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Questions and Answers
How does high genetic diversity influence a species' adaptation to environmental change?
How does high genetic diversity influence a species' adaptation to environmental change?
What type of diversity involves interactions between species and their abiotic environment?
What type of diversity involves interactions between species and their abiotic environment?
What critical role do certain species play in ecosystems?
What critical role do certain species play in ecosystems?
How can fragmentation impact species' reproductive capacity?
How can fragmentation impact species' reproductive capacity?
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What is one way that biodiversity contributes directly to human medicine?
What is one way that biodiversity contributes directly to human medicine?
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Which of the following crops has been modified for resistance to a specific virus?
Which of the following crops has been modified for resistance to a specific virus?
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What is aquaculture primarily focused on?
What is aquaculture primarily focused on?
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What is a consumptive use value related to natural resources?
What is a consumptive use value related to natural resources?
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What is the primary cause of species extinctions identified in the research?
What is the primary cause of species extinctions identified in the research?
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Which habitat is noted as particularly rich in species diversity and particularly threatened?
Which habitat is noted as particularly rich in species diversity and particularly threatened?
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What percentage of extinctions is attributed to pollution?
What percentage of extinctions is attributed to pollution?
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What is one way that humans have introduced exotic species into new ecosystems?
What is one way that humans have introduced exotic species into new ecosystems?
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What impact do exotic species have on native species in an ecosystem?
What impact do exotic species have on native species in an ecosystem?
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Which factor has contributed to the degradation of coastal habitats?
Which factor has contributed to the degradation of coastal habitats?
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How is overexploitation significant in the context of species extinction?
How is overexploitation significant in the context of species extinction?
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What percentage of species extinctions is attributed to disease?
What percentage of species extinctions is attributed to disease?
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Why do scientists argue that it is more economical to save ecosystems rather than individual species?
Why do scientists argue that it is more economical to save ecosystems rather than individual species?
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What is the primary consequence of zebra mussels being introduced to the Great Lakes?
What is the primary consequence of zebra mussels being introduced to the Great Lakes?
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What role do biogeochemical cycles play in ecosystems?
What role do biogeochemical cycles play in ecosystems?
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How do forests contribute to flood prevention?
How do forests contribute to flood prevention?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of islands regarding introduced alien species?
Which of the following is a characteristic of islands regarding introduced alien species?
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What factor contributes primarily to acid deposition?
What factor contributes primarily to acid deposition?
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What is one negative consequence of soil erosion caused by deforestation?
What is one negative consequence of soil erosion caused by deforestation?
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Which pollution type is most directly caused by agricultural runoff and leads to fish kills?
Which pollution type is most directly caused by agricultural runoff and leads to fish kills?
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In what way does ecotourism benefit underdeveloped countries?
In what way does ecotourism benefit underdeveloped countries?
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What is a major consequence of ozone layer depletion?
What is a major consequence of ozone layer depletion?
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What aspect of climate regulation do trees provide locally?
What aspect of climate regulation do trees provide locally?
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What is one indirect service that ecosystems perform for humans?
What is one indirect service that ecosystems perform for humans?
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What is the effect of organic chemicals like nonylphenols used in various products?
What is the effect of organic chemicals like nonylphenols used in various products?
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How does pollution specifically weaken organisms?
How does pollution specifically weaken organisms?
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Why is it challenging to assign a direct dollar value to the services provided by ecosystems?
Why is it challenging to assign a direct dollar value to the services provided by ecosystems?
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Which pollution type is primarily associated with the over-enrichment of lakes leading to oxygen depletion?
Which pollution type is primarily associated with the over-enrichment of lakes leading to oxygen depletion?
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What is the primary concern regarding species extinction?
What is the primary concern regarding species extinction?
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Which of the following regions is noted for having the highest biodiversity?
Which of the following regions is noted for having the highest biodiversity?
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What percentage of Earth's land area do biodiversity hotspots cover?
What percentage of Earth's land area do biodiversity hotspots cover?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a biodiversity hotspot?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a biodiversity hotspot?
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What is a keystone species?
What is a keystone species?
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Why are conservation corridors important?
Why are conservation corridors important?
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What effect does the protection of flagship species have on the ecosystem?
What effect does the protection of flagship species have on the ecosystem?
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Which of these is a benefit of landscape conservation efforts?
Which of these is a benefit of landscape conservation efforts?
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What is a primary goal of conservation reserves?
What is a primary goal of conservation reserves?
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Which area in a biosphere reserve is primarily for ecological research and limited use?
Which area in a biosphere reserve is primarily for ecological research and limited use?
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How do edge effects impact songbird populations in forested areas?
How do edge effects impact songbird populations in forested areas?
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What is a concern associated with habitat restoration efforts?
What is a concern associated with habitat restoration efforts?
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What role do corridors play in conservation reserves?
What role do corridors play in conservation reserves?
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When should habitat restoration efforts ideally begin?
When should habitat restoration efforts ideally begin?
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What is a significant consequence of edge effects in fragmented habitats?
What is a significant consequence of edge effects in fragmented habitats?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective habitat reserves?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective habitat reserves?
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Study Notes
Conservation Biology & Biodiversity
- Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary science, focusing on protecting Earth's biodiversity and natural resources
- This field draws on various biological disciplines (e.g., basic biology, physiology, genetics, biopark management, and ecology) to understand biodiversity.
- It also encompasses social sciences, economics, public education, and government officials to manage and conserve biodiversity for future generations.
Ethical Principles of Conservation Biology
- Biodiversity is essential for the biosphere and human well-being
- Human-induced extinctions are detrimental
- Maintaining complex ecosystem interactions is crucial for biodiversity
- Biodiversity possesses intrinsic value, independent of practical human benefits.
Threats to Biodiversity
- Humans contribute to a biodiversity crisis.
- Researchers found five major threats to species: habitat loss (85%), exotic species (50%), pollution (24%), overexploitation (17%), and disease (3%).
- Some species are endangered due to multiple threats.
Habitat Loss
- Human activity is a primary driver of habitat loss in ecosystems, notably tropical rainforests and coral reefs, particularly rich in species diversity.
- Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural practices often degrade land, rendering it unsuitable for wildlife.
- Coastal habitats are also affected by human activities, causing erosion and pollutant input into aquatic systems, resulting in significant degradation.
Alien Species
- Alien (exotic) species are non-native organisms that can disrupt established ecosystem balances.
- Introduction of exotic species causes changes in food webs, competition, and predation, potentially harming native species.
- Species introductions occur through colonization, horticulture/agriculture, and accidental transport, impacting native populations.
- Islands are particularly vulnerable to disruptions by introduced exotic species.
Pollution
- Pollution is any environmental change harming living things.
- Pollution also compromises the health of organisms, making them more susceptible to diseases.
- Biodiversity is threatened by specific pollutants such as acid deposition, eutrophication, ozone depletion, organic chemicals, and climate change.
Overexploitation
- Overexploitation occurs when the rate of removing individuals from a wild population exceeds the population's capacity to recover.
- This creates a positive feedback cycle, where decreasing populations become more valuable for exploitation.
- Poachers targeting endangered or threatened species are involved.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are vital.
Disease
- Wildlife often encounters new pathogens from encroaching humans, causing population declines.
- Examples of diseases include canine distemper and fungal infections, contributing to global population declines in diverse species.
Habitat Conservation and Restoration
- Conserving habitats is paramount, as habitat loss dominates species extinctions.
- Prioritising habitats with high biodiversity levels, like the tropics, is crucial.
- Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high concentrations of species, often including endemic species, and should be protected.
Landscape Conservation and Reserve Design
- Conservation often occurs at the landscape level because one region may not have sufficient habitat for a specific species.
- Conservation corridors link different habitats, enabling safe movement for wildlife.
- This is especially important due to factors like urbanization and agriculture.
- Conservation efforts should consider edge effects to balance between habitat resources and the species' needs.
Habitat Preservation
- Protecting keystone species benefits other wildlife as they impact numerous species within an area.
- These keystone species maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Edge Effects
- Edge effects reduce the typical habitat of an ecosystem as species near the edge experience different environments.
- These environments around a region shrink as the region decreases in size.
Reserve Design
- Conservation reserves safeguard biodiversity by protecting the ecosystem's resources and preventing human activity.
- These reserves are often divided into areas based on allowed usage, balancing between conservation and human interaction.
Habitat Restoration
- Habitat restoration aids in returning ecosystems to their former state if other strategies, like conservation, prove ineffective.
- Restoration efforts should begin promptly and utilize natural processes to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Working Toward a Sustainable Society
- Biodiversity loss arises from human resource consumption.
- Nonrenewable resources, like land, fossil fuels, and minerals, are finite.
- Renewable resources can replenish, as with solar and wind energy.
- Current human practices are unsustainable.
- Extensive land use, reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuel energy and water overuse are not sustainable.
Energy
- Fossil fuels are major energy sources, derived from compressed organic remains.
- Renewable sources, like hydropower, geothermal energy, and wind power, are alternatives to fossil fuels; also involve solar energy and fuel cells.
Water
- Water access is a pressing issue in many worldwide regions.
- Water usage for farming, industry, domestic purposes and other activities, significantly exceeds the capacity to replenish.
- Freshwater conservation measures are vital for maintaining biodiversity.
Agriculture
- Current agricultural methods are environmentally impactful.
- Alternatives like polyculture and crop rotation may mitigate harmful effects.
- Organic farming practices also lessen impacts.
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Description
This quiz explores the vital role of biodiversity in ecosystems, addressing how genetic diversity enhances adaptability to environmental changes. It also examines the impact of species interactions, habitat degradation, and the introduction of exotic species on native populations.
