Conservation Biology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Conservation Biology lecture.

Approximately how many native animal species exist in New Zealand?

Over 20,000 species, with invertebrates dominating.

Are invertebrates and fish generally protected under New Zealand law?

No, except those deemed animals under the Wildlife Act or found in national parks.

Define Conservation Biology.

The management of nature and Earth's biodiversity to protect species, habitats, and ecosystems from excessive extinction and erosion of biotic interactions.

Define Sustainability.

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Define Wildlife Management.

The practice of balancing the needs of wildlife and people using the best available science.

Does New Zealand automatically protect all threatened species?

No, there is no direct link between conservation status and legal protection.

How did human influence shift after the 1950s?

Humans began significantly altering Earth’s life support system, leading to climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse.

How do current atmospheric CO₂ levels compare to historical levels?

As of April 2025, CO₂ concentration is 430 ppm, higher than at any time in the past 800,000 years.

How do current extinction rates compare to background extinction rates?

Extinction rates today are 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background rates.

How do personal choices contribute to environmental change?

Diet: Eating plant-based foods lowers carbon footprints. Energy use: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Consumption habits: Minimizing waste and choosing sustainable products reduces resource depletion.

How does New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) affect marine protection?

The EEZ extends beyond the 12-nautical- mile territorial sea, but full protection is minimal.

How does New Zealand’s freshwater fish endemism compare globally?

80% of native freshwater fish are endemic.

How does biomass distribution differ across environments?

Terrestrial biomass (470 Gt C) vastly outweighs marine biomass (~6 Gt C). Deep subsurface hosts significant biomass (~70 Gt C), mostly bacteria and archaea.

How does global changes impact species or ecosystems?

Includes alterations in climate, atmospheric chemistry, and broad ecological systems that reduce the capacity of Earth to support life.

How does human biomass compare to wild mammals?

The mass of humans is over 10 times larger than that of all wild mammals combined.

How does human population growth intensify these threats?

More people demand more resources, increasing agriculture, infrastructure, industry, and pollution.

How does introduced species impact biodiversity?

Alien species are a contributing cause of 25% of plant extinctions and 33% of animal extinctions. They cost billions of dollars each year in damage and control efforts.

How does landscape structure influence biodiversity?

Fragmented or artificially extensive edges reduce biodiversity; movement corridors can help reconnect populations.

How does the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) define biodiversity?

As the variability among living organisms from terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems, including their ecological complexes.

How does the UN predict future population growth?

9 billion by 2037; 10 billion by 2060.

How has human civilization reshaped total global biomass?

While wild mammal biomass decreased by a factor of ~6, the total biomass of mammals increased fourfold due to human expansion and livestock farming.

How has the human population growth rate changed over time?

It was slow for most of human history, then accelerated dramatically due to agriculture (~8000 B.C.), the Industrial Revolution (~1800), and medical advancements.

How has whaling impacted marine biomass?

Industrial whaling reduced marine mammal biomass by approximately fivefold, significantly affecting ecosystems.

How have mammalian introductions impacted native species?

Stoats, possums, rats, and hedgehogs prey on ground-nesting birds, leading to declines.

How long did it take human civilization to reach 1 billion people?

~50,000 years, reaching 1 billion around 1800.

How many marine reserves does New Zealand have?

44 reserves, covering 9.8% of the territorial sea.

Name these animals rarity status: Huia, Panamian golden frog, Kokako, NZ fairy tern, Whio.

Huia: Extinct; Frog: Extinct in the wild; Kokako: Recovering (conservation- dependent); NZ Fairy Tern: Critically endangered; Whio: Vulnerable.

Provide an example for how pollution has impacted species or ecosystems.

Plastic waste on coasts, causing millions of human deaths each year. Half of all plastic ever was generated in the last 20 years. Plastics take more than 400 years to break down, with 8-11 million tonnes entering the oceans.

Provide an example of habitat loss impacting biodiversity.

Habitat destruction has lead to 75% of species endangerment over past centuries.

Provide an example of introduced species effecting biodiversity in NZ

The introduced prey mantis is destroying (out competing and taking resources from) the native prey mantis

Provide examples of major human-induced impacts on New Zealand's native fauna from the past 100 years

• Deforestation: Before human settlement 85- 90% of NZ was forested; today only 23% remains - Species extinction: Many large-bodied and flightless birds (e.g. huia, moa) were lost due to hunting and habitat destruction - Invasive species: Introduction of rats, stoats and possums has severely impacted native wildlife - Marine exploitation: Commercial whaling and seal hunting drastically reduced populations of marine mammals

Provide some examples of species that have been effected by overharvesting

Great Auk - extinct mid 19th century - it was once in the millions, hunted for meat, feathers fat and eggs. Steller's sea cow - discovered in 1741 and then extinct 27 years later Rhino poaching - began in 2008 - better than it was but a rhino is still killed every 10 hours

Recall the extent of marine environmental protection in New Zealand.

Fully protected no-take marine reserves: Only 0.6% of coastal waters. DOC-managed marine reserves: Covers 9.8% within the 12 nautical mile territorial limit. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Large area, but few fully protected regions.

Recall the framework for the legal protection of species in New Zealand.

Conservation Act 1987 – Protects plants and animals on public conservation land. Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 – Covers all marine mammals. Wildlife Act 1953 – Protects terrestrial vertebrates (with some exclusions). Native Plants Protection Act 1934 – Allows for specific protection of native plants. Unlike other countries, NZ does not automatically protect threatened species.

Under the CBD what other agreement and protocols are there?

Cartagena Protocol (2000): Focuses on the safe handling of living modified organisms (LMOs)—related to biotechnology. Nagoya Protocol (2010): Deals with access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): • Replaces the Aichi Targets (2011–2020). • Sets 2030 biodiversity goals, including: • Protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (“30 by 30” target). • Halving the introduction of invasive species. • Reducing pollution and restoring ecosystems.

What are Sir David Attenborough’s recommended actions for global sustainability?

1. Put people and planet before profit. 2. Replace oil with renewable energy. 3. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle. 4. Create no- fishing zones to restore ocean biodiversity. 5. Farm smarter and eat less meat. 6. Protect forests to combat deforestation. 7. Raise people out of poverty to stabilize population growth.

What are examples of endemic bird families in New Zealand?

Apterygidae (Kiwi - 5 species) Strigopidae (New Zealand Parrots - Kea, Kaka, Kakapo) Callaeidae (New Zealand Wattlebirds - Kokako, Saddleback, Huia - extinct) Notiomystidae (Hihi - Stitchbird) Acanthisittidae (New Zealand Wrens - Rifleman, Rock Wren)

What are key environmental consequences of rising CO₂ levels?

Global warming and rising temperatures Ocean acidification affecting marine ecosystems Melting ice caps leading to rising sea levels Extreme weather events such as heatwaves and hurricanes

What are major environmental tipping points?

Mass die-off of coral reefs → loss of fisheries and coastal protection. Amazon rainforest collapse → global climate disruption. Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) failure → extreme weather shifts in Europe and North America. Greenland and West Antarctic ice melt → meters of sea level rise. Permafrost thaw → massive release of CO₂ and methane, worsening climate change.

What are the categories of species rarity status?

Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Vulnerable, Conservation-Dependent

What are the current focusses of the CBD?

Halting biodiversity loss and reversing ecosystem degradation. Promoting nature-based solutions to climate and development challenges. Ensuring indigenous and local communities are central to conservation efforts. Mobilising financing for biodiversity from both public and private sectors.

What are the five biggest threats to biodiversity today?

Habitat loss (deforestation, urbanization) Species overexploitation (hunting, fishing, resource extraction) Invasive species & disease (competition, predation) Pollution (air, water, soil contamination) Climate change (temperature shifts, ecosystem disruption)

What are the five major threats to biodiversity

Habitat loss and degradation Introduced/Invasive species Overharvesting/Overexploitation Pollution Global change (including climate change)

What are the major international agreements focused on environmental sustainability?

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Established in 1992 to address climate change. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Focuses on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Seventeen goals set in 2016 for global sustainable development.

What are the primary drivers of mass extinction events?

Climate change, extreme volcanic activity, asteroid impacts, or a combination of these.

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

Genetic Diversity – Variability within a population and between populations. Species Diversity – Variety of species within an ecosystem. Ecosystem Diversity – Variety of ecosystems and their species interactions.

What conservation strategies exist across different management scales?

Protecting critical habitats Establishing wildlife corridors Restoring ecosystems Prioritizing biodiversity hotspots

What disciplines contribute to Conservation Biology?

Plant Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management.

What does Earth Overshoot Day indicate?

The date each year when humanity's demand for resources exceeds Earth’s ability to regenerate those resources.

What does the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) cover?

First global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. 196 countries - only missing 4 that are apart of the UN

What ecosystem services does nature provide?

Regulating (climate stability, water filtration, pollination) Provisioning (food, raw materials, medicinal resources) Supporting (nutrient cycling, soil formation, oxygen production) Cultural (recreation, aesthetics, spirituality

What evidence suggests we are entering a sixth mass extinction?

Current extinction rates are 100–1,000 times higher than typical background rates, largely due to human activities.

What is Minimum Viable Population Size (MVP)?

The smallest population size needed to avoid the extinction vortex.

What is a native species?

A species found in a location due to natural processes, like evolution or migration.

What is a tipping point in environmental systems?

A threshold where significant change occurs abruptly, often leading to irreversible ecosystem damage.

What is an Ecological Footprint?

A measure of human impact on the environment, representing the biologically productive land and water required to produce consumed goods and absorb waste.

What is an endemic species?

A species that exists only in one geographic region, found nowhere else.

What is an example of a native species in New Zealand?

Australasian Gannet, which naturally occurs in New Zealand and Australia.

What is an example of an endemic order in New Zealand?

Order Rhyncocephalia (Tuatara)—a 220- million-year-old lineage found only in New Zealand.

What is an example of an endemic species in New Zealand?

Kiwi, Tuatara, Manuka Beetle, and Variable Oystercatcher.

What is an example of an introduced species in New Zealand?

Possum, Stoat, Norway Rat, and Mallard Duck.

What is an introduced species?

A species deliberately or accidentally transported to a location by humans.

What is nature worth to human economies?

Nature provides US$125 trillion per year in ecosystem services, yet most economic models ignore its value.

What is the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC?

A legally binding treaty adopted in 2015 aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with a goal of 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.

What is the United Nations’ definition of sustainability?

"Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

What is the biggest source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions?

Methane from livestock, particularly ruminants like cattle and sheep.

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs in biomass distribution?

Terrestrial environments favor autotrophs (plants), while marine ecosystems have a higher proportion of heterotrophs (consumers).

What is the difference between small- population and declining-population approaches?

Small- Population Approach: Focuses on vulnerable populations that may collapse due to genetic factors. Declining- Population Approach: Identifies environmental factors causing population decline.

What is the formula to calculate the Ne (breeding potential of a population)?

Ne = (4 Nf Nm)/(Nf + Nm) Nf is the number of females and Nm is the number of males

What is ‘The Great Acceleration’?

A period beginning in the 1950s when human activity expanded rapidly, altering Earth's climate and ecosystems.

What key factors drove The Great Acceleration?

Exploding human population Economic growth Energy consumption (coal, oil, gas) Land-use changes (deforestation, agriculture) Technology boom

What laws protect wildlife in New Zealand?

Conservation Act (1987)—protects species on public land. Wildlife Act (1953)—protects terrestrial vertebrates but excludes some species. Marine Mammals Protection Act (1978)—protects all marine mammals. Native Plants Protection Act (1934)—allows limited plant protections.

What major mammal extinctions have occurred in NZ due to human impacts?

Greater Short-tailed Bat (extinct 1967, due to rats) Stead’s Bush Wren (extinct 1964, due to mammal predation)

What percentage of New Zealand's insects are endemic?

Over 90%, making it one of the highest endemic insect counts globally.

What percentage of New Zealand’s territorial waters are marine protected areas (MPAs)?

30.4% as of 2024, but protection levels vary.

What percentage of coastal waters are fully protected as no-take marine reserves?

Only 0.6%—meaning 99.4% of waters are available for exploitation.

What percentage of monitored wildlife populations has declined since 1970?

73% on average, with marine populations down 56%, terrestrial populations down 69%, and freshwater species down 85%.

What percentage of terrestrial vertebrate biomass is made up of humans and their livestock?

95%—livestock accounts for 59%, humans 36%, wild mammals 4%, and wild birds 1%.

What proportion of Earth’s rare ecosystems are threatened with collapse?

Two-thirds, the highest proportion globally.

What proportion of New Zealand’s rare ecosystems are threatened by collapse?

Almost two-thirds, making it the highest proportion globally.

What proportion of New Zealand’s native terrestrial birds are threatened?

74%.

What taxon holds the largest global biomass?

Plants (450 Gt C)—they dominate terrestrial ecosystems as primary producers.

What was the Quaternary Megafauna Extinction, and what caused it?

Between ~50,000 and ~3,000 years ago, human activity wiped out nearly half of all large (>40 kg) land mammals.

When was biodiversity first introduced as a resource management concept?

It was first introduced at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

Which animal taxon has the highest species diversity in New Zealand?

Insects, including 6,000 beetle species and 2,000 moth species.

Which major animal groups were absent from pre-human New Zealand?

Land mammals (except bats). Ants (poor representation). Snakes and iguanids (never established). Crocodiles and turtles (found in fossils but extinct ~15 million years ago).

Which regions have experienced the most extreme biodiversity declines?

Latin America & Caribbean (95% decline) Africa (76%) Asia-Pacific (60%)

Why is biodiversity important?

It maintains ecosystem stability, provides resources, and supports adaptation to changing conditions.