Module 7

Question 1

Define the term ‘biodiversity’

Answer 1

Biodiversity refers to the variety of live forms within an ecosystem, including diversity among species, genetic diversity within species, and diversity of ecosystems.

Question 2

Can a native species also be endemic?

Answer 2

Yes, a native species can also be endemic. Endemic species are those that are found only in a specific geographic area and are not naturally found anywhere else, while native species are those that naturally occur in a particular region.

Question 3

Provide examples to illustrate that New Zealand’s fauna has high levels of endemism

Answer 3

Examples illustrating New Zealand’s high levels of endemism include the kiwi bird, the kakapo (a flightless parrot), and the tuatara

Question 4

List three examples of New Zealand species of animals that have ancient ancestry

Answer 4

• tuatara
• giant weta
• powelliphanta snails
• kakapo

Question 5

Describe what is special about the tuatara

Answer 5

The tuatara is special because it is a living fossil, representing a lineage of reptiles that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs. It has unique physiological features, such as a “third eye” on top of its head, and it is the only surviving member of its order, Rhynchocephalia.

Question 6

List three examples of New Zealand endemic families of bird

Answer 6

Kiwi (Apterygidae) New Zealand Wrens (Acanthisittidae), New Zealand Parrots (Strigopidae).

Question 7

Approximately what proportion of the world’s whale and dolphin species are found in New Zealand waters?

Answer 7

Approximately one-third of the world’s whale and dolphin species

Question 8

When did commercial whaling end in New Zealand?

Answer 8

1964.

Question 9

What proportion of New Zealand’s rare ecosystems are threatened by collapse?

Answer 9

Around 20% of New Zealand’s rare ecosystems are threatened by collapse.

Question 10

List the nine important issues presented in Environment Aotearoa 2019 that affect the health of the New Zealand environment today

Answer 10

climate change
biodiversity loss
water qualit
air quality
soil degradation
marine environment
urban growth
waste management
environmental governance

Question 11

What are the five main threats to biodiversity?

Answer 11

Habitat loss, climate change. overexploitation, invasive species, and pollution

Question 12

How do we classify species rarity?

Answer 12

Common, rare, endangered, threatened, extinct

Question 13

What is sustainability?

Answer 13

Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 14

Why is sustainability hard to achieve?

Answer 14

Sustainability is difficult because it involves balancing environmental, social, and economic factors, and it requires changes at multiple levels from individuals to governments. Also, short-term interests often clash with long-term sustainability goals.

Question 15

How do individuals contribute to environmental change?

Answer 15

Individuals affect the environment through daily choices like transportation, diet, and energy use. They can also influence policies and practices through advocacy and voting.

Question 16

What are Sir David Attenborough’s seven actions that can save the world?

Answer 16

1. Put people and planet before profit
2. Replace oil with renewable energy
3. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle
4. Create no-fishing zones in the ocean
5. Farm smarter and eat less meat
6. Protect the forests
7. Raise people out of poverty to slow population growth

Question 17

What is meant by ‘407 …and rising’ and what issue was it highlighting?

Answer 17

Refers to the increasing atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, measured in parts per pillion (ppm).

Question 18

What is the primary driving force behind the unprecedented planetary change we are witnessing?

Answer 18

Human activity - especially the unsustainable consumption of natural resources, pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 19

What does CBD stand for and what is its vision?

Answer 19

Convention on Biological Diversity. Its vision is to promote the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Question 20

List at least three UN Sustainable Development Goals that focus directly on biodiversity and environmental protection.

Answer 20

SDG 14: Life Below Water - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

SDG 15: Life on Land - Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.

SDG 13: Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilience and adaptation measures.