30 Questions
What was the main reason for the extirpation of gray wolves in the early 1900s?
Conflict with humans over livestock predation
Why did the removal of wolves from areas like Yellowstone National Park lead to uncontrollably large populations of elk and other natural prey?
Wolves kept the herbivore populations in check
What term describes the impact of the removal of wolves on the ecosystem as seen in Yellowstone National Park?
Trophic cascade
What can be a consequence of introducing invasive species into an environment?
Local extinctions of native species
What happened to the gray wolf populations in the U.S. as a result of being declared vermin and targeted for extermination?
Their populations dramatically decreased
How did the presence of gray wolves affect the presence of other animals like beavers and bears?
They facilitated prey availability for these animals
What was the primary reason for the snake's success in colonizing Guam?
The snake had no natural predators on the island
What was the effect of the snake's presence on the native bird species of Guam?
All of the above
What effect did the loss of bird pollinators have on the forest trees?
It led to a decrease in the reproduction of the forest trees
What is the main cause of habitat degradation worldwide according to the text?
Agriculture
Which factor is the most important determinant of genus extinction at background rates?
Limited geographic range
What is the current main anthropogenic cause of species extinctions according to the text?
Habitat degradation
What is the difference between local extinction and global extinction?
Local extinction refers to a species no longer existing in a specific geographic area, while global extinction means the species is extinct everywhere.
What is the difference between ecological extinction and biological extinction?
Ecological extinction refers to a species becoming so rare that it no longer plays a significant role in the ecosystem, while biological extinction means the species is completely extinct.
What is the significance of extirpation?
Extirpation means a species is no longer found in a particular area, but it still exists elsewhere, allowing for potential recolonization.
What is the relationship between local extinction and extirpation?
Local extinction and extirpation are synonymous terms that mean the same thing.
Which of the following statements about species populations is true?
Most species have multiple breeding populations in different geographic locations or habitats.
If a species is extirpated from an area, what is the potential outcome?
The species may be able to recolonize the area from other existing populations.
What is one factor that can lead to the extinction of a species?
Introduction of new competitor species
What is the term used to describe the loss of a species due to the extinction of another?
Coextinction
What percentage of land animals, birdlife, and plants could become extinct due to climate change if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced?
25%
What is the main argument against the statement that "Extinctions will lead to ecological disaster"?
Extinctions have occurred many times throughout history.
What are some of the reasons given in the text for why species extinction is problematic?
Economic or medical uses, scientific and ecological reasons, aesthetics and recreation, ethical reasons
What does the text state about the future of our natural environment?
It is becoming uncertain as wildlife and habitats disappear.
What is the primary purpose of a Regional Red List (RRL)?
To assess the risk of extinction to species within a specific geographic area
Which organization(s) coordinate(s) the development of Regional Red Lists?
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN)
What is the primary purpose of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?
To serve as an inventory of the conservation status of species on a global scale
Which of the following is NOT a potential use of Regional Red Lists?
Identifying globally threatened species for conservation efforts
When were the IUCN guidelines for applying the Red List criteria at the regional level developed?
2003
What type of criteria does IUCN use to assess the conservation status of species at the regional level?
Transparent, quantitative criteria based on extinction risk
Explore the factors contributing to species extinction, including the introduction of new competitor species, habitat degradation, and climate change. Learn about coextinction and the impact of predators and resource competition on vulnerable species.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
