Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation

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Questions and Answers

What is a consequence of having a low genetic diversity in a population?

Greater interaction with other organisms

Enhanced survival of individuals

Increased adaptability to environmental changes

Higher chances of species extinction (correct)

Why are nature reserves considered disequilibrial for large organisms?

Large organisms tend to have larger populations than smaller organisms

Large organisms have smaller ranges than smaller organisms

Larger organisms require more resources, making their populations sparser (correct)

Large organisms can easily adapt to small habitat changes

Which of the following best defines conservation biology?

The application of biological science to address human-induced ecological issues. (correct)

The preservation of cultural heritage.

The regulation of natural resources without consideration for species diversity.

A purely theoretical approach to environmental science.

What is described as the basic axiom unifying all of biology?

Evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of conservation science?

To enhance human well-being through environmental management. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the impact of low functioning communities in ecosystems?

Risk of extinction for certain species Signup and view all the answers

What do the Three Basic Guiding Principles for Conservation Biology serve as?

Working paradigms for informing conservation efforts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the need for conservation?

Lesser human demands on Earth Signup and view all the answers

Who defined the emerging field of conservation biology in 1985?

Soulé Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to be one of the goals of conservation efforts?

Maintaining biological diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship is emphasized between conservation biology and other disciplines?

Conservation biology synthesizes various academic and applied disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misconception about conservation goals?

Conservation prioritizes one species over entire ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct impact of human activities on biodiversity?

Urbanization leading to habitat loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of an environmentalist?

Concerned about the impact of human actions on environmental quality Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a conservationist from a preservationist?

Conservationists believe in careful resource management Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Environmental Science?

Managing the environment for human health and safety Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Conservation Biology become a distinctive discipline?

1968 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an ecologist?

A scientist examining interrelations between organisms and their environments Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant environmental impact caused by prehistoric humans?

Overexploitation leading to extinctions Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the journal Biological Conservation?

To protect nature and manage biotic resources Signup and view all the answers

What concept does 'noble savage' represent?

Innate goodness of uncorrupted individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does the dashed line in Soulé's (1985) depiction of conservation biology represent?

The boundaries between different disciplinary contributions Signup and view all the answers

How did the classical Greek philosopher Aristotle contribute to environmental thought?

He commented on the destruction of forests in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the fields contributing to conservation biology?

Ecology Signup and view all the answers

What has often been the rule wherever humans have settled?

Environmental destruction Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the Anthropocene pertain to?

The era of human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

During which period was the first issue of the journal Conservation Biology published?

May 1987 Signup and view all the answers

When did the journal Environmental Conservation begin publication?

1974 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of conservation biology as presented in the interdisciplinary view?

Spanning the boundaries of applied and basic research Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of the dynamic nature of ecological communities?

Many species evolve through interdependent relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the introduction of generalist species considered problematic?

They may outcompete specialized species and reduce diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of human presence in conservation planning?

Understanding human impact is essential for effective conservation. Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles outlined, what is considered bad for biodiversity?

Simplification of ecosystems through human intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What role does biotic diversity play according to the principles discussed?

Its intrinsic value is recognized, independent of human benefit. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of conservation biology recognizes the permanence of certain ecological outcomes?

Irreversibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges faced by conservation biology mentioned?

It must respond to an extensive ecological crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conservation status of the Philippine eagle as mentioned?

Critically Endangered. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conservation Overview

A multidisciplinary field combining academic and applied traditions focused on maintaining biological diversity globally.
Driven by expanding human demands, population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and species extinction.

Conservation Biology

Defined by Soulé in 1985 as the application of biological science to address human-perturbed species, communities, and ecosystems.
Became distinct with the launch of the journal Biological Conservation in 1968, emphasizing scientific protection of wildlife and resources.

Conservation Goals

Conservation science aims to enhance human well-being through environmental management.
Environmental science focuses on managing human health and safety in relation to the environment.

Anthropocene and Biodiversity Crisis

Conservation biology serves as a response to the biodiversity crisis in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the need for research and evidence-based policies.

Key Concepts in Conservation

Conservationist: Advocates for responsible resource use.
Preservationist: Supports minimal human interference in nature.
Environmentalist: Concerned with the impact of humans on environmental quality.
Ecologist: Studies relationships between organisms and their environments.

Human Impact on Biodiversity

Prehistoric human activities led to extinctions and ecosystem alterations.
Historically, societies have overexploited resources, highlighting the destructive patterns associated with human settlement.

Core Principles of Conservation Biology

Principle 1: Evolution as a fundamental uniting axiom of biology.
Principle 2: The dynamic and non-equilibrial nature of ecological systems.
Principle 3: Human presence must be integrated into conservation planning.

Values of Biodiversity

Biodiversity contributes to ecological complexity, which is essential for healthy ecosystems.
Recognizing the intrinsic value of all life forms is crucial, regardless of their utility to humans.

Conservation Biology Characteristics

Addresses a biodiversity crisis and is shaped by values.
Involves multiple disciplines and considers evolutionary timescales.
Acknowledges the need for ongoing vigilance against extinction and ecosystem degradation.

Noteworthy Example

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, with only about 400 pairs remaining in the wild.
Declared the national bird of the Philippines in 1995, recognizing its significance amid conservation challenges.

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Description

This quiz explores the critical aspects of biodiversity and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policy. Participants will delve into the significance of conservation and how it integrates various academic disciplines. Discover the connections between research, monitoring, and effective conservation strategies.