Ch 60 biodiversity and conservation biology

The idea that humans have an innate attachment to other living things, originated by E. O. Wilson, is known as

biophilia

The acronym SLOSS stands for

single large or several small

Biodiversity hotspots are areas rich in

endemic species

Narrow strips of land that connect patches of natural habitat and allow organisms to move between those patches are called

movement corridors

The American buffalo, Bison bison, is considered

flagship species

Reproductive cloning is being used as a conservative strategy to help restore endangered species. What core concept of biology does this strategy illustrate, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this technique?

The use of reproductive cloning to increase numbers of endangered species illustrates the core concept of information. Reproductive cloning uses a somatic cell, which contains the complete DNA or genetic blueprint of the animal to be cloned.

A non-profit conservation organization receives a sizeable donation and decides to purchase several thousand acres of high-elevation desert in Southern California. This type of desert has an intermediate level of species diversity and few unique species. However, much of the original areas of such desert have been converted to suburban housing and shopping. The nonprofits decision to preserve this area was most likely based on what conservation strategy?

Conservation of representative habitats

In the northeastern Pacific Ocean, sea otters occur at a relatively low abundance. By preying on sea urchins, sea otters maintain underwater kelp (large algae) forests, which would otherwise be decimated by the herbivorous sea urchins. The kelp forests supply food for a wide variety of marine organisms, as well as providing refuge from predation and u nursery habitat for juveniles. With regard to conservation strategies, what type of species are the sea otters?

Keystone species

The wild population of Tasmanian devils has decreased by 70% since 1996 due to a contagious form of cancer known as devil facial tumor disease. Researchers have found several individuals that show partial resistance to the cancer. Attempts to breed these individuals and preserve their DNA in the population would be promoting which level of biological diversity?

Genetic diversity

As you walk back from class, you notice honeybees visiting some flowers. What ecosystem service are you witnessing?

pollination

On a field study in Costa Rica, you discover a new species of frog! After careful work to determine the size and range of the population, you conclude that the species has very few individuals in an ever shrinking limited range. The entire species could be wiped out at any time. When you write your report on the frog, how should you describe its status?

threatened