Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one significant negative implication of invasive species on native biodiversity?
What is one significant negative implication of invasive species on native biodiversity?
Which EU Regulation focuses on the management of invasive alien species?
Which EU Regulation focuses on the management of invasive alien species?
What is a common misconception about non-native species?
What is a common misconception about non-native species?
What role do invasive species play in habitat modification?
What role do invasive species play in habitat modification?
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How can early detection of invasive species benefit biodiversity conservation efforts?
How can early detection of invasive species benefit biodiversity conservation efforts?
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What is a primary impact of habitat fragmentation on species populations?
What is a primary impact of habitat fragmentation on species populations?
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Which of the following factors should be considered when assessing habitat connectivity?
Which of the following factors should be considered when assessing habitat connectivity?
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Which of the following is NOT part of the HIPPO acronym related to biodiversity threats?
Which of the following is NOT part of the HIPPO acronym related to biodiversity threats?
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How do invasive species typically impact native biodiversity?
How do invasive species typically impact native biodiversity?
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What is a potential consequence of habitat removal on biodiversity?
What is a potential consequence of habitat removal on biodiversity?
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What impact does the introduction of the American grey squirrel have on the native red squirrel?
What impact does the introduction of the American grey squirrel have on the native red squirrel?
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Which of the following is a significant consequence of habitat destruction on biodiversity?
Which of the following is a significant consequence of habitat destruction on biodiversity?
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What is the primary goal of the Water Framework Directive?
What is the primary goal of the Water Framework Directive?
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How does Japanese knotweed primarily reproduce?
How does Japanese knotweed primarily reproduce?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of habitat connectivity?
Which of the following best describes the concept of habitat connectivity?
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What does the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme aim to address?
What does the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme aim to address?
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What are the potential pollutants that can threaten water quality?
What are the potential pollutants that can threaten water quality?
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Which legislation helps to control agricultural pollution from nitrates?
Which legislation helps to control agricultural pollution from nitrates?
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Study Notes
Lecture 9: Threats to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- The Global Living Planet Index shows a 69% decrease in population sizes of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish between 1970 and 2016.
The 6th Mass Extinction
- A significant decline in populations of various species, indicating a potential sixth mass extinction event, based on observations collected between 1970 and 2016.
European Grassland Butterfly Index
- Significant decline in European grassland butterfly populations, with a -39% decrease observed in 2017.
Common Farmland and Forest EU Population Index
- Shows a decline of 34% for farmland birds and a 0.1% increase for common forest birds between 1990 and 2020.
Biodiversity Threats
- HIPPO (Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, Overharvesting) is used to categorize major threats to biodiversity, as originally outlined by Edward O. Wilson in 1985.
- Habitat destruction is the primary cause in declines in species and populations through loss or degradation of habitats, leading to local, national, and eventually, overall extinctions.
Habitat Fragmentation
- Previously continuous habitats are divided by natural factors (like fire, floods, or earthquakes) and human activities (like agriculture, infrastructure, and urbanization).
- Key aspects to consider are fragment size, edge-to-area ratio and edge effects, and proximity/connectivity with other habitats. -Smaller fragments with larger edges have less biodiversity. -Fragments that are close together and connected support biodiversity better.
Connectivity between Habitat Fragments
- Key components are Landscape Corridors, Core Area, Stepping-stone Corridors, Linear Corridors, and Buffer Zones to promote species movement and connectivity between habitats.
Farmland Habitat Types
- Variations in farmland types (productive, marginal, semi-natural) across different regions (Sligo, Offaly, and Cork) in Ireland show differing effects on biodiversity.
Climate Change and Rainfall Data
- Averages of rainfall figures are presented in relation to environmental changes, likely contributing to different species being affected in a unique way.
Cattle Farming and Sheep Farms in Ireland
- Geographic maps illustrating the spread of cattle farming and sheep farming across Ireland.
Importance of Semi-natural Habitats
- Semi-natural habitats (grassland, non-arable land) are paramount to biodiversity in European farmland, especially where arable crops dominate.
- These habitats support diverse species including plants, invertebrates (e.g., spiders, bees, earthworms), and potentially, increased crop yield.
- There is a correlation between the area of semi-natural habitats and species richness.
Invasive Species (HIPPO)
- Invasive species are non-native organisms introduced by human activity that pose threats to native biodiversity.
-Significant impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity include predation, competition, disease transmission.
- Invasive species can alter native species dynamics and habitats. -There is widespread legislation to manage invasive species.
Examples of Invasive Species
- Mink: Introduced for fur farming, now established in Ireland, impacting native species like seabirds and fish.
- Grey Squirrel: Introduced from North America, displacing the native red squirrel, due to competition and diseases.
- Japanese Knotweed: An ornamental plant, now a significant invasive species impacting riverbanks and hedgerows in Ireland.
Pollution
- Pollution is a major threat to biodiversity, with various types of pollutants negatively impacting river health and biodiversity. -Pollution includes acids, alkalis, detergents, domestic sewage, fertilizers (N & P), pesticides, food processing wastes, gases, heat, pathogens, and radioactive materials.
River Quality
- Data on river quality over several years provides insights into the biological conditions in Irish rivers.
Legislation Governing Water Quality
- Directives in the EU, like the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) and the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), aim to protect water resources, safeguard human health, and promote sustainable resource use, including agriculture. -Key considerations are limits on livestock manure application, closed periods for certain agricultural activities, and storage capacity levels for fertilizers, and organic manures, to address water pollution.
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Description
This quiz explores the various threats to biodiversity, focusing on the alarming trends in species populations and the potential sixth mass extinction. It also examines the factors contributing to these declines, using the HIPPO framework to categorize the major threats. Test your knowledge on these critical environmental issues.
