Conservation Biology Chapter 9

What percentage of threatened mammals, birds, and amphibians is attributed to habitat loss according to IUCN?

Approximately 50%

What is habitat fragmentation?

The subdivision of habitat that creates more 'edges' and can lead to decreased species support.

What does habitat degradation result in?

Inferior habitat that will not support the same species as before.

What are some causes of habitat destruction?

Logging, development, pollution, and land use change.

What is the frontier stage of land use?

A period of rapid conversion of habitat.

What are the main drivers of habitat loss?

Agriculture, urbanization, extractive industries, and aquaculture.

What is the projected human population by October 2025?

8.2 billion.

What issues are associated with providing food to a population of 8.2 billion?

Poverty, food deserts, and food safety regulations.

What percentage of food is wasted?

Approximately 30%.

How does species richness change in croplands and pastures?

Decreases by 60% in croplands and 33% in pastures.

What is the predicted urbanization trend by 2050?

7 out of 10 people will be living in mega cities (cities with over 10 million people).

What percentage of native birds and plants are found in urban areas compared to nonurban areas?

Only 8% native birds and 25% native plants.

What are extractive industries?

Industries that remove raw materials from nature, such as oil and gas, hunting, forestry, and mining.

What percentage of deforestation in subtropical regions is attributed to oil and gas development?

7%.

What is the impact of mining on biodiversity?

Usually results in total loss of biodiversity that cannot be recovered.

What is aquaculture and its impact on mangrove forests?

Aquaculture includes shrimp, tilapia, and salmon farming, leading to loss of mangrove forests, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Where is deforestation very high, and what has changed in the last two decades?

Very high in temperate zones, but has declined and shifted to the tropics where most forest loss now occurs.

What is afforestation?

The growth of forests in areas where there historically did not exist, mostly observed in boreal regions.

What is slash and burn agriculture?

A form of subsistence farming that typically lasts for 2-3 years before moving on.

What is the impact of large corporations on agriculture?

They often focus on cash crops, such as palm oil, which can exacerbate habitat loss.