History of Conservation Efforts

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by conversion in the context of habitats?

The restoration of habitats to their original state

The protection of native habitats from human interference

The transformation of one habitat type into another due to human activities (correct)

The relocation of wildlife to different habitats for conservation

Which of the following is NOT a reason for concern regarding wildlife diseases?

Public health and potential loss of life

Impact on agriculture and livestock

Improved water quality in habitats (correct)

Conservation of threatened and endangered species

What is an epizootic?

A specific treatment for infectious diseases in wildlife

A chronic condition affecting wildlife populations

A term used for disease spread through food sources

A disease that appears at an unexpected rate in animal populations (correct)

Which of the following examples demonstrates the management of habitats?

Damming rivers for flood control Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines a disease in wildlife?

A disturbance to the normal function or structure of an organism Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of ocean acidification on marine life?

It decreases pH, affecting fish calcium and the entire food web. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extinction refers to species being lost only in a specific area or region?

Local extinction Signup and view all the answers

What are keystone species known for?

Having a disproportionately large impact relative to their abundance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following human activities is NOT a cause of biodiversity loss?

Sustainable farming practices Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of species more vulnerable to extinction?

Narrow range and specialization Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main stressors faced by sea otters linked to human activity?

High stress from oil spills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is transmitted by deer ticks?

Lyme Disease Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT a characteristic of zoonosis?

Humans are typically part of the disease's life cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is most associated with mosquito transmission?

West Nile Virus Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of introduced species in ecosystems?

20% of endangered species are threatened by introduced species Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why not all introduced species become invasive?

Environmental conditions may not suit them Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the economic impact of introduced species?

They contribute hundreds of billions to the economy Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the consumption of bushmeat, specifically bats?

Ebola virus transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is overexploitation as defined in the context of wildlife?

Hunting, trapping, collecting, and fishing wildlife at levels that cannot be sustained. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary cause of habitat degradation?

Livestock grazing on rangelands. Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat fragmentation impact biodiversity?

It leads to less population stability and reduces biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the Bushmeat Trade is true?

It involves uncontrolled killing and hunting of animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of urbanization on habitats?

It leads to unplanned, uncontrolled expansion into natural areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which marine ecosystem issue is highlighted as severe and well-documented?

Overfishing resulting in population collapse of certain fish. Signup and view all the answers

What does habitat loss refer to in ecological terms?

The reduction of habitat that affects almost all species adversely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Island Biogeography Theory?

To analyze how distance and size affect species diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What are edge effects in the context of habitat fragmentation?

Changes to temperature, moisture, and light in habitat margins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term exploitation?

Using natural resources for human needs without sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'father of wildlife management'?

Aldo Leopold Signup and view all the answers

What significant act was passed in 1973 to protect threatened species?

The Endangered Species Act Signup and view all the answers

What economic policy provided funding for wildlife conservation through taxation of firearms and ammunition?

Pittman-Robertson Act Signup and view all the answers

What phrase did Gifford Pinchot coin related to sustainable natural resource management?

Conservation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant environmental act signed before 1980?

Global Warming Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of game management from 1930 to 1966?

Focusing on game animals Signup and view all the answers

What did Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' primarily challenge?

Industrial dominance over public health Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the era defined by increased national awareness and the introduction of Earth Day?

1966 to 1979 Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of Ronald Reagan's administration on environmental policies?

Promotion of anti-environmental policies Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Alaska National Interest Lands Act?

It created conservation areas covering 101,000,000 acres Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Conservation History

Gifford Pinchot was trained abroad and appointed head of the US Forest Service. He coined the term "Conservation" and promoted the idea of "Sustained Use", advocating for the sustainable use of nature.
John Muir founded the Sierra Club and campaigned to conserve Yosemite and the neighboring Hetch Hetchy Valley. While Yosemite was successfully protected, the effort to save Hetch Hetchy failed.
Aldo Leopold, known as the "Father of Wildlife Management", played a key role in developing the field of wildlife management. He authored a significant report on North American Game Policy in 1930 and became the first professor of Game Management in 1933.
The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 and the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 provided significant sources of funding for state fish and wildlife agencies.
Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring" (1962) raised awareness about the detrimental effects of industrial practices on the environment.
The Endangered Species Act (1973) was a landmark piece of legislation focused on protecting endangered species.

Era of Conservation Biology

The Alaska National Interest Lands Act (1980) protected 101 million acres of land in Alaska, creating numerous conservation areas.
Despite President Ronald Reagan's anti-environmental policies, progress was made in environmental protection during his presidency.
Growing evidence of human population growth, climate change, deforestation, and pollution highlight the urgent need for effective conservation measures.

Overexploitation

Overexploitation refers to unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, including hunting, trapping, collecting, and fishing at levels exceeding the capacity of ecosystems to replenish.
Overexploitation poses the most significant threat to marine ecosystems.
In the United States, hunting is generally well-managed, but overexploitation of certain species, such as prairie dogs, continues.
Illegal wildlife killing, trophy hunting, and the wildlife trade pose threats in various countries.
The Bushmeat Trade is a significant threat in tropical forests, leading to deforestation and species extinction.
The pet trade is a major contributor to the illegal wildlife trade, with the US being a large destination for smuggled animals.

Habitat Loss, Degradation, and Fragmentation

Habitat loss is considered the most severe threat to biodiversity and a major driver of animal extinctions.
Habitat degradation affects multiple species and can result from various factors, including livestock grazing, invasive species, and pollution.
Habitat fragmentation divides large habitats into smaller, isolated patches, leading to reduced population stability and biodiversity.
Island biogeography theory suggests that the size and isolation of habitats influence extinction rates. Edge effects occur at the boundaries of fragmented habitats, altering environmental conditions and impacting species.
Urbanization and conversion are major drivers of habitat loss. Conversion refers to transforming one habitat type into another, often for agricultural or other development purposes.
Wetlands are crucial for maintaining water quality, quantity, and providing essential habitats for numerous species.

Wildlife Diseases

Wildlife diseases have implications for conservation efforts, human health, livestock, and recreational use of wildlife.
Epizootic refers to a disease outbreak occurring at unexpectedly high rates.
Zoonoses are animal diseases transmissible to humans. Examples include Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Introduced Species

While some introduced species have a positive impact, like those used in agriculture, invasive species can have severe ecological consequences.
Invasive species threaten approximately 20% of endangered species. The Zebra Mussel is a prominent example, causing significant damage to ecosystems.
Ocean acidification is a growing concern, impacting marine life and contributing to ecosystem changes.

Extinction

Anthropogenic causes of extinction include: overexploitation, habitat degradation, introduced species, disease, pollution, and climate change.
Ecological extinction, local extinction (extirpation), and global extinction are forms of extinction.
Rarity, narrow range, large area requirements, low reproduction rates, and specialization increase vulnerability to extinction.
Cascade effects occur when one extinction triggers a chain reaction of others.
Dominant species, ecosystem engineers, and keystone species are crucial for maintaining ecosystem function and are particularly vulnerable to extinction.
The IUCN Red List provides a comprehensive assessment of species extinction risk.

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Description

Explore the significant milestones in conservation history, focusing on influential figures like Gifford Pinchot, John Muir, and Aldo Leopold. Learn about key legislation such as the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts, and how Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' transformed public awareness regarding environmental issues. This quiz delves into the evolution of conservation practices and their impact on nature.