Topic 4: Conservation and Biodiversity Flashcards
Biodiversity
the number of species of different animals and plants in the same area at the same time
Genetic diversity
range of genetic material present in a species or population
species diversity
Number of different species within a habitat
Habitat diversity
number of different habitats per unit area
Natural selection
the process in which a particular species adapts itself to the environment it lives in, in order to have an advantage over those who have not adapted
Speciation
When species are formed by gradual change over a long period of time.
Isolation
After an extended period of time that a particular group has been separated from the original species they were a part of, it leads to them becoming unable to reproduce with the original species.
Layers of the Earth
Core
Mantle
Crust
Continental drift
The process of tectonic plates moving 50 and 100mm per year
results in new habitats, species have to adapt to new climatic conditions
Motion of continental drift
Sliding across
Diverge
Converge
Sliding underneath
Ecosystem stability
Refers to the ability of the ecosystem to remain stable by maintaining biodiversity and environmental harmony between different organisms
Succession
A following of events or ranks in a sequence of time.
Factors affecting biodiversity
Natural hazards
Habitat loss
Overexploitation of resources
Agriculture
Pollution
Introduction of invasive species
Extinction rate
Natural extinction rate of all species
We are currently on the 6th Mass extinction of the History of the planet
The amount of species becoming extinct is growing and growing due to factors affecting their habitat and environment
Factors that affect extinction rate of a species
Geographical range (lives in one place)
Small population size
Low population density
Large bodied species
Low reproduction rate
Seasonal migrants
Niche requirements
IUCN red list
List of threatened species ranked by the level of threat to the specie
NGO
Non-governmental Organisation
Use of media- raw footage to garner attention
fast respond time
Low- no political agenda
No legal power
GO
Governmental Organization
Use of media- high with ready-made statements
Slow speed of response
High political involvement
factors for designing a conservation area
Size of area
Number of population
Fragmentation
Edge effects
Shape of the area
Proximity to other reserves and humans
Approaches to conservation
Species based, in situ and ex situ.
In situ being in the species’ natural habitat and ex situ being in conservation
Habitat based
Mixed approach
Species based Conservation strategies
CITES (The convention on international trade of endangered animals)
Captive breeding and reintroduction programs and zoos
election of charismatic/ flagship species to help protect other in an area
Selection of keystone species to protect the integrity of the food web
CITES
International agreement in 1973 to regulate trade of endangered species of plants and animals
Captive breeding and reintroduction of programs and zoos
Zoos priorities species for conservation
Factors:
Which species?
In situ or ex situ
Will intervention be helpful
Experts
Flagship and charismatic species
Species that appeal to the masses and aim to capture the attention of the media and public, therefore generate a desire on a global scale to donate funds
