Unit 1.2 Wildlife Conservation

Question 2

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation ‘ Knowledge’ and Understanding’

Answer 2

• There are many reasons for wildlife conservation, some subjective while others are objective and based on scientific data.
• we learn interesting information useful in understanding ourselves, why wildlife conservation is important and how successful conservation strategies can be planned.-

Question 3

What is Wildlife Conservation?

Answer 3

• Conservation is the human preservation, protection, management and restoration of wildlife, its species, genetic diversity, variety of biological communities, habitats. and natural resources (physical and biological)

Question 4

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation ‘ Knowledge’ and Understanding’ - Human behaviour

Answer 4

• By studying primates we learn about social structures and group behaviour.

Question 5

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation ‘ The Knowledge’ and Understanding’ – interdependence of life on earth’

Answer 5

• if we Understand how species affect each other we may also understand how our survival relies on the species that we share the earth with.

Question 6

Examples of Biomimetic comparisons. ‘Species adaption’ & ‘application in human engineering’. Bird Bones

Answer 6

• Bird Bones - The bones of birds have thin walls to make them light, they are strengthened by internal cross-trusses to prevent bending or snapping -

Tubular Bridges - similar trusses are used in tubular bridges so they are light but strong.

Question 7

Examples of Biomimetic comparisons. ‘Species adaption’ & ‘application in human engineering’. Humback Whales

Answer 7

• Humback whales swim in close circles to surround shoals of fish, made easier by there scalloped leading edge

pectoral fins - Same feature applied to rudder design to improve ship maneuverability

Question 8

Examples of Biomimetic comparisons. ‘Species adaption’ & ‘application in human engineering’. Shark Skin

Answer 8

• Shark skin has grooves at right angles to the direction of water flow to reduce friction making swimming easier

.- Surface grooves called riblets are being developed for swimsuits boats and aircraft which reduce friction by 15% and so fuel consumption.

Question 9

Examples of Biomimetic comparisons. ‘Species adaption’ & ‘application in human engineering’. Soaring Birds

Answer 9

• Soaring birds (eagles, vultures, pelicans) use spread wingtip feathers, This reduces the flow of air underneath the wing where pressure is higher reducing air vortices and increases the lift of the wing.
• Aircraft now have fins fitted to their wings to achieve the same affect.

Question 10

Knowledge’ and Understanding’ - What are Biomimetics?

Answer 10

Biomimetics is the study of living organisms so the knowledge gained can be applied to engineering or technological developments

Question 11

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation. ‘Aesthetics and Recreation

Answer 11

Some species are more aesthetically appealing than others however it may be the less attractive species that are required in order for the more likable to survive

.- Wildlife and its habitats can be enjoyed in recreational activities such as hiking and snorkeling

• Eco tourism provides wildlife enjoyment through activities like whale watching and bird watching and has economic benefits

.- the natural beauty of wildlife can be enjoyed for its aesthetics everywhere from remote habitats to urban cities.

Question 12

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation Morals -

Answer 12

• Many people believe other organisms have a right to life and to kill or harm the natural environment unnecessarily is wrong

.- The moral argument for wildlife conservation can be subjective. public concern is greatest when high profile species are threatened. Fewer people would argue that mosquitoes and rats have similar rights.- it is our responsibility to repair or reverse damage caused by humans

Question 13

The Rationale for Wildlife Conservation Ethics

Answer 13

• In more affluent societies it is not necessary to exploit wildlife for food but in some societies it is a part of the diet and in some cases of the culture

. - In LEDC there is no alternative to a source of food and would be difficult and wrong to convince someone they have less of a right to live than the source of food.

Question 14

What are the main rationals for wildlife conservation?

Answer 14

• Knowledge and understanding (education) - Aesthetics and recreation- Morals- Ethics- The earths life support systems

Question 15

The Rationale for Wildlife ConservationEconomic reasons

Answer 15

• The cost of wildlife conservation programmes is often a major obstacle to successful conservation however, the economical benefits gained by exploiting wildlife may mean more is lost by not conserving it.

Question 16

The Rationale for Wildlife ConservationEconomic reasonsMedical benefits

Answer 16

• Many species have been used in physiological research- Nerve function:

Question 17

The Rationale for Wildlife ConservationEconomic reasonsMedical benefitsPhysiological research ‘ Nerve cells ‘

Answer 17

Nerve function - Squid have wide diameter nerve cells that make it easier to study than mammal nerve cells.

• Research on these have improved our understanding of cell membrane ion pumps which has helped with problems such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s..

Question 18

Flagship species

Answer 18

These are high profile species which are most appealing and can be used in highlighting conservation campaigns or vulnerable habitats

.- Protecting flagship species can result in less noticeable species being protected.

Question 19

Teratology

Answer 19

The study of the causes of birth defects

Question 20

The Rationale for Wildlife ConservationEconomic reasonsMedical benefitsPhysiological research ‘ Leprosy’

Answer 20

Armadillos are used in the study of Leprosy, they are among few animals that can catch it and research is used to produce vaccines that prevent it.

Question 21

The Rationale for Wildlife ConservationEconomic reasonsMedical benefitsPhysiological research ‘ Drug teratology’

Answer 21

Sea Urchins are used to investigate if drugs will cause birth abnormalities. A female purple sea urchin of North America can produce half a million eggs, drugs causing abnormalities in urchin embryo development have the same effect on human embryos.