Unit A - Section 4 Flashcards
Why do agricultural researchers study insect life cycles?
To determine how to control these pests without causing harm to the environment.
What does Canadas COSEWIC organization monitor?
They monitor species at risk of extinction in Canada.
What is the goal for the COSWIC committee?
To increase the numbers of all at risk species so that they are no longer considered endangered.
What was the main cause of the downfall of Peregrine Falcons?
Agricultural pesticides present in the environment.
What did the pesticides do to affect the falcons?
They started thinning the egg shells, which led to eggs breaking, decreasing the numbers of the Peregrine falcons.
Why is the pesticide not a problem for the falcons anymore?
These pesticides were banned in North America.
What recovery plan was used to get the population back up?
Captive breeding programs around the country were used.
What did the recovery plan involve?
Breeding the bird in a protected environment where they can’t be harmed.
What happens when the falcons can live on their own?
Once they can live on their own, they are sent to a release program.
How did the population change for the falcons?
They were down listed from endangered to threatened.
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are used to control insect pests, but are not selective, killing all insects.
What is DDT?
DDT is a pesticide that killed a host of insects, as well as animals in the food chain who fed them.
Bio magnification
Life growing bigger, building up
What are 4 theories scientists have to why numbers are declining?
Pollution, thinning of the ozone layer, disease, climate change
How can humans reduce their ecological footprint?
Using less water, electricity, materials, and reusing and recycling.
