Ecology and Conservation: Key Concepts in Invasive Species, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Dynamics

Why do brine shrimp begin to swim in groups?

Because they are infected with a tapeworm

What parasite affects mammals but only reproduces in cats?

Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo)

What happens to a caterpillar when another insect touches it?

It thrashes around

What was the primary focus of Paul Raad's research in the Pantanal?

Analyzing jaguar droppings to detect the presence of spirometra tapeworms

How do jaguars contribute to controlling the spread of Spirometra spp. tapeworms?

By preying on feral hogs

What is the main goal of the workshops organized by Paul Raad and his partners?

Promote coexistence between ranchers and jaguars

What has been the impact of the electric fencing project at Pousada Piuval on jaguar attacks?

It reduced the amount of attacks

What is the primary cause of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats?

Fungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (PD)

How does WNS primarily affect hibernating bats?

It causes them to wake up more frequently during hibernation

What is one way humans can contribute to the spread of WNS?

Carrying the fungus on their shoes

What is the indirect impact of bat population decline on human health?

Increased insect pest populations leading to higher insecticide use on crops

Why are cane toads considered a nasty invasive species in Australia?

They have poison glands on their necks

What is the name of the invasive species causing trouble in New Orleans, LA?

Formosan Termites

Where were Formosan Termites originally from?

Asia (China)

How do Formosan Termites cause significant damage?

By eating wood and multiplying very quickly

Why is Water Hyacinth considered a problematic invasive plant?

It blocks sunlight, depletes oxygen, and kills fish and other aquatic life

What is the term for introducing one alien species to fight another?

Biocontrol

How does the invasive Miconia plant disturb Hawaiian rainforests?

By blocking sunlight and having shallow roots that lead to soil erosion

What is the number one cause of extinction on Earth today?

Humans, specifically through habitat destruction

What is the number two cause of extinction on Earth today?

Invasive species

How do invasive species impact biodiversity?

By outcompeting native species for resources, such as Zebra Mussels taking food from native species

What are the economic consequences of invasive species?

They damage crops, buildings, and ecosystems, and require expensive control efforts, such as the emerald ash borer killing millions of trees

Why was water initially diverted from the Everglades?

To use the soil for planting and to provide flood protection for residents

What does the Everglades provide for humans?

Drinking water and support for the economies of agriculture, recreation, and tourism

How did the introduction of wolves change rivers?

Rivers began to meander less, erosion decreased, channels narrowed, and more pools formed, benefiting wildlife

How did the return of wolves to Yellowstone affect the river banks?

The stabilization of vegetation and wildlife caused the banks to become more stable and fixed in their course.

How are wolves connected to songbirds in Yellowstone?

Wolves reduced overgrazing by deer, allowing vegetation to regenerate and tree heights to increase, which provided habitat for songbirds.

What was the wolves' biggest influence on elk herds?

They thinned out the herds, which allowed the area to regrow and become more populated with other species.

How do herbivores act as keystone species on a Savannah?

Their consumption of plants controls the physical and biological aspects of the ecosystem, such as elephants keeping the Savannah a grassland by eating acacia trees.

What is an umbrella species?

A species on which many other species depend, typically characterized by a large, often migratory, habitat range.

What is an example of an umbrella species?

The Siberian Tiger, which has a geographical range spanning over 1200 kilometers.

What is a foundation species?

A species that plays a major role in creating or maintaining a habitat for other species.

What is an example of a foundation species?

Corals, which provide a habitat for millions of other sea animals.

Which species in Alaska has become vulnerable that the local people depend on?

Caribou.

Why are caribou grazing on rocky hillsides rather than lush pastures?

They go higher to escape mosquitoes, which are more prevalent in grassy valleys.

Why are mosquito populations increasing in Alaska?

Warmer temperatures allow them to survive longer and reproduce more.

Why is increased winter rain harmful to caribou?

It freezes into ice, trapping food sources under a layer that the caribou cannot penetrate.

What percentage of the Earth's water is in the Pacific Ocean?

About 50%.

What is the most basic and important food source in the Pacific Ocean?

Phytoplankton.

What two factors are preventing zooplankton populations from rebounding?

Warmer ocean temperatures and a lack of nutrients.

How much of a temperature increase can intertidal animals like crabs typically tolerate?

About 2°C (3-4°F).

What two diseases are rising in Trinidad?

Asthma in children and sea fan disease in coral.

What is the primary cause of the rise in asthma and sea fan disease in Trinidad?

Dust from Africa carrying pollutants and microbes.

Why is Lake Chad in Nigeria disappearing?

Drought and climate change are reducing its water supply.

What is causing the increase in African dust reaching other regions?

Changes in air masses and stronger winds due to climate change.

What are the five main types of biomes?

Aquatic, grassland, forest, desert, and tundra.

What percentage of ecosystem changes today are consistent with a response to climate change?

More than 89%.

Which tree species' habitat is expected to shrink in the northeastern U.S. due to climate change?

Sugar Maple.

What percentage of freshwater use worldwide is accounted for by agriculture?

70%.

What has allowed pine beetles to spread across the U.S. Mountain West?

Warmer wintertime temperatures.

How much earlier are spring temperatures arriving in the Northern Hemisphere each decade?

One day earlier each decade.

What is a potential downside of an extended growing season for trees?

Trees may be more vulnerable to leaf-eating insects if they grow leaves earlier than usual.