(ONLY L.A.'S) GEE L.4 (5) Dugdale Ecology PART 2

conservation (slide 40 - 92) (KILL ME)

Describe what conservation biology is/does

conservation biology seeks to conserve the diversity of life on earth

What are the 3 levels of biodiversity

• Genetic diversity: Genetic variation within a population and between populations.

• Species diversity: The variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the biosphere.

• Ecosystem diversity: The variety of ecosystems in the biosphere (earth)

  • Ecosystem: A highly complex biological system made up of living organisms interacting in a physical environment.

Explain the 4 main threats to biodiversity

• Habitat loss: Humans alter habitat through agriculture, forestry, urban development, mining and pollution.

• Introduced species: Species moved by humans from native locations to new geographic regions, either by accident or intentionally. Since the new species is free from native predators, herbivores, pathogens or competitors they can spread rapidly. Then they may pray upon/outcompete native organisms leading to their extinction.

• Overharvesting: When humans harvest wild plants or animals at a rate that exceeds the ability of the populations of those species to rebound (/bounce back/regain numbers).

  • Large organisms with low reproductive rates are especially vulnerable to overharvesting

• Global change: Alterations in climate, atmospheric chemistry and broad ecological systems that reduce the Earth’s capacity to support life

  • e.g. acid precipitation containing sulfuric acid and nitric acid as a result from burning wood and fossil fuels. Chemical reactions with these acids decreases nutrient and increases toxic metal concentrations in soil and water, which can harm some organisms.

(NOT DONE) Explain solutions to climate change

• Global warming can be slowed down by reducing energy needs and converting to renewable sources of energy

• Establish regional networks of protected areas

• Protect hot spots of high biodiversity

Explain minimum viable population size

The minimum viable population (MVP): The minimum population size at which a species can survive

depends on factors that affect a population’s chances of survival over a particular time. if not much is known then it is usually around 50