Lecture 11 Flashcards
Which type of conservation strategy allows evolutionary adaptation?
a) Ex-situ conservation
b) Static conservation
c) In-situ conservation
d) Gene banks
c) In-situ conservation
Explanation: In-situ conservation maintains the natural habitat of species, enabling evolutionary processes to continue.
Which global region is the origin of Arabica coffee?
a) South America
b) Southeast Asia
c) Ethiopia
d) Central Africa
c) Ethiopia
Explanation: Arabica coffee originated in the Ethiopian Afromontane forests, where its wild gene pool remains.
Explain the concept of “land sparing” in coffee cultivation.
Land sparing involves creating separate zones for high-yield farming and untouched natural forests to preserve biodiversity while meeting production needs.
Explanation: This strategy reduces pressure on biodiversity-rich areas by intensifying production in designated areas.
What are the main threats to in-situ conservation of wild Arabica coffee?
Key threats include climate change, forest loss, forest fragmentation, degradation, and introgressive hybridization with cultivated varieties.
Explanation: These factors disrupt the genetic diversity and ecological balance necessary for the species’ survival.
How does the introduction of CBD-resistant genotypes pose a threat to wild Arabica coffee?
It risks introgressive hybridization, where cultivated traits mix with wild genotypes, reducing genetic integrity.
Explanation: This hybridization can compromise the unique genetic traits of wild populations.
Discuss how climate change impacts the distribution of Arabica coffee.
Climate change shifts suitable bioclimatic zones northward and reduces optimal habitats, making migration unlikely due to low dispersal ability.
Explanation: The limited adaptability of coffee plants to rapid changes exacerbates this vulnerability.
Evaluate the role of pollinator diversity in coffee yield stability.
High pollinator diversity enhances yield stability by providing consistent pollination services across temporal and spatial variations.
Explanation: Pollinator species complement each other’s ecological roles, stabilizing coffee production.
Why is low genetic diversity in Arabica coffee plantations a concern?
It increases vulnerability to diseases, pests, and climate variations, limiting adaptability and resilience.
Explanation: The reliance on a narrow genetic pool results in homogeneity, reducing survival chances under stress.
Case Study: The Impact of Coffee Leaf Rust
What led to the global epidemic of coffee leaf rust in the 19th century, and how did producers adapt?
The epidemic was due to a lack of genetic resistance in Arabica coffee. Producers switched to robusta or liberica varieties, which are more resistant.
Explanation: This highlights the importance of genetic diversity in crop resilience.
Case Study: Degradation of Ethiopian Coffee Forests
How has agricultural intensification affected Ethiopian coffee forests between 2009 and 2017?
Intensification has reduced tree species diversity and density, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance.
Explanation: Degraded forests are less effective in maintaining genetic diversity and ecological stability.
What is “active land sparing,” and how does it apply to coffee conservation?
Active land sparing involves intensifying production in degraded areas while conserving natural forests through zoning and certification schemes.
Explanation: This approach balances agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation.
How does forest fragmentation affect the genetic diversity of wild Arabica coffee?
Fragmentation isolates populations, increasing inbreeding and genetic drift, which can reduce genetic diversity over time.
Explanation: Connectivity between forest patches is crucial to maintain gene flow and reduce the risk of genetic erosion.
What are the benefits of agroforestry systems for coffee cultivation?
Agroforestry systems provide shade, improve soil health, support biodiversity, and integrate coffee production with natural ecosystems.
Explanation: These systems create a balance between agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability.
How do pollinator communities differ between natural forests and plantations?
Natural forests have diverse pollinator communities, while plantations often rely heavily on honeybees.
Explanation: Pollinator diversity in natural forests ensures more robust ecosystem services compared to the monoculture systems in plantations.
Why is ex-situ conservation alone insufficient for coffee preservation?
Ex-situ conservation lacks evolutionary adaptation and does not reflect natural ecological interactions.
Explanation: In-situ conservation is necessary to maintain the dynamic processes of natural habitats.
What measures can be taken to mitigate climate change impacts on Arabica coffee?
Measures include protecting diverse gene pools, promoting agroforestry, and developing climate-resilient cultivars.
Explanation: These strategies enhance the adaptability and sustainability of coffee production under changing conditions.
How can certification schemes support coffee conservation efforts?
Certification schemes reward sustainable practices, encourage biodiversity conservation, and provide economic incentives for farmers.
Explanation: These programs align conservation goals with market demands, creating a win-win scenario.
