Ecology and Biodiversity Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Canada's park systems after the change made in 2000?

To increase tourism revenue

To develop areas for recreational use

To facilitate extraction activities

To preserve ecological functioning (correct)

What are the potential impacts of species reintroduction into protected areas?

Solely ecological ramifications with no social implications

Cascading effects that can benefit ecosystem health (correct)

Negative impacts exclusively on local farmers

No impact on existing species in the area

Which of the following is essential for successful species reintroduction?

Prohibiting all human activity in the area

Choosing any available habitat for release

Clearly defined goals and ongoing monitoring (correct)

Only focusing on the economic benefits for farmers

What role do hydroelectric dams play within Canada's park systems?

They are sometimes built within park boundaries Signup and view all the answers

How is the land in Canada's national park systems categorized?

Across 39 physiographic regions of Canada Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main threats that needs to be removed for successful species reintroduction?

Human activities such as hunting Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed prior to reintroducing a species into a protected area?

The feasibility and design of the relocation process Signup and view all the answers

Why is ongoing monitoring necessary after species reintroduction?

To ensure the species do not become invasive Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of natural selection related to biodiversity?

Genetic variations may lead to both beneficial and harmful consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection involves environmental changes favoring extreme traits?

Directional selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinguishing factor for allopatric speciation?

Species are separated by geographic or climatic barriers. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes sympatric speciation?

Species diversify in the same environment without barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is genetic diversity important for a population's health?

It reduces the likelihood of disease and environmental stress. Signup and view all the answers

What type of evolution occurs when species from different evolutionary backgrounds develop similar traits?

Convergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which selection type results in a population converging toward a specific trait due to environmental advantages?

Stabilizing selection Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a population has low genetic diversity?

Population is more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the complete disappearance of a species from Earth?

Extinction Signup and view all the answers

How do protected areas benefit biodiversity?

They provide safe corridors for wildlife movement. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines species richness?

The total number of species in a specific area. Signup and view all the answers

Ecosystem diversity refers to what?

The different types of ecosystems present in an area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effect of environmental pressures on populations?

Environmental pressures can lead to adaptive traits becoming more common. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of protective measures such as wildlife overpasses?

They facilitate wildlife movement between fragmented habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity: Origins and Interactions

Biodiversity arises from interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors within ecosystems.
Natural selection drives the development of biodiversity.
Organisms possess both adaptive (beneficial) and maladaptive (harmful) traits.

Ecology and Populations

Populations have the potential for exponential growth under ideal conditions.
This is a positive feedback loop, but populations are typically stable due to limited resources.
Not all offspring survive and reproduce, maintaining population stability.
Genetic variability within populations is critical for survival.

Heredity and Genetic Variation

Individuals within a population have differing genetic makeup.
This variation arises from mutations during an organism's lifespan, including during DNA replication.
Reproduction recombines parental DNA, further increasing genetic variation in offspring.
Some mutations are neutral, others harmful, and some beneficial.
Adaptive traits enhance survival and reproduction; maladaptive ones reduce these chances.

Types of Selection

Stabilizing selection: Favors the intermediate form of a trait, such as the optimal number of eggs.
Directional selection: Favors one extreme of a trait, as seen in the peppered moth response to industrial pollution.
Diversifying selection: Favors both extremes of a trait, often driven by changing environmental conditions. (e.g. rabbits adapting distinct coat colors for camouflage)

Environmental Conditions and Evolution

Divergent evolution: Related species evolve different traits in response to varying habitats, like Hawaiian honeycreepers.
Convergent evolution: Unrelated species develop similar traits in similar environments, like cacti adapted to arid regions.

Types of Biodiversity

Genetic diversity: Variability in genes within a population, crucial for adaptability.
Species diversity: Measured by species richness (total number) and abundance (population sizes).
Functional diversity: Explores how each species contributes to the ecosystem.
Ecosystem diversity: Examines the variety of habitats and ecological processes within an area.

Species Extinction and Speciation

Speciation: The formation of new species through sufficient adaptation.
Allopatric speciation: New species form from geographic isolation, such as the separation of eastern and western gorilla populations.
Sympatric speciation: New species emerge from the same geographic area through diversification of niches, without geographic isolation.
Extinction: Complete disappearance of a species from Earth.
Extirpation: Local extinction of a species while existing elsewhere.
Endemic species: Found only in specific regions; extinction means permanent loss.

Island Biogeography

Island biodiversity is affected by location from the mainland. Closer islands have greater biodiversity.

Biodiversity Case Study: Bobcats

Bobcats exhibit high adaptability, inhabiting diverse habitats including forest and urban areas.
Genetic analysis of bobcats in different locations revealed varied genetic diversity.
Geographical barriers, like highways, can restrict gene flow among populations.
Reduced genetic diversity was observed near urban areas.
A disease outbreak (e.g. mange) showed how genetic diversity influences survival.
Human activities can affect wildlife populations.

Protected Areas and Reintroductions

Protected areas: Include parks, sanctuaries, and wilderness areas, serving diverse purposes. Their formation can involve displacement of local populations.
Canada’s park system prioritized recreational use but increasingly emphasizes ecological preservation, using 39 physiographic regions to guide protection efforts.
Reintroductions: Introduce species previously present but extirpated.
Careful planning and monitoring are critical; considerations involve cost-benefit analysis, removal of threats, and ensuring a species' success in the introduced area.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of biodiversity and ecology, focusing on the origins of biodiversity, population dynamics, and genetic variation. Understand how biotic and abiotic factors influence ecosystems and the role of natural selection in shaping biodiversity.