Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which factor directly contributed to the extinction of the dodo bird in Mauritius?
Which factor directly contributed to the extinction of the dodo bird in Mauritius?
- Habitat expansion
- Natural disasters
- Overexploitation by humans (correct)
- Climate change
What core principle differentiates conservation biology from other related disciplines?
What core principle differentiates conservation biology from other related disciplines?
- Primarily addressing economic development issues
- Its value-laden stance asserting the importance of preserving biodiversity (correct)
- Strictly advocating for preservation without human interference
- Exclusively focusing on genetic studies of endangered species
Which conservation action was implemented to aid the Mauritius Kestrel population?
Which conservation action was implemented to aid the Mauritius Kestrel population?
- Introducing a new predator to balance the ecosystem
- Removing eggs to induce double brooding (correct)
- Creating larger habitats by clearing forests
- Releasing pesticides to control invasive species
What contributed to the decline of the Mauritius Kestrel population?
What contributed to the decline of the Mauritius Kestrel population?
In what way does conservation biology differ from preservationism?
In what way does conservation biology differ from preservationism?
What does the reclassification of the Mauritius Kestrel from 'vulnerable' back to 'endangered' status indicate about conservation efforts?
What does the reclassification of the Mauritius Kestrel from 'vulnerable' back to 'endangered' status indicate about conservation efforts?
What role does Dr. Vikash Tatayah play in conservation?
What role does Dr. Vikash Tatayah play in conservation?
What is the primary emphasis of the field of ecology, as distinct from conservation biology and environmentalism?
What is the primary emphasis of the field of ecology, as distinct from conservation biology and environmentalism?
Which of the following demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach in conservation biology?
Which of the following demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach in conservation biology?
Why might conservation biology be described as 'systems-oriented'?
Why might conservation biology be described as 'systems-oriented'?
How does the extinction of the slender-billed curlew highlight potential ongoing threats to biodiversity?
How does the extinction of the slender-billed curlew highlight potential ongoing threats to biodiversity?
What distinguishes an environmentalist from a conservation biologist?
What distinguishes an environmentalist from a conservation biologist?
Why is it important for conservation biology to acknowledge and incorporate links between biodiversity conservation and economic development?
Why is it important for conservation biology to acknowledge and incorporate links between biodiversity conservation and economic development?
Which of the following can be considered an application of systematics in conservation biology?
Which of the following can be considered an application of systematics in conservation biology?
How does genetics contribute to conservation biology?
How does genetics contribute to conservation biology?
Why is understanding evolutionary biology important in conservation biology?
Why is understanding evolutionary biology important in conservation biology?
What distinguishes conservation biology's approach to solving ecological problems?
What distinguishes conservation biology's approach to solving ecological problems?
Which action best represents a preservationist approach to managing a forest?
Which action best represents a preservationist approach to managing a forest?
Unlike other disciplines, what unique role does valuing biodiversity play in conservation biology?
Unlike other disciplines, what unique role does valuing biodiversity play in conservation biology?
What factor primarily contributed to the initial decline of the Mauritius Kestrel?
What factor primarily contributed to the initial decline of the Mauritius Kestrel?
Flashcards
Conservation Biology
Conservation Biology
The science of conserving biological diversity, integrating systematics, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Extinction
Extinction
The ceasing of the existence of a species or group of taxa.
Overexploitation
Overexploitation
Excessive harvesting of a species beyond its ability to recover.
Invasive Species
Invasive Species
Signup and view all the flashcards
Habitat Loss
Habitat Loss
Signup and view all the flashcards
Preservationist
Preservationist
Signup and view all the flashcards
Environmentalists
Environmentalists
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ecologists
Ecologists
Signup and view all the flashcards
Major Threats to the Mauritius Kestrel
Major Threats to the Mauritius Kestrel
Signup and view all the flashcards
Kestrel Conservation Actions
Kestrel Conservation Actions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Conservation biology focuses on the science of conserving biological diversity.
- This field has scientific foundations in systematics, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
- Conservation biology is interdisciplinary, systems-oriented, and inclusive, addressing conservation dilemmas while linking biodiversity conservation with economic development.
Extinction Examples and Causes
- The dodo, found in Mauritius, went extinct within a century of human discovery due to overexploitation, invasive species, and habitat loss.
- The slender-billed curlew was declared extinct in 2024, last seen in 1995.
- Overexploitation, invasive species, and habitat loss are common, ongoing threats to island species.
Philosophies/ Disciplines
- Preservationists advocate for protection from human interference.
- Environmentalists focus on negative impacts on the environment.
- Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and the environment.
- Conservation biologists work to protect and restore biodiversity.
Conservation of the Mauritius Kestrel
- By 1974, the Mauritius Kestrel population declined to only 4 birds in the wild, and were listed as “critically endangered."
- Causes for the decline included pesticides/ DDT (pollution), habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.
- Conservation actions included egg removal to encourage "double brooding" and the addition of nest boxes.
- The species was downlisted to "vulnerable" by IUCN in 1994 but uplisted back to "endangered" in 2014.
- There are approximately 400 Mauritius Kestrels in the wild today.
- Dr. Vikash Tatayah, the conservation director for the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, runs translocation projects for the Kestrel, among other species.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
