Quiz 4

Question 1

Define the term novel ecosystem and discuss the risks associated with accepting novel ecosystems as part of restoration

Answer 1

A self sustaining ecosystem that has been irreversibly altered by human activity, resulting in new species interactions and ecosystem functions that differ from historical conditions.

Risks include:
- undermining restoration efforts
- justifying ecological destruction
- could have severe impacts on endangered species

Question 2

Give an Example of a Novel Ecosystem

Answer 2

Western Canada mining sites as the mining efforts have had irreversible damage leading to a new ecosystem that eventually forms and becomes sustainable, but the hydrology and plant interactions have completely changed.

Question 3

Review the Critique and Response chart and debate the pros and cons of embracing novel ecosystems

Answer 3

Pros:
1. Acknowledge when the threshold has been crossed, allowing some function to be given back to the ecosystem
2. Provide additional options to unsuccessful restoration attempts
3. Puts emphasis on restoring ecosystem function rather than tackling the origin of the degradation.

Cons:
1. Undermines restoration goals of restoring to a native ecosystem, which normalizes degradation
2. Underestimate the damaging effects of invasive species and how fast they can spread to other ecosystems
3.

Question 4

What are 3 different types of land stewardship and how they vary in their level of landowner participation? MMP

Answer 4

1. Management Support: The landowner keeps the management of the land
2. Management Transfer: The land stewardship organization manages the land without owning it
3. Property transfer: The land stewardship organization owns and manages the land

Question 5

Why is public stakeholder input so essential in urban restoration?

Answer 5

• Urban residents are often closer in proximity to restoration sites
• Urban residents lack familiarity with management practices needed to manage ecological processes
• Inverse correlation between the amount of public support to the perceived level of intervention in nature

Question 6

What are 3 benefits that can be gained from including National Urban Parks and/or green infrastructure in an urban ecosystem?
BLCMI

Answer 6

1. Biodiversity
2. Climate resilience
3. Connecting people to nature
4. Mental health and wellness
5. Increasing social inclusion

Question 7

How does increasing the amount of impervious surfaces influence runoff and evapotranspiration?

Answer 7

Increasing the amount of impervious surfaces significantly enhances surface runoff by preventing water infiltration into the soil