topic 3 Flashcards
causes of the five major extinctions
rapid and dramatic changes in climate
-rapid global warming
-rapid global cooling
case study of a species that has become extinct due to human activity
species: Passenger Pigeon
Location: north america
ecological role: ecosystem engineer, stabilised ecosystem (directly or indirectly modulate the availability of resources to other species, by causing physical state changes in biotic or abiotic materials)
pressures on species: deforestation and overhunting
consequences of extinction:
increases the transfer of energy into the atmosphere, upsetting the oak forest ecosystem and Earth’s climate
Case study of a species that is critically endangered
Species: Eastern Gorilla
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ecological role: maintaining biodiversity through spreading seeds via excretion, and create gaps in foliage
Pressures on species: Poaching, disease, habitat destruction
Consequences of extinction: keystone species; many other species dependant on gorillas’ activities in the ecoysystem may also go extinct
Restoration strategies: funding and equipping anti-poaching patrols; stopping illegal trading; providing sanctuary and captive breeding
Case study of species whose conservation status has been improved by intervention
Species: Przewalski’s Horse
Ecological role: increases biodiversity and reduces wildfires through grazing habits; keystone species, increases quality of pastures for other free-roaming grazers
Pressures on species: habitat degradation; climate change; low genetic diversity; hybridizing; disease transmission; competition with livestock
Consequences of extinction: disrupt ecosystem, lead to potential great loss of species
Restoration strategies: was successfully captive-bred then reintroduced, is now being monitored
Case study of the threats to biodiversity from human activity in a given natural area of biological significance or conservation area
and
Case study of the impact of human activity on the biodiversity of tropical biomes and the conflict between exploitation, sustainable development, and conservation
amazon rainforest or great barrier reef tbh
-logging, tourism, pollution
-exploitation etc of things impacts conservation and so on
List of characteristics that make a protected area successful
-provide habitat for indigenous species, including those that migrate
-creates community support for area
-receive adequate funding and resources
-carries out relevant ecological research and monitoring
-plays an important role in education
-protected by legislation
-has policing and guarding policies
-gives the site economic value
Case study evaluating the success of a protected area
area: kabili-sepilok forest reserve, borneo
size and biome: 4300 hectares. lowland forests
SUCCESS REASONS:
PROVIDES HABITAT FOR INDIGENOUS SPECIES: primates (orang-utan, leaf monkeys, gibbon)
economic value and creating community support: guides and rangers earn a living assisting tourists; ecotourism resorts nearby run by local community; community has positive vested interest and respect for the reserve
policed and protected and funded by the government Sabah Wildlife Department and Forestry Department
research is carried out at the Forest Research Centre to monitor area’s biodiversity, allowing new information’s discovery and creating information supporting park’s existence; helps education
holistic approach to conservation, valuing wildlife protecting and education, research etc
LIMITATIONS:
-small area surrounded by developed areas of oil palm plantations
-not large enough to naturally sustain populations of large mammals like orang-utan
-overall positive impact
Keystone species example
Przewalski’s horse
Charasmatic species example
Rhinoceroses
