Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of Canada's park systems historically?
What is the primary purpose of Canada's park systems historically?
Which activity within a national park is permitted despite ecological concerns?
Which activity within a national park is permitted despite ecological concerns?
What change occurred in Canada's park systems after 2000?
What change occurred in Canada's park systems after 2000?
Which of the following describes the reintroduction of species into protected areas?
Which of the following describes the reintroduction of species into protected areas?
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What is essential for the success of a reintroduction program?
What is essential for the success of a reintroduction program?
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Which of the following is NOT a consideration when planning for species reintroduction?
Which of the following is NOT a consideration when planning for species reintroduction?
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What role does ongoing monitoring play in ecological reintroduction?
What role does ongoing monitoring play in ecological reintroduction?
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Which type of land has historically been included in Canada’s park systems?
Which type of land has historically been included in Canada’s park systems?
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What is the primary condition that leads to increased genetic variation in a population?
What is the primary condition that leads to increased genetic variation in a population?
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Which type of selection leads to a population converging around an optimal trait?
Which type of selection leads to a population converging around an optimal trait?
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What phenomenon results in species that can no longer interbreed due to significant evolutionary changes?
What phenomenon results in species that can no longer interbreed due to significant evolutionary changes?
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How does environmental change typically affect species with low genetic diversity?
How does environmental change typically affect species with low genetic diversity?
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What is one reason why island species are often more vulnerable to extinction?
What is one reason why island species are often more vulnerable to extinction?
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Which factor is NOT typically considered when determining the health of a population?
Which factor is NOT typically considered when determining the health of a population?
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What is a notable feature of diversifying selection in a population?
What is a notable feature of diversifying selection in a population?
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What does the term 'extirpation' refer to in biodiversity?
What does the term 'extirpation' refer to in biodiversity?
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What role do wildlife overpasses and underpasses play in ecological preservation?
What role do wildlife overpasses and underpasses play in ecological preservation?
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Which factor is considered a main driver of adaptive traits in populations?
Which factor is considered a main driver of adaptive traits in populations?
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What is the impact of high genetic diversity in a population?
What is the impact of high genetic diversity in a population?
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What distinguishes convergent evolution from divergent evolution?
What distinguishes convergent evolution from divergent evolution?
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What can be inferred about populations with low species diversity?
What can be inferred about populations with low species diversity?
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During what type of speciation do new species emerge without geographic barriers?
During what type of speciation do new species emerge without geographic barriers?
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Study Notes
Biodiversity: Origins and Processes
- Biodiversity results from interactions between biotic and abiotic factors within ecosystems.
- Natural selection drives biodiversity.
- Adaptive traits enhance survival; maladaptive traits hinder it.
- Populations can grow exponentially, but remain stable due to limited resources.
- Not all offspring survive and reproduce.
- Individual genetic variation exists within populations.
- Mutations during cell replication in lifespan can lead to genetic variation.
- Reproduction recombines parental DNA, creating variation in offspring, which can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial.
- Individuals with beneficial genetic traits are more likely to reproduce.
Genetic Variations
- Mutations during reproduction lead to genetic variations.
- Stabilizing selection: Population converges on an optimal trait (e.g., 4 eggs in robins).
- Directional selection: Traits shift towards one extreme due to environmental changes (e.g., peppered moths).
- Diversifying selection: Traits shift to both extremes (e.g., rabbits adapting to snowy environments).
Divergent and Convergent Evolution
- Divergent evolution occurs when a common ancestor diversifies into different species (e.g., Hawaiian honeycreepers).
- Convergent evolution occurs when distantly related species develop similar traits due to similar environments (e.g., cacti in diverse locations).
Types of Biodiversity
- Genetic diversity is crucial for population health; low diversity leads to issues like inbreeding and susceptibility to stressors.
- Species richness is the total number of species in an area, while species abundance considers their populations.
- Functional diversity concerns the roles each species plays in an ecosystem.
- Ecosystem diversity encompasses the variety of habitats and communities within a region.
Species and Extinction
- Speciation generates new species through natural selection.
- Allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic barriers (e.g., gorillas).
- Sympatric speciation occurs when a population diversifies into different niches (e.g., subpopulations within a single species).
- Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth.
- Extirpation is local extinction.
- Endemic species are found only in specific locations; their extinction is permanent.
Extinction and Biodiversity
- Island biodiversity is influenced by distance from the mainland and island size.
- Island populations are more vulnerable to extinction.
Biodiversity Case Study: Bobcats
- Bobcats are adaptable, found in forests and urban areas.
- Genetic analysis revealed three distinct populations.
- Geographic barriers (highways) limit gene flow.
- A disease outbreak impacted one population, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity.
- Human activities can negatively influence wildlife populations.
Protected Areas and Reintroductions
- Protected areas (e.g., parks, sanctuaries) are established to preserve ecological functions and biodiversity.
- Reintroduction programs aim to restore extirpated species to their historic ranges.
- International guidelines for reintroductions emphasize cost-benefit analysis, threat removal, and ongoing monitoring.
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Description
Explore the origins and processes of biodiversity, including the role of natural selection and genetic variation. Learn how adaptive traits influence survival and reproduction in different populations. This quiz covers key concepts in ecology and evolution.
