Lecture One -Introduction and Valuing Biodiversity Flashcards
Define the term ‘ecology’.
The scientific study of the abundance, distribution and dynamics of organisms, and the interactions that determine these.
Give the four levels of ecological organisation, from smallest to largest.
1) Individual organisms
2) Populations
3) Communities
4) Ecosystems
What is a population?
A group of organisms of the same species interacting with one another in a particular space and time.
What is a community?
An assemblage of populations of a number of different species and the interactions between those species.
What is an ecosystem?
The community and the abiotic environment where the community is set, and how they interact.
In ecosystem ecology, what two things are measured?
- The flows of energy through populations
- The cycling of nutrients through the ecosystem
What three things are measured in population dynamics?
- Distribution
- Abundance
- Dynamics
What does Gretchen Daily study?
How environmental change influences ecological systems.
Give six ecological applications.
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Medicine
- Conservation
- Climate
Give the five main threats to biodiversity.
- Habitat loss
- Pollution
- Aliens and invasive species
- Climate change
Give the two main ecological conflicts.
- Fisheries and marine conservation
- Energy generation and carbon management
Give three important conservation strategies.
- Protected areas
- Habitat restoration
- Corridors and connectivity
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life at all its levels, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.
Why should we attach economic value to ecology?
Conservation biologists seek valid economic arguments for sustainable use of habitats and species.
Give three examples of direct ecological use.
- For food
- For shelter
- For recreation (ecotourism, hunting)
