Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of all creatures on Earth do invertebrates make up?
What percentage of all creatures on Earth do invertebrates make up?
Why does the WWF use the giant panda as a symbol?
Why does the WWF use the giant panda as a symbol?
What is a major threat to blobfish populations?
What is a major threat to blobfish populations?
What unique characteristic does the pangolin have?
What unique characteristic does the pangolin have?
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What has caused the population of pangolins in China to decrease significantly since the 1960s?
What has caused the population of pangolins in China to decrease significantly since the 1960s?
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What factor contributes to many less attractive creatures becoming endangered?
What factor contributes to many less attractive creatures becoming endangered?
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What is the aye aye primarily known for?
What is the aye aye primarily known for?
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How do pangolins protect themselves from natural predators?
How do pangolins protect themselves from natural predators?
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Which of the following animals is described as having 'tiny eyes, big mouth, and slimy pink body'?
Which of the following animals is described as having 'tiny eyes, big mouth, and slimy pink body'?
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What is the main reason the aye aye is often killed despite being harmless?
What is the main reason the aye aye is often killed despite being harmless?
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Study Notes
Conservation Efforts & Funding
- Popular and visually appealing animals like the giant panda attract significant funding and awareness for conservation.
- This often overshadows less "exciting" creatures, especially invertebrates, which constitute over 90% of Earth's species.
- Invertebrates receive a small percentage of available funding for wildlife protection.
The Blobfish and Accidental Threats
- The blobfish, known for its unusual appearance, faces extinction due to accidental capture in fishing nets.
- Its unique physiology, adapted to deep-sea pressure, makes it susceptible to being swept up during trawling operations.
The Pangolin and Intentional Threats
- The pangolin is the most targeted animal by poachers worldwide.
- Its unique scales, valued for traditional Chinese medicine, have caused a decline in its population by around 90% in China since the 1960s.
Unattractiveness and Endangered Species
- Some creatures become endangered due to their perceived ugliness, for example, the aye-aye.
- The aye-aye, being nocturnal and solitary, is often killed by humans despite being harmless.
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Description
Explore the challenges and disparities in conservation funding for various species, highlighting the plight of invertebrates and less attractive animals like the blobfish and pangolin. Understand how popularity impacts fundraising and wildlife protection efforts. This quiz delves into the intentional and accidental threats these creatures face.
