Lecture 14: Application of Ecosystem Ecology to Management

What is the underlying concept of Ecosystem-Based Management?

Human activities influence all ecosystems.

What are 'state factors' in an ecosystem?

External factors that control the structure and functioning of an ecosystem, which cannot be locally managed.

What are 'interactive controls' in ecosystem management?

Dynamic factors that directly influence and interact with one another to shape the overall structure and function of the ecosystem.

Why is conserving interactive controls important?

To maintain the natural disturbance regime and enable the ecosystem to function as it should.

What is an example of a stabilizing feedback in ecosystems?

Population control of herbivores by predators, such as wolves controlling elk populations.

What does the landscape perspective in ecosystem management emphasize?

How land and water interact and the consequences of land use changes on ecosystems, such as deforestation affecting streamflow and sediment levels.

What is resilience in the context of ecosystems?

The ability of an ecosystem to bounce back from disturbances and maintain stability.

What is the insurance hypothesis regarding species diversity?

It suggests that multiple species performing similar functions act as an 'insurance policy' against disturbances, ensuring ecosystem function is maintained.

What are the goals of ecosystem-based management?

To account for multiple economic and conservation goals while addressing interactions between social and ecological processes.

What is Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in fisheries management?

The optimal point of harvesting where population growth is the fastest.

What is a disadvantage of relying solely on single species population models in management?

They often do not account for food web interactions, which can lead to ecological mismanagement.

How does the conservation of ecosystem services support economic decisions?

It allows for the comparison of management options based on their monetary value.

What is a trade-off in ecosystem management?

When one desirable feature comes at the expense of another, as in the replacement of natural forests by agriculture.

How do stabilizing feedbacks help an ecosystem recover?

They push the system back towards its original state after a disturbance.

What are examples of intentional activities that promote ecosystem restoration?

Seeding native species, reintroducing mycorrhizae, and restoring grazing or disturbance regimes.

What is conservation grazing?

Selectively choosing when to allow animals to graze invaded landscapes to manage invasive species.

What effect does adding carbon to degraded ecosystems have?

It favors the growth of native species over invasives by creating stabilizing feedbacks.