Conservation Biology: Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Human Impact

What is conservation biology focused on?

Conservation biology focuses on all species, ecosystems, and the processes/tools for protecting endangered species.

What are some tools used in conservation biology?

Tools include bridges for wildlife crossing, fences to keep pests out, and seed banks.

How are social issues related to conservation?

Social issues are critical for successful conservation, as seen in debates over the use of poisons and culling practices.

What are the major reasons for the emergence of conservation biology?

Reasons include increased concern about environmental degradation and recognition of an extinction crisis.

What is the first guiding principle of conservation biology?

Evolution is the basic axiom that unites all of biology.

What does the second principle of conservation biology state?

The ecological world is dynamic and largely non-equilibrial.

What does the third principle of conservation biology emphasize?

The human presence must be included in conservation planning.

What are the components of conservation biology?

Components include natural sciences, applied sciences, and social sciences.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

What is species richness?

Species richness (S) is the total number of species in an area.

What does evenness (E) in biodiversity refer to?

Evenness refers to the relative abundance of different species in an ecosystem.

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

The three levels are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Why is genetic diversity important?

Genetic diversity enables species to adapt to changing conditions.

What alarming statistic relates to species diversity in New Zealand?

12% of NZ birds have gone extinct since human arrival, and 18% are currently threatened.

What does ecosystem diversity refer to?

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystem types in an area.

What is a biodiversity hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is a small area with a high concentration of endemic species and many endangered species.

What is the estimated number of species on Earth?

Biologists estimate there might be 2-100 million species on Earth, with approximately 1.5 million named.

What is an endemic species?

An endemic species is one that occurs naturally in a specific area and nowhere else.

What are invasive species?

Invasive species are naturalized species that spread rapidly and negatively impact ecosystems.

What is the significance of tropical forests in biodiversity?

Tropical forests contain some of the greatest concentrations of species and are being destroyed rapidly.

What role do ecosystem services play in conservation?

Ecosystem services provide goods and services that human populations derive from ecosystem functions.

What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services?

Biodiversity loss threatens the ecosystem services that support human life and well-being.

What is the impact of human activity on ecosystem diversity?

Human activity is reducing ecosystem diversity, with significant habitat loss in areas like New Zealand.

What are some examples of native species?

Examples include Kōtuku (white heron) and Coastal korimiko (hebe).

What is the significance of the Wollemi pine?

The Wollemi pine was discovered in 1994 and is a new genus with a 90 million-year fossil history.

What is the main reason for caring about biodiversity loss?

Beyond morality, biodiversity loss impacts the ecosystem services that are crucial for human survival.

What are ecosystem services?

Processes through which biodiversity helps sustain human life, often regarded as free resources.

What are the four fundamental types of ecosystem services?

Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.

What do provisioning services provide?

Products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, freshwater, fuel, fiber, and genetic resources.

What are regulating services?

Benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including climate regulation and water purification.

What are cultural services?

Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems, such as recreation, spiritual enrichment, and cultural heritage.

What are supporting services?

Services necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, including soil formation and nutrient cycling.

What is a natural extinction event?

An event in which a significant number of species become extinct, such as the extinction of dinosaurs.

What is the impact of human expansion on prehistoric extinctions?

Human expansion has led to significant extinctions, including the invasion of Aboriginal people in Australia and Polynesians in New Zealand.

What percentage of New Zealand's native birds and frogs are extinct?

40% of native birds and 43% of native frogs.

What is the Little Spotted Kiwi's current population estimate?

Approximately 1,700 individuals.

What are the key global drivers of biodiversity change?

Climate change, over-exploitation, pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species.

What is over-exploitation?

Human harvesting of wild plants or animals at rates exceeding the ability of populations to rebound.

What are the direct effects of climate change on biodiversity?

Changes in climate conditions, loss of native species, invasion of exotic species, and increased extreme weather events.

What is the significance of the Yangtze river dolphin?

It is likely extinct due to multiple human-induced factors including hunting and habitat loss.

What are the consequences of habitat loss?

Loss of biodiversity, fragmentation of ecosystems, and increased vulnerability of species.

What is the current status of habitat loss in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Historically forested, now facing habitat loss due to human settlement and ongoing deforestation.

What is the mnemonic to remember the biological classification hierarchy?

Kiwis Play Cricket On Flat Green Surfaces.

What is the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity?

Invasive species can outcompete native species, leading to declines and extinctions.

What is the role of pollution in biodiversity loss?

Pollution can degrade ecosystems, particularly freshwater systems, leading to algal blooms and loss of species.

What is a synergistic effect in the context of biodiversity change?

Interactions between multiple drivers of biodiversity change, such as invasive species being better adapted to the new conditions brought about by the changing climate.

What are the challenges in estimating modern extinction rates?

Many species are not described, proving extinction is difficult, and extinctions are ongoing.

What is the significance of the extinct plant Trilepidea adamsii (Adam’s mistletoe)?

It is a New Zealand endemic species last recorded in 1954 and has not been seen since.

What is the current threat level of over-exploitation to mammals?

One third of threatened mammals are at risk due to over-exploitation.

What is the effect of climate change on extreme weather events?

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, impacting ecosystems.

What major environmental change occurred around 1280 AD in New Zealand?

Extensive deforestation occurred, but indigenous vegetation still regenerated in the absence of fire.

What initiated ongoing habitat loss in New Zealand starting from about 1840 AD?

European settlement led to habitat loss through burning, felling, overgrazing, and the introduction of new species.

What percentage of historic wetlands has New Zealand lost?

New Zealand has lost 90% of its historic wetlands.

Why are wetlands important from an ecological perspective?

Wetlands act as carbon sinks and reduce the effects/risk of flooding.

What is Mahinga Kai in Māori culture?

Mahinga Kai refers to the importance of wetlands for food gathering and cultural practices.

What were the primary reasons for deforestation by Polynesian settlers?

Deforestation was primarily for agriculture, security around Pā sites, facilitating travel routes, and accidental causes.

What evidence supports the timeline of Polynesian deforestation?

Evidence includes charcoal, wood, soil instability, pollen records, and oral traditions.

What distinguishes European settlement's impact on habitat loss from that of Polynesian settlers?

European settlement had a broader impact on ecosystems and introduced non-indigenous replacement ecosystems.

What were major drivers of habitat loss during European settlement?

Major drivers included forest clearance for timber and agriculture, burning of shrublands/grasslands, and wetland draining.

What is habitat fragmentation and its effects?

Habitat fragmentation results in small, isolated forest remnants that experience different environmental conditions and species decline.

What is the 'lag phase' in species introduction?

The lag phase is the initial period when a new population is very small, lasting up to 100 years before it begins to grow.

What factors influence the length of the lag phase for invasive species?

Factors include detection limits of population growth, number of introductions, natural selection among genotypes, and environmental changes.

What characteristics define successful invaders?

Successful invaders tend to have a large native range, broad diet, short generation times, and high genetic variability.

What are the characteristics of unsuccessful invaders?

Unsuccessful invaders typically have a restricted native range, narrow diet, long generation times, and low genetic variability.

What were the main phases of species introduction to New Zealand?

The phases include pre-human, Polynesian settlement, early European settlement, and modern introductions.

What impact did Polynesian settlement have on New Zealand's fauna?

Polynesian settlement introduced Pacific rats and dogs, which significantly impacted native bird populations and led to the extinction of moa.

What were some of the European mammal introductions to New Zealand?

Introductions included successful species like rats, mice, and mustelids, and failures like guinea pigs and raccoons.

How does the edge zone of a forest affect its ecology?

The edge zone tends to be windier, lighter, drier, and warmer, altering the understorey and species composition.

What happens when a forest remnant is isolated from its natural disturbance regime?

Species composition will change as species adapted to disturbances are replaced by others, such as kahikatea being replaced by angiosperm trees.

What is the significance of pollen records in understanding past ecosystems?

Pollen records help reconstruct past plant species and ecosystems based on carbon deposits from wetlands.

What is the role of the colonial government in deforestation during early settlement?

The colonial government promoted deforestation, converting land into pasture by clearing forests and sowing grass seeds.

What is the difference between a remnant forest and a similar-sized patch in a larger forest?

A remnant forest has fewer species and different environmental conditions compared to a patch within a larger, intact forest.

What is the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems?

Invasive species can lead to declines in native species, changes in competitive interactions, and increased predation.

What is the significance of the kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) forest remnant in Riccarton?

It represents a small remnant of a once larger forest, showing changes in species presence and environmental conditions over time.

What are the total numbers of failures and successes in mammal introductions in New Zealand?

21 failures and 33 successes.

What types of predators were introduced to New Zealand?

Rats, mustelids, cats, hedgehogs, and dogs.

What are some reasons for introducing species to New Zealand?

Sport (24), fur (1), pest control (4), stowaway (4), pet (4), utility (5).

What factors contributed to the success of introduced species in New Zealand?

Lack of predators and diseases, lack of significant competition, rapid breeding, repeated reintroductions, and native species not adapted to new feeding pressures.

What were the main reasons for failures in establishing introduced species?

Limited introductions and unsuitable environmental conditions.

What role did acclimatisation societies play in New Zealand?

They were responsible for the spike in mammal and bird introductions to make NZ more like Britain after the Treaty of Waitangi.

What are the approximate numbers of native and naturalised plant species in New Zealand?

Native species: 2055, Naturalised species: 2071.

How many land mammals are native and naturalised in New Zealand?

Native: 2, Naturalised: 34.

What is the status of the brushtail possum in New Zealand?

Introduced for the fur industry, now has a population of 63-73 million and is a significant pest.

What is the impact of stoats on native fauna in New Zealand?

Stoats are considered the biggest threat to native birds, particularly affecting Kākā populations.

What are ungulates and why were they introduced to New Zealand?

Ungulates are herbivores like deer, introduced for recreation, now impacting the environment.

What are wilding conifers and why are they a concern in New Zealand?

Wilding conifers modify ecosystems and landscapes; they are problematic species that thrive in alpine environments.

What conservation priorities are outlined for New Zealand's native habitats?

Protection of remnant areas, restoration of native habitats, weed control, and animal pest control.

What is the significance of Te Urewera National Park in terms of conservation?

It was returned to Tūhoe through a treaty settlement and granted legal personhood.

What percentage of New Zealand's land area is protected?

About 33%.

What was New Zealand's forest coverage before human settlement?

Approximately 80% forested, mostly beech forests.

What challenges do farmers face in managing native biodiversity?

Different approaches are needed for managing biodiversity on farms compared to public conservation land.

What unintended consequences can arise from biodiversity protection legislation?

Legislation can lead to negative social outcomes, such as the ban on logging native forests in the 1970s.

What is the estimated number of invertebrate species in New Zealand?

Approximately 18,500 native invertebrate species.

What is the impact of deer browsing on native vegetation?

Deer browsing removes the understorey, preventing seedling recruitment.

Why is the introduction of mustelids considered controversial?

They were introduced against scientific advice and have had devastating effects on native bird populations.

What is the cultural significance of possums eating snails in New Zealand?

Eating snails is a cultural tradition for some possum populations, leading to conservation measures to protect snails.

What is the primary diet of brushtail possums?

They are opportunistic omnivores, primarily feeding on foliage, but also on flowers, fruit, seeds, fungi, and invertebrates.

What is the ecological role of ungulates in New Zealand?

They can alter long-term vegetation succession by browsing on palatable species.

What is a key factor in the spread of wilding conifers?

Reproductive maturing of wilding conifers allows for long-distance dispersal and further spread.

What economic impact did the logging ban have on communities surrounding the Whirinaki forest?

These communities became some of the poorest in the country.