Unit 3.4 Conservation of biodiversity

Question 1

Value of Biodiversity

Answer 1

Biodiversity provides crucial ecosystem services like water cycle regulation, soil erosion prevention, temperature regulation, and carbon sequestration.

Question 2

Arguments for Conservation

Answer 2

Include aesthetic, ecological, economic, ethical, and social reasons.

Question 3

Conservation Organizations

Answer 3

NGOs and IGOs play pivotal roles in advocating for biodiversity preservation at local and global levels.

Question 4

International Conventions on Biodiversity

Answer 4

Aim to foster collaboration between nations for effective conservation efforts.

Question 5

Conservation Approaches

Answer 5

Species-based, habitat-based, and combined/mixed approaches.

Question 6

In Situ Conservation

Answer 6

Preserving biodiversity within natural habitats, like protected areas and safari parks.

Question 7

Ex Situ Conservation

Answer 7

Conserving biodiversity outside natural habitats, such as in zoos and botanical gardens.

Question 8

CITES

Answer 8

An international agreement to regulate the trade of endangered species and ensure their survival.

Question 9

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Programs

Answer 9

Increase endangered species numbers and reintroduce them to their native habitats.

Question 10

Botanical Gardens and Seed Banks

Answer 10

Preserve plant diversity through cultivation, research, and seed storage.

Question 11

Flagship Species

Answer 11

Charismatic species that garner public support for conservation efforts.

Question 12

Keystone Species

Answer 12

Species crucial for ecosystem function, whose conservation benefits the entire ecosystem.

Question 13

Designing Protected Areas

Answer 13

Considers size, shape, edge effects, corridors, and buffer zones to maximize species preservation.

Question 14

Buffer Zones

Answer 14

Transitional areas around protected sites to minimize human activity impacts.

Question 15

Importance of Protected Areas

Answer 15

Preserve remaining native habitats from development and disturbance.

Serve as refuges for biodiversity and ecosystems under threat.

Question 16

Isolation and Fragmentation

Answer 16

Protected areas often become isolated “islands” amidst disturbed lands, like cleared areas for development, leading to challenges in biodiversity preservation.

Question 17

Island Biogeography Theory

Answer 17

Introduced by Robert MacArthur and Edward Wilson in the 1960s, indicating that smaller reserves support fewer species and lower diversity compared to larger areas.

Question 18

SLOSS Debate

Answer 18

“Single Large or Several Small”
larger areas generally support more species due to less edge effect and more varied habitats.

Question 19

Edge Effects

Answer 19

Changes in abiotic factors at the edges of reserves, which can attract non-native species and lead to increased predation and competition, impacting interior ecosystem balance.

Question 20

Reserve Shape

Answer 20

Circular reserves are preferred for minimizing edge effects, but practical considerations often lead to irregular shapes based on available land and habitat locations.

Question 21

Corridors

Answer 21

Strips of protected land linking reserves to enhance genetic diversity, allow migration, and support larger, interconnected populations, though they can also facilitate disease spread and poaching.

Question 22

Buffer Zones

Answer 22

Transitional areas around protected sites with compatible land uses to minimize human activity impacts, crucial for protecting core conservation areas from external disturbances.

Question 23

Challenges and Strategies of Protected Areas

Answer 23

Balancing conservation needs with human activities; strategies include careful planning of reserve locations, sizes, shapes, and the integration of corridors and buffer zones to mitigate human impacts.

Question 24

CASTE STUDY: Yellowstone 8,983 km2

Answer 24

Established in 1872 first national park

1. Biodiversity Preservation: successful reintroduction of species such as gray wolves, contributed to ecosystem balance and biodiversity enhancement.
2. Scientific Research and Monitoring: continuous research and ecological monitoring in Yellowstone generate vital data for informed conservation decisions and adaptive management practices.
3. Public Education and Engagement: Extensive educational programs and visitor engagement initiatives increase public awareness and support for conservation, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility towards natural resources.
4. Visitor Pressure: The park faces challenges in managing the impact of increasing visitor numbers on wildlife and habitats, need improved strategies to balance visitor access with conservation.
5. Climate Change: poses a significant threat to the park’s ecosystems and species, needs proactive and adaptive management to mitigate impacts.
6. Invasive Species: spread of invasive species threatens native biodiversity and ecosystem health, need for more aggressive prevention and management efforts.

Conclusion: efforts led to notable successes but addressing the pressing challenges is crucial for sustaining the park’s conservation achievements. Balancing priorities key to ensure resilience and preserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations.