEED DISPERSAL = animals that eat seeds/fruit help to disperse seeds. Many large herbivores, such as elephants, are endangered. Conservation would help protect plant species too.
FOOD CHAIN IMPACTS = decline in some species is caused by over-exploitation of their food sources. For example, puffins declined due to sandeels being over-fished for humans.
what are introduced species?
Species that are not originally from that area, may have adaptations that give them a greater chance of survival, meaning indigenous species may decline.
example of introduced predators.
Nile perch introduced to Lake Victoria to increase food supplies, but ended up eating indigenous fish species such as cichlids, which many are now extinct.
example of introduced competitors.
Grey squirrel was introduced to the UK from North America. Out-competed indigenous red squirrel as it is better adapted to exploit food sources. EG can digest acorns from oak trees. They are also larger so were more successful when competing for nest sites.
example of introduced pathogens.
Grey squirrel brought squirrel pox virus. Only kills indigenous red-squirrel.
species that controls abiotic factors?
African forest ELEPHANT creates clearings and water holes which provide water for species. Also, BEAVERS create dams which other aquatic species can colonise.
what does the IUCN stand for?
International Union for Conservation of Nature
what are the roles of the IUCN?
Increasing understanding of the importance of biodiversity, co-ordinating global data on biodiversity conservation.
what does the IUCN do?
Categorises species according to their vulnerabilities, known as the IUCN Red List.
what are EDGE species?
Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered. EG secretary bird.
what are endemic species?
not found in any other area, threats to survival means they will not be found elsewhere. EG Gozo wall lizard.
what is a keystone species?
Plays an important role in maintaining the ecological structure of a community. EG African Forest elephant, keep paths open in forest, create water holes, seed dispersal of tree species.
what is a flagship species?
Species with a high public profile and can raise support for conservation. EG tigers, giant pandas.
what are the three methods of maintaining biodiversity?
> LAWS
CAPTIVE BREEDING AND RELEASE PROGRAMMES
ORGANISATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE EXPLOITATION
what are laws for protection of biodiversity?
Laws are to protect, but can be broken through ignorance. EG The wildlife and countryside act. (1981)
what does The Wildlife and Countryside Act do?
designated protected areas, eg SSSIs (site of special specific interest) Restrict activities within, protect birds and their nests etc.
what are trade controls?
some species can be caught and killed in one country, then sold to another. Reducing or banning trade will reduce the exploitation of these species.
what is CITES and its appendix’s?
CITES is an international agreement to regulate international trade of wildlife. APPENDIX 1 = banned trade, except movement for conservation breeding programmes such as all the big cats.
APPENDIX 2 = species that may be threatened with extinction if trade is not closely monitored. Trade is only permitted in countries where species are well protected. EG great white sharks.
what are two organisations that aim to achieve sustainable exploitation?
IWC (INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION) = regulate and manage whaling. whaling was banned in 1986 so populations have now recovered. they aim to designate whale sanctuaries, and set limits on number and sizes of whales.
CFP (COMMON FISHERIES POLICY) = ensure fishing is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable by setting quotas, size limits so small fish have a chance to grow, and net mesh size so small fish can escape and breed.
what are captive breeding and release programmes?
breeding species in captivity and released young
what are the conditions for breeding within captive breeding programmes?
PRECISE TIMING = vital for survival chances. light levels, day length and temperature etc.
BREEDING HABITAT = suitable site for courtship display, social grouping and hunting. EG flamingos only breed in large groups, mirrors placed around their enclosure to give the illusion of a larger group.
GENE POOL SIZE = small gene pools increase risk of inbreeding giving undesirable characteristics. its often impossible to use individual that are not closely related.
what are the two types of release programmes?
HARD RELEASE = no-post release support, eg behaviour is instinct, such as fish and insects.
SOFT RELEASE = support after, such as gradual release.
what are some problems faced by release programmes for animals?
difficulty recognising poisonous food, hunting skills, and recognising/avoiding predators etc.
