Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics
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Questions and Answers

How does high genetic diversity influence a species' adaptation to environmental change?

  • It increases the capacity to adapt. (correct)
  • It lowers reproductive success.
  • It has no effect on adaptation.
  • It decreases the likelihood of extinction.

What type of diversity involves interactions between species and their abiotic environment?

  • Species diversity
  • Ecosystem diversity (correct)
  • Genetic diversity
  • Landscape diversity

What critical role do certain species play in ecosystems?

  • They hinder ecological interactions.
  • They conserve ecosystem balance. (correct)
  • They help in species extinction.
  • They reduce biodiversity.

How can fragmentation impact species' reproductive capacity?

<p>By increasing predation risk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that biodiversity contributes directly to human medicine?

<p>By providing derived prescription drugs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops has been modified for resistance to a specific virus?

<p>Rice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is aquaculture primarily focused on?

<p>Growing fish and shellfish for human consumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consumptive use value related to natural resources?

<p>Marketplace items from the environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of species extinctions identified in the research?

<p>Habitat loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which habitat is noted as particularly rich in species diversity and particularly threatened?

<p>Tropical rainforests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of extinctions is attributed to pollution?

<p>24% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that humans have introduced exotic species into new ecosystems?

<p>Agriculture and horticulture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact do exotic species have on native species in an ecosystem?

<p>They can directly compete with or prey upon native species (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has contributed to the degradation of coastal habitats?

<p>Erosion and pollutant input from human habitation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is overexploitation significant in the context of species extinction?

<p>It impacts species by direct removal from their environment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of species extinctions is attributed to disease?

<p>3% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do scientists argue that it is more economical to save ecosystems rather than individual species?

<p>Ecosystems provide a variety of indirect services crucial for human survival. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of zebra mussels being introduced to the Great Lakes?

<p>Clogging of water pipes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do biogeochemical cycles play in ecosystems?

<p>They provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do forests contribute to flood prevention?

<p>By functioning as a sponge that regulates water release. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of islands regarding introduced alien species?

<p>Native species on islands are closely adapted to their environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes primarily to acid deposition?

<p>Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one negative consequence of soil erosion caused by deforestation?

<p>Accumulation of silt in nearby waterways. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pollution type is most directly caused by agricultural runoff and leads to fish kills?

<p>Eutrophication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does ecotourism benefit underdeveloped countries?

<p>It generates more revenue than harvesting natural resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of ozone layer depletion?

<p>Higher rates of skin cancer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of climate regulation do trees provide locally?

<p>They buffer noise and provide shade. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one indirect service that ecosystems perform for humans?

<p>Regulating climate through carbon dioxide absorption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of organic chemicals like nonylphenols used in various products?

<p>They mimic hormones in biological systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does pollution specifically weaken organisms?

<p>By reducing their resistance to diseases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to assign a direct dollar value to the services provided by ecosystems?

<p>Ecosystem services are often intangible and widespread. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pollution type is primarily associated with the over-enrichment of lakes leading to oxygen depletion?

<p>Eutrophication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding species extinction?

<p>Habitat loss (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is noted for having the highest biodiversity?

<p>Tropics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's land area do biodiversity hotspots cover?

<p>1.4% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a biodiversity hotspot?

<p>Rocky Mountains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a keystone species?

<p>A species that has a disproportionate effect on its environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are conservation corridors important?

<p>They allow animals to migrate safely between habitats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the protection of flagship species have on the ecosystem?

<p>It indirectly protects many other species within the same habitat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a benefit of landscape conservation efforts?

<p>They can sustain viable populations of multiple species (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of conservation reserves?

<p>Protecting biodiversity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area in a biosphere reserve is primarily for ecological research and limited use?

<p>Core reserve (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do edge effects impact songbird populations in forested areas?

<p>Decreases nesting success (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern associated with habitat restoration efforts?

<p>Restored ecosystems may not functionally resemble natural ecosystems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do corridors play in conservation reserves?

<p>They connect isolated ecosystems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should habitat restoration efforts ideally begin?

<p>As soon as possible before further degradation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of edge effects in fragmented habitats?

<p>Higher rates of parasitism on nests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective habitat reserves?

<p>Openness to unrestricted tourism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

High genetic diversity

High genetic diversity in a population or species enhances its ability to adapt and survive changes in the environment

Ecosystem diversity

The interactions between species and their non-living (abiotic) environment within an ecosystem.

Conserving species in critical roles

Protecting species vital for maintaining the functioning of an entire ecosystem.

Landscape diversity

The interaction of different ecosystems within a larger geographic area.

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Fragmentation and reproductive capacity

Habitat fragmentation can negatively impact reproduction by increasing exposure to predators.

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Direct Value of Biodiversity

Individual species provide goods/services directly for human use.

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Medicinal Value of Biodiversity

Many medicines are derived from natural sources, like plants and animals.

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Agricultural Value of Biodiversity

Wild species contribute to developing disease-resistant crops and pest control.

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Indirect Value of Ecosystems

Ecosystems provide essential services to humans that are difficult to put a price on.

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Biogeochemical Cycles

Biodiversity supports essential cycles like the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles.

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Waste Disposal (Ecosystems)

Decomposers in ecosystems break down waste materials, recycling nutrients.

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Fresh Water Provision

Ecosystems maintain and provide fresh water, crucial for human use and life.

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Flood Prevention (Ecosystems)

Forests and other ecosystems act like sponges, absorbing and regulating water flow.

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Soil Erosion Prevention

Intact ecosystems help prevent soil erosion, protecting valuable topsoil.

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Climate Regulation (Nature)

Ecosystems, especially forests, help regulate climate by absorbing CO2 and releasing O2.

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Ecotourism Impact

Natural areas support tourism, generating income for underdeveloped places.

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What's the main threat to biodiversity?

Habitat loss is the primary threat to biodiversity, leading to the decline and extinction of species.

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Why are rainforests and coral reefs crucial?

These habitats are biodiversity hotspots, with a high number of species in a small area.

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How do humans impact coastal habitats?

Coastal pollution, development, and erosion degrade coastal habitats, harming aquatic life.

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What are alien species?

Alien species are organisms introduced to a new environment where they are not native.

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How do alien species disrupt ecosystems?

They can compete with native species for resources, prey on them, or change food web interactions.

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How are alien species introduced?

Humans introduce alien species through colonization, horticulture, or agriculture.

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What is an example of an alien species?

Kudzu, a vine from Japan, was introduced to prevent erosion but it spread uncontrollably in the southern United States.

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How do foxes impact New Zealand?

Introduced foxes have caused the decline of nearly 40% of New Zealand's bird species.

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Alien Species

Organisms introduced to a new habitat where they are not naturally found, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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Accidental Transport

The unintentional movement of alien species to new areas mainly due to human activities like global trade and travel.

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Zebra Mussels

An invasive species that arrived in the Great Lakes through ballast water, outcompeting native mussels and causing ecological and economic damage.

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Pollution

Any change in the environment that negatively affects living things, weakening them and making them vulnerable to disease.

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Acid Deposition

The release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides creates acids in the atmosphere that fall back to Earth, harming trees and aquatic life.

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Eutrophication

Excess nutrients from runoff pollute water bodies, causing excessive algal growth, oxygen depletion, and fish kills.

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Ozone Depletion

The breakdown of the ozone layer caused by chemicals like CFCs, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach Earth, damaging life and ecosystems.

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Organic Chemicals

Chemicals used in various products, like nonylphenols, which mimic hormones and disrupt ecosystems.

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Habitat Loss: Extinction's Cause

The primary reason for the extinction of species is the loss of their natural habitats, with the greatest impacts seen in areas rich in biodiversity like the tropics.

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Biodiversity Hotspots

These are regions with exceptionally high concentrations of species, often housing unique endemic species found nowhere else. They cover a small percentage of Earth's land but are essential for conserving global biodiversity.

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Keystone Species

These species play a crucial role in maintaining their ecosystem's balance. Their loss can trigger a cascade of secondary extinctions, affecting many other species.

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Flagship Species

These charismatic species evoke strong emotions from humans, making them valuable for conservation efforts due to their popularity and appeal.

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Landscape Conservation

This approach focuses on protecting interconnected ecosystems, recognizing that species often use multiple habitats and need safe routes for movement.

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Conservation Corridors

These safe passages allow animals to move between different habitats, vital for species that need to range across a wider area.

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Habitat Preservation: Ripple Effect

Protecting specific species often indirectly benefits other wildlife that shares the same habitat, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

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Why Conserve Biodiversity?

Biodiversity has direct and indirect value for humans. It provides essential goods and services, medical resources, and contributes to a healthy planet.

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Edge Effect

A change in environmental conditions near the boundary of a habitat, often leading to a decline in the quality or quantity of habitat within the edge zone. For example, songbirds may have lower nesting success at forest edges due to increased predation.

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Edge Effect Impact

The shrinking of usable habitat due to edge effects. As a habitat patch gets smaller, the proportion of edge habitat increases, leading to a reduction in the area suitable for species adapted to the interior of the habitat.

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Cowbird Parasitism

A phenomenon where brown-headed cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of smaller songbirds. These cowbird chicks are bigger, outcompete the host chicks, and often reduce the reproductive success of the host species.

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Conservation Reserve

An area of land specifically designated for protecting biodiversity and minimizing human activity. They often include multiple ecosystems connected by corridors to maintain ecological flow and reduce edge effects.

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Biosphere Reserve

A globally recognized conservation area established by the United Nations, encompassing three zones: a central core with strict protection, a buffer zone for limited human activities, and a transition area for sustainable human development.

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Habitat Restoration

The process of restoring degraded ecosystems to their former state or a desired state. It aims to recover ecosystem functions and biodiversity that were lost due to human activities.

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Restoration Principles

Key principles of habitat restoration include: acting promptly before further habitat loss, aiming for functional equivalence to the original, and using scientific methods to guide the process.

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Functional Equivalence

A key goal of habitat restoration is to create an ecosystem that functions and behaves similarly to the original ecosystem, even if it is not an exact replication.

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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.

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