Lecture 11 Sustaining Ecosystems

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; a treaty aimed at ensuring that international trade in wildlife does not threaten their survival.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Protected areas established for the conservation of wild animals and plants, allowing ecosystems to thrive with minimal human interference.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; a treaty aimed at ensuring that international trade in wildlife does not threaten their survival.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Protected areas established for the conservation of wild animals and plants, allowing ecosystems to thrive with minimal human interference.

Captive Breeding

A conservation technique where endangered species are bred in controlled environments, such as zoos or aquariums, to increase their population.

Seed Banks

Climate-controlled facilities that preserve plant genetic information and seeds to protect against extinction and support restoration efforts.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

A secure seed bank located in the Arctic, designed to protect the world’s crop diversity from natural disasters and human conflict.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population, essential for a species' adaptability and survival.

Ecological Importance

A measure of how a species contributes to the maintenance of ecosystems, including its role in nutrient cycling and habitat stability.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including purification of air and water, climate regulation, and pollination of crops.

Tropical Deforestation

The permanent removal of forests in tropical regions, leading to loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and contribution to climate change.

Selective Cutting

A forestry practice where only certain trees are removed, allowing the forest ecosystem to continue to thrive.

Charismatic Megafauna

Large, appealing animal species that often are used in conservation efforts to attract public interest and funding.

Prescribed Burns

Controlled burns that are intentionally set in specific areas to reduce flammable material, improve ecological health, and prevent larger wildfires.

Population Growth Pressure

The stress on natural resources and ecosystems due to an increase in human population, leading to more land use and degradation.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification

A label for sustainably sourced forest products, ensuring that the timber is harvested in a way that benefits the environment.

Embryo Transfer

A reproductive technique used to increase the breeding success of endangered species in conservation efforts.

Second-growth Forests

Forests that regenerate naturally after primary forests have been removed or disturbed, often differing in composition and structure.

CITES stands for __________.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

A __________ is a protected area for the conservation of wildlife, allowing ecosystems to thrive.

Wildlife Sanctuary.

__________ is a breeding technique used to increase the population of endangered species in controlled environments.

Captive Breeding.

Seed banks are climate-controlled facilities that preserve __________ to protect against extinction.

plant genetic information and seeds.

The __________ is a secure seed bank located in the Arctic designed to protect crop diversity.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

__________ refers to the diversity in gene frequencies within a population.

Genetic Variation.

The __________ of a species measures how it contributes to ecosystem maintenance.

Ecological Importance.

Ecosystem services are the benefits humans derive from ecosystems, including __________ and pollination.

air and water purification.

Tropical deforestation leads to the permanent removal of forests, causing loss of __________ and habitat destruction.

biodiversity.

__________ involves forestry practices where only certain trees are removed to maintain ecosystem health.

Selective Cutting.

What is the main purpose of CITES?

To ensure that international trade in wildlife does not threaten their survival.

What are the benefits of establishing wildlife sanctuaries?

They allow ecosystems to thrive with minimal human interference and protect biodiversity.

How does captive breeding help endangered species?

It increases their population by breeding them in controlled environments.

Why are seed banks important for conservation?

They preserve plant genetic information and seeds to protect against extinction.

What is the significance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?

It protects global crop diversity from natural disasters and human conflict.

What role does genetic variation play in species survival?

It is essential for adaptability and survival of species in changing environments.

Why is ecological importance crucial for species?

It measures their contribution to ecosystem maintenance and stability.

What are some examples of ecosystem services that humans benefit from?

Purification of air and water, climate regulation, and pollination of crops.

What are the environmental consequences of tropical deforestation?

Loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and contribution to climate change.

What is the difference between selective cutting and clear-cutting?

Selective cutting removes only certain trees, while clear-cutting involves removing all trees in an area.