Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

ESS all topic definitions and key points > TOPIC 3 > Flashcards

TOPIC 3 Flashcards

1
Q

Charismatic species/flagship species (definition)

A

Species that may be deemed marketable for publicity’s sake and then used to promote the protection of an area, thus protecting many other species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Mass extinction causes (list of 4_

A

-Tectonic plate movements
-super-volcanic eruption
-climatic changes (including drought and ice ages)
-meteorite impact (rip the dinosaurs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Mantle (of the earth)

A

Molten rock between the core and the Earth’s surface

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Habitat/wildlife corridors (definition and examples)

A

These are zones which link together protected areas. They can increase the EFFECTIVE SIZE of the habitat available to an organism.

-May be a physical bridge or simply wildlife friendly zones, like a hedge.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Endemic

A

Native or restricted to a particular area.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Biogeography

A

The study of the distribution of species and their evolution in relation to geographical distribution.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Evolution

A

Is a gradual change in the genetic character of populations over many generations, achieved largely through the mechanism of natural selection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Causes of isolation of population (list of 5)

A

BARRIERS such as:
-mountain formation
-changes in rivers
-sea level change
-climatic change
-plate movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Factors for the ICUN Red List (list of 8)

A

-population size
-degree of specialisation
-distribution
-reproductive potential and behaviour
-geographic range and degree of fragmentation
-quality of habitat
-trophic level
-probability of extinction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Natural selection stages (4 stages)

A
  1. VARIATION exists and there is OVERPRODUCTION so there is COMPETITION for resources
  2. Some individuals are thus FITTER (best-suited to the niche) than others
  3. Fitter individuals REPRODUCE more SUCCESSFULLY
  4. Offspring inherit GENES that give ADVANTAGE
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Natural selection (definition + subdefinition)

A

An evolution driving force, also known as survival of the fittest.

-fittest means best-suited to the niche in this context

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Comparing effectiveness of conservation organisation (list of 5 things to compare)

A

-Use of media
-speed of response
-diplomatic constraints
-finfancial resources
-political influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Ecological arguments for preservation (list of 3)

A

-trophic cascades
-food chain effects
-ecosystem services (water cycles, flood protection)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Speciation

A

The formation of NEW SPECIES when populations of a species become ISOLATED and evolve DIFFERENTLY from other populations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Conservation approaches (list of 3)

A

-Habitat conservation
-Species conservatino
-Mixed approach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Threatened (definition)

A

Umbrella term for Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Habitat diversity

A

Habitat diversity referes to the range of different habitats in an ecosystem or biome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Extinct

A

No longer survives on eArth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Edge effects

A

the effects of human impact around the
boundaries of a protected area. The idea is
to reduce the amount of “edge” therefore a
circle is the optimal shape

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Economic arguments for preservation (list of 3)

A

-ecotourism
-financial benefits of bioprospecting
-value to humanity of ecosystem services

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Invasive species (definition and example)

A

A species not native to an area which is causing a problem to local species.

-e.g., foxes, rabbits, wild dogs, in Australia

22
Q

Biodiversity (definition and types)

A

The total diversity of living systems.

-Species diversity
-Habitat diversity
-Genetic diversity

23
Q

Captive breeding programs (2 points)

A

-Designed to save and breed what individuals survive, ideally for subsequent release back into the wild.

-In extreme situations, the species may be extinct in the wild

24
Q

Designing protected areas criteria (list)

A

-size
-shape
-edge effects
-corridors
-proximity to potential human influence

25
Q

Geomorphology

A

The study of the shapes of the Earth’s surface

26
Q

Crust (of the earth)

A

The cooled rock that floats on the mantle, divided into tectonic plates

27
Q

NGOs (examples)

A

-Non-governmental organisations

International: WWF, Greenpeace

Community-based: Palani Hills Conservation Council, Vatakanal Trust

28
Q

Disjunct distribution (definition and example)

A

When one species or sister species are distributed in two very different locations.

-e.g., Monk seals, found in Mediterranean, Hawai’i, and Caribbean

29
Q

Causes of tropical deforestation (list 5)

A

-over-intensive shifting cultivation
-timber extraction
-overcollection of fuelwood for cooking and heating and making charcoal
-encroachment and celarance by landless peasant farmers
-clearance for pasture or crops, promoted by CHEAP LAND and GOVERNMENT TAX and FINCANCIAL INCENTIVES to encourage international investment (includes biofuels like palm oil and sugar cane)

30
Q

2010 Biodiversity Convention

A

To achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the CURRENT RATE OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS at global, regional, and national level as a contribution to POVERTY ALLEVIATION and to the benefit of all life on Earth.

31
Q

Governmental Organisations (in conservation)

A

E.G., UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

32
Q

The value from seeing and enjoying beauty

A

Aesthetic arguments for preservationB

33
Q

Paleontology

A

The study of fossils

34
Q

Species diversity

A

The product of TWO VARIABLES:
-the number of species (RICHNESS)
-their relative proportions (EVENNESS)

35
Q

Precautionary principal

A

Where there is a threat of SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OR LOSS of biological diversity, lack of FULL SCIENTIFIC CERTAINTY should not be used as a reason for POSTPONING MEASURES to avoid or minimise such a threat

36
Q

Plume (of the earth)

A

Location where a column of MAGMA rises up to the surface (NOT associated with plate boundaries)

37
Q

Ratites

A

Ostrich-like birds that share a common ancestor, including: rhea, emu, kiwi, cassowary, extinct elephant birds and moa

38
Q

Genetic diversity

A

Genetic diversity refers to the range of genetic material present in a population of a species

39
Q

Ethical arguments for preservation (list of 2)

A

-intrinsic value of species
-utilitarian value of species

40
Q

Adaptive radiation (definition + example)

A

A group of closely-related species that have rapidly evolved from one common ancestor, usually on islands where empty niches exist

-e.g., Darwin finches in the Galapagos Archipelago

41
Q

Species and habitat preservation arguments (list of 5)

A

-aesthetic
-ecological
-economic
-ethical
-social reasons

42
Q

C.I.T.E.S. (acronym and aim)

A

-Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

-Aims to prevent species threatened with extinction because of international treae.

-Parties act by BANNING commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species (Appendix I of CITES), and REGULATING AND MONITORING trade in others that might be endangered (APPENDIX II) or whose trade needs to be regulated to ensure CONTROL over trade in Appendix I species

43
Q

Aesphenosphere (2 points)

A

-The upper part of the earth’s mantle
-Acts like a molten plastic

44
Q

Social arguments for preservation (2 points)

A

-The rights of particular groups of people who believe they have a cultural right to the preservation of some land.

-Some religions and societies ascribe value to the Earth and thus prioritise its protection.

45
Q

Plate tectonics impact on evolution

A

Tectonic plates have moved over time, leading to the creation of LAND BRIDGES and PHYSICAL BARRIERS (mountains etc) with EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCES

46
Q

Human activities causing species extinction (list of 7)

A

-habitat destruction
-introduction of invasive species
-pollution
-overharvesting
-hunting
-climate change

47
Q

Natural Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

A

-the STRATEGY is how a country INTENDS to fulfill the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

-The National Biodiversity Action Plan comprises the CONCRETE ACTIONS to be taken to achieve the GOALS of the STRATEGY

48
Q

Keystone species (definition and examples)

A

They maintain the STRUCTURE and INTEGRITY of an ecological community. They have a much LARGER influence on community STRUCTURE than other species.

-e.g., starfish, sea otters

49
Q

Reintroduction programs (2 points)

A

-Following CAPTIVE BREEDING, a species may be released into the wild to FORM or SUPPLEMENT a wild population.

-This sort of programme will only work if the reason for the organism’s extinction NO LONGER EXISTS

50
Q

Extinct in the wild

A

Only survives in zoos or botanic gardens

51
Q

Biodiversity hotspot

A

Biogeographic region that is both a SIGNIFICANT RESERVOIR of biodiversity and is THREATENED with DESTRUCTION

52
Q

Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)

A

First signed in Rio at Earth Summit (1992) and uses and ECOSYSTEM APPROACH (integrated strategy for MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES)

ESS all topic definitions and key points (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions