APES - 2.1 Quiz (Intro to Biodiversity)

Resilience

the ability of an ecosystem to return to its original condition after a major disturbance/disruption (wind storm, fire, flood, clear cutting, etc)

Higher species diversity increases…

stability and resilience of an ecosystem —> more plant species to repopulate disturbed ground, anchor soil, and provide food & habitats.

Genetic diversity

variation of genes within population of species

Species diversity

number of different species in an ecosystem, or earth as a whole

Ecosystem diversity

variety of ecosystems/habitats in the world

Greater variety of genes means…

A population will likely survive change —> if organism dies off, it's more likely that another will be able to fulfill its niche.

Measurement of Biodiversity

Biodiversity index, species richness, species evenness

Species on Earth

8.75 million

Threats to biodiversity

Habitat alteration, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution

Habitat alteration

Habitat destruction & fragmentation

Invasive species

nonnative, introduced from somewhere else.

Examples of invasive species:

intentional- kudzu

accidentally- Zebra Mussel & Quagga Mussel

Why are invasive species often successful?

leave behind predators, disease, parasites; native prey not adapted to escaping a new predator;

generalists

able to survive under wide variety of conditions

r-strategists

have many offspring

Overexploitation

killing, hunting, or harvesting organisms faster than they can reproduce

Examples of overexploitation:

Over harvesting: cactus, orchids

Overuse: rangelands in American west

Hunting: passenger pigeon, trade in exotic animals/parts

Pollution

pollutants released by humans that can kill or stress organisms

Types/sources of pollution:

toxic release by industry, runoff, trash, acid rain, global warming

Lacey Act

Enacted in 1980

First federal law to protect wildlife

Prohibits transport of illegally caught wild plants & animals (dead, alive, or parts) across state lines

Enacted in response to killing thousands of egrets & herons for plumage

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Enacted in 1918

Unlawful to pursue, hunt, capture, kill, or sell birds & bird parts listed under the act as migratory birds

Includes 1000 species of native birds in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Russia, & Japan

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

U.S. Law enacted in 1973

Purpose is to prevent extinction of threatened or endangered species

Works to protect the habitats/ecosystems these species need to survive & bans harm that can be done to endangered/threatened species.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

International agreement enacted in 1973

Purpose is to prevent international trade from threatening endangered species

Regulates international trade of listed plants & animals

Lincoln Index Formula

P = N1 x N2/R