ECh 11

Match for kinds of biodiversity: Genetic Diversity

Measures variety of different versions of same genes within a species.

Match for kinds of biodiversity: Species Diversity

Measures number of different kinds of organisms within a community.

Match for kinds of biodiversity: Ecological Diversity

Measures richness and complexity of a community.

What are hotspots and why are they important?

Tropical rainforests and coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots. There are 34 hotspots (1.4% of world’s land area) that contain 75% of the world’s most threatened mammals, birds and amphibians. Hotspots possess a great biodiversity and are at risk due to human activities, therefore their protection is critical.

Species Richness:

Total number of species in a community. The greater the number of different species in a community, the greater biodiversity. Optimal community has healthy number of individuals in each species.

Species Evenness:

Relative abundance of individuals within each species. A community may have few species but many individuals of each; this does not contribute to great diversity.

Define species.

Individual of the same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Currently, _____species have been identified, but estimates range between __ __.

Currently 1.7 million species identified; estimates range between 3–50 million species on Earth.

What percent are invertebrates?

Invertebrates make up 65% of all known species.

What 3 groups of animals (ranked) possess the highest endangered percentages?

Amphibians (30.5%), mammals (21.7%), birds (13.2%).

What 3 groups of plants (ranked) possess the highest endangered percentages?

Gymnosperms (38%), flowering plants/angiosperms (3.9%), fern and allies (1.6%).

What ecological benefits does biodiversity provide?

Soil formation, waste disposal, air and water purification, nutrient cycling, solar energy absorption, and biogeochemical and hydrological cycles.

How many mass extinctions Earth has faced thus far?

Five mass extinctions occurred in Ordovician, Devonian, Permian, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods.

What is meant by the sixth mass extinction?

Sixth extinction refers to the extinction of modern species due to human activities.

In which geological time period did 95% of marine species and half of plants and animals die? How long ago?

Permian period – 250 million years ago.

In which period did dinosaurs face extinction?

End of the Cretaceous period.

If present trend continues, within 50 years, ________primates and ______of all birds will go extinct.

Half of all primates and one quarter of all birds.

What does each letter in HIPPO indicate?

Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Overharvesting.

Which one of the factors in HIPPO has the greatest impact on biodiversity reduction?

 Habitat destruction is the biggest reason for current increase in extinction.

Why are invasive species of concern?

 Invasive organisms thrive in new territory where they are free of predators, diseases, or resource limitations.

Which animal species is greatly susceptible to overharvesting to a point of collapse?

All major fish stocks are expected to collapse within 50 years; wild birds are heavily impacted by trade (5 million sold, 60% die before market).

What actions are prohibited per the Endangered Species Act of 1973?

Taking (harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, trapping, killing, capturing, or collecting), selling, possessing, transporting, shipping, importing into or exporting out of the U.S.

How many species in the U.S. are on Threatened/Endangered list?

1,372 species; about 386 candidate species waiting for consideration.

What does USFWS stand for?

United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

What are the shortcomings of USFWS?

Listing process is extremely slow; recovery plans take years, are expensive, and subject to political interference; at least 18 species have gone extinct since being nominated for protection.

What is the importance of keystone species?

Species has major effect on other members of community (example: bison).

Match species types with their definition: Keystone species

Species has major effect on other members of community (bison).

Match species types with their definition: Indicator species

Tied to specific communities or successional stages (brook trout).

Match species types with their definition: Umbrella species

Require large blocks of undisturbed habitat (northern spotted owl).

Match species types with their definition: Flagship species

Attractive organisms to which people react emotionally (giant panda).

Regarding habitats of threatened/endangered species, why are private lands important?

Eighty percent of habitat for more than half of all listed species is on nonpublic property.

What are USFWS and HCP trying to achieve? What are landowners expected to do?

USFWS negotiates Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) allowing landowners to harvest/build on part of land as long as endangered species benefit.

What is the purpose of GAP analysis?

Seeks out unprotected landscapes rich in species to prioritize conservation.

What are the four principles of Grumbine for Habitat Protection?

1. Protect enough habitat for viability of all native species in a given region.

2. Manage at a regional scale large enough to accommodate natural disturbances.

3. Plan over a period of centuries for the evolution of the ecosystem.

4. Allow for human use at a level that does not result in significant ecological degradation.

What does CITES stand for and what is its function?

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – regulates trade in living specimens and products derived from listed species; lists 700 species threatened with extinction by international trade.

What is the function of captive breeding and what are its shortcomings?

Breeding programs in zoos/botanical gardens save threatened species, maintain genetic diversity, provide animals for reintroduction. Shortcomings: Limited space, some species don’t reproduce in captivity, inbreeding may reduce fertility, habitats may disappear while species conserved.