AP Environmental Science 9.8 - Endangered Species
Meaning
Endangered Species: species of all types that are at high risk for extinction due to low rate of evolution, natural selection, or adaptation
Risk Factors
- K-selected Species
- Not adapted to unstable environmental changes
- Lower population growth rate
- Fewer larger offspring
- Later reproductive stage
- Too Specialized
- Specific habitat, climate zone, biome (latitude)
- Specific food source
- Endemic
- Diseases that are particularly found in a defined region within a specific plant or animal species
Why are Species Becoming Endangered?
HIPPCO
- Habitat Destruction
- Invasive Species
- Population Size (increasing human population)
- Pollution
- Climate Change
- Overexploitation (hunting, fishing)
Importance of Endangered Species
- Add to biodiversity
- Key species in their respective food webs
- May be an indicator species
- Community keystone or foundational species
How to Save Endangered Species
- Habitat protection - preservations
- Legislation and enforcement
- Sanctioned breeding programs (captive breeding)
- Education and knowledge