MBIO162 Big Picture Biodiversity

What was the key agreement established at the Rio Summit in 1992?

The Convention on Biological Diversity.

When was the Convention on Biological Diversity signed?

June 5th, 1992.

How many nations have ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity?

150 nations, although not the US.

What is a possible definition of biodiversity?

Variety of life in all its manifestations.

What does species richness serve as in biodiversity measurement?

A good surrogate and common currency for biodiversity.

What is environmental DNA (eDNA) used for?

To census species on a global scale in near real time.

What is the morphological species definition?

Smallest natural populations permanently separated by distinct heritable characteristics.

How many species are estimated to exist currently?

13.62 million.

What percentage of plant species are angiosperms?

More than 75%.

Who is credited with the first hierarchical classification of life?

Carl Linnaeus.

What pattern describes the relationship between area size and species number?

Species-area relationship.

What major determinant is responsible for modern extinctions?

Habitat loss/fragmentation.

How many biogeographic regions contain more than two-thirds of biodiversity?

3-4 tropical regions.

Which region is noted for having the greatest biodiversity?

Neotropics.

What is the average number of links in a land food chain compared to a sea food chain?

3 links in land; 5 links in sea.

What is the distribution of marine biodiversity primarily dependent on?

Depth and pressure in different marine regions.

What was the Cambrian explosion?

Sudden appearance of all major animal groups around 550 million years ago.

Which era marks the age of mammals and flowering plants on land?

The Cenozoic era.

What are the five big extinctions?

Ordovician, Late Devonian, Permian, Triassic, and Cretaceous extinctions.

What main factors lead to the current biodiversity crisis?

Human activity, habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.

According to the Convention for Biological Diversity, what are the three main goals?

Conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

Define direct-use value in biodiversity.

The role of biological resources in consumption or production (marketable commodities).

How many species of flowering plants are considered edible?

12,500 species.

What percentage of the world’s population relies on plant medicine?

Over 60%.

How much global seafood was caught in 2018?

96.4 million tons.

What is biodiversity importance in ecosystem services?

Living organisms modify conditions and make environments suitable for life.

What are ecosystem services?

Services provided indirectly that are crucial to human well-being.

What concept relates to the loss of several species affecting others in the ecosystem?

Extinction cascades.

What does intrinsic value in biodiversity refer to?

The worth of organisms regardless of their use or non-use value.

What do the differences in biodiversity between developed and developing countries highlight?

The exploitation of biodiversity in developing countries by developed nations.

What is the perceived impact of conservation areas being too small?

They often do not effectively protect the biodiversity within their bounds.

What is ex-situ conservation?

Conservation methods that occur outside of the natural habitat, like seed banks and captive breeding.

What does the term 'perverse subsidies' refer to?

Subsidies that are harmful to the environment or economic sustainability.

How did the Anthropocene epoch impact biodiversity?

It marked a significant human influence on ecosystems and unprecedented declines in biodiversity.

Who proposed the idea of biophilia?

E.O. Wilson.

What is the aim of the Aichi Targets within the Convention on Biological Diversity?

To address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and improve biodiversity status.

What does COP15 (2022) propose?

To protect 30% of Earth's lands and oceans by 2030.

What is an example of a successful use of biological control?

Control of cassava mealybug by encyrtid wasp.

List three indirect benefits of biodiversity.

Climatic regulation, pollination, and pest control.

What does Wilson's 'tape of life' metaphor suggest?

That evolutionary paths can lead to different outcomes when replayed.

What challenge arises from the different baseline definitions of 'species'?

At least seven different definitions complicate taxonomic classification.

How does climate change relate to species extinctions?

It brings human and wildlife into closer contact, increasing the risk for species.

What is the significance of identifying and monitoring biodiversity?

To assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies and plans.

What happens to species as a result of habitat loss or fragmentation?

They experience population declines and heightened extinction risks.

What role does urban biodiversity play?

It is affected by human activity and can serve as a model for conservation efforts.

What does biodiversity contribute to global food security?

It provides a variety of food sources and resilience to agricultural systems.

What critical roles do coral reefs play in marine ecosystems?

They support a vast diversity of species and protect coastlines.

What approach does biosphere conservation require?

Sustainable use of resources while maintaining ecosystem functions.

Define the term 'extinction debt'.

Species that are effectively extinct due to habitat loss but have not yet disappeared.

What has global biodiversity trends shown concerning human activity?

Increased resource usage and environmental degradation accompany population growth.

How many species of mammals are estimated to be threatened with extinction?

More than 44,000 species.

What does genetic diversity contribute to biodiversity?

It ensures resilience and adaptability of species to environmental changes.

What does biodiversity contribute to climate resilience?

It enhances ecosystem functionality and adaptability to climate variability.

What are some critical methods for maintaining biodiversity?

Habitat protection, restoration ecology, and sustainable resource management.

What effect do invasive species have on indigenous biodiversity?

They can outcompete native species, leading to extinctions.

What is the economic significance of biodiversity globally?

It supports industries such as agriculture, medicine, and ecotourism.

How can communities engage in biodiversity conservation?

Through local action planning and participatory governance models.

What is the relationship between poverty and biodiversity loss?

Poverty exacerbates vulnerability to environmental degradation and loss of resources.

Describe the concept of biomimicry in relation to biodiversity.

Using natural life techniques as inspiration for solving human challenges.

How does the IUCN classify conservation areas?

By their designated protection level and management objectives.

What was the impact of the 2010-2020 decade for biodiversity?

An increase in awareness and initiatives but little successful implementation.

What is the major benefit of protecting biodiversity?

Maintaining ecosystem services essential for life stability.

List one long-term goal of Convention on Biological Diversity.

To sustainable use biological resources for present and future generations.

What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions?

Higher biodiversity typically correlates with more robust ecosystem function.

How does habitat fragmentation affect species behavior?

It may force species into smaller, isolated populations, impacting their survival.

What contributes to the success of conservation efforts?

Community involvement, sustainable practices, and strong policy frameworks.

Why is ongoing research crucial for biodiversity?

To understand changes and implement effective conservation strategies.

What does Article 1 of the Convention on Biological Diversity outline?

The objectives of the Convention, including the conservation of biological diversity.

What is the focus of Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity?

In-situ conservation, the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats.

What does Article 10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity emphasize?

The sustainable use of components of biological diversity.

What are the obligations under Article 20 of the Convention on Biological Diversity?

Financial mechanisms aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.

What is the relevance of Article 6 in the Convention on Biological Diversity?

It encourages each contracting party to develop a national strategy for biological diversity.

What does Article 12 of the Convention address?

The monitoring and assessment of biological diversity and its conservation.

What is the significance of Article 19 in the Convention on Biological Diversity?

It covers the handling of biotechnology and its potential effects on biological diversity.

What does Article 14 of the Convention on Biological Diversity focus on?

Impact assessment and minimizing adverse impacts on biological diversity.

What does Article 13 of the Convention promote?

Public awareness and education regarding biological diversity issues.

What does Article 10(b) suggest regarding land use?

Encouragement for the integration of biodiversity within land-use planning.

What is the estimated number of plant species that are considered edible?

12,500 species.

How much global seafood was caught in 2020?

96.4 million tons.

What percentage of the world's population relies on traditional plant medicine?

Over 60%.

How many species of mammals are estimated to be threatened with extinction?

More than 44,000 species.

What is the target percentage of Earth's lands and oceans to be protected by 2030 according to COP15 (2022)?

30%.

What portions of biodiversity are found predominantly in tropical regions?

3-4 tropical regions contain more than two-thirds of biodiversity.

What was the estimate of existing species currently on Earth?

13.62 million.

What major factor accounts for biodiversity loss?

Habitat loss and fragmentation.

What is the annual cost of preserving biodiversity in forestry beyond reserves?

$34 billion.

What is the annual cost of preserving biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems beyond reserves?

$1 billion.

What is the annual cost of preserving biodiversity in coastal/marine areas beyond reserves?

$14 billion.

What is the annual cost of biodiversity preservation related to farming beyond reserves?

$240 billion.

What percentage of land is covered by forest/woodland?

29%.

What percentage of land is classified as steppe/savannah/grassland?

49%.

What is the percentage of land that is shrubland?

74%.

What percentage of land consists of hot/ice desert?

14%.

What portion of land is utilized as cropland?

11%.

How much land is designated for pasture?

23%.

What is the estimated annual worldwide export value of wood?

$6 billion (4.2% of total world export).

How much biomass is harvested from forests annually?

3.8 billion m³ per year.

What innovative concept is inspired by termite mounds?

Air conditioning systems (A/C systems).

What product inspired by burdock seeds is commonly used?

Velcro

What is recreational harvesting?

Activities such as hunting, fishing, personal gardening, and visits to botanical gardens.