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Questions and Answers
What is the estimated annual value of ecosystem goods and services according to Costanza et al. (1997)?
What is the estimated annual value of ecosystem goods and services according to Costanza et al. (1997)?
What ethical question is raised regarding species extinction in relation to human responsibility?
What ethical question is raised regarding species extinction in relation to human responsibility?
What potential benefit is highlighted by Ehrlich & Wilson regarding genetic biodiversity?
What potential benefit is highlighted by Ehrlich & Wilson regarding genetic biodiversity?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason for valuing the ecosystem?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason for valuing the ecosystem?
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How much is the gross world product estimated to be annually?
How much is the gross world product estimated to be annually?
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What is one critical ecosystem service provided by higher biodiversity?
What is one critical ecosystem service provided by higher biodiversity?
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Which of the following best describes Gifford Pinchot's conservation ethic?
Which of the following best describes Gifford Pinchot's conservation ethic?
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What service is NOT typically associated with mobile link animal species?
What service is NOT typically associated with mobile link animal species?
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Which area suffers from threats due to soil erosion and degradation?
Which area suffers from threats due to soil erosion and degradation?
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What type of value reflects both goods and services derived from biodiversity?
What type of value reflects both goods and services derived from biodiversity?
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What does the term 'biophilia' represent in conservation ethics?
What does the term 'biophilia' represent in conservation ethics?
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Which service is directly impacted by biodiversity loss related to pharmaceuticals?
Which service is directly impacted by biodiversity loss related to pharmaceuticals?
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Which ecological role do animals that serve as mobile links perform?
Which ecological role do animals that serve as mobile links perform?
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What is the primary role of photosynthesis in ecosystems?
What is the primary role of photosynthesis in ecosystems?
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What is one consequence of deforestation on the hydrologic cycle?
What is one consequence of deforestation on the hydrologic cycle?
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What is the estimated amount of soil eroded from terrestrial ecosystems each year?
What is the estimated amount of soil eroded from terrestrial ecosystems each year?
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What is a consequence of intensive cultivation on soil health?
What is a consequence of intensive cultivation on soil health?
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Which of the following cycles is crucial for building living organisms?
Which of the following cycles is crucial for building living organisms?
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What is one consequence of the loss of large mammals in an ecosystem?
What is one consequence of the loss of large mammals in an ecosystem?
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What is one function of soil microorganisms?
What is one function of soil microorganisms?
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What percentage of the world's arable land was lost to erosion in the second half of the 20th century?
What percentage of the world's arable land was lost to erosion in the second half of the 20th century?
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How does increased biodiversity contribute to ecosystem functioning?
How does increased biodiversity contribute to ecosystem functioning?
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How do soils contribute to water purification?
How do soils contribute to water purification?
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Which role do pollinators and seed dispersing animals play in ecosystems?
Which role do pollinators and seed dispersing animals play in ecosystems?
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What percentage of tropical rainforest trees are primarily pollinated by animals?
What percentage of tropical rainforest trees are primarily pollinated by animals?
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Which of the following ecosystems services is provided by scavengers?
Which of the following ecosystems services is provided by scavengers?
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Which plant is known for being the source of the cancer-fighting drug Taxol?
Which plant is known for being the source of the cancer-fighting drug Taxol?
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What role do birds primarily play in ecosystems?
What role do birds primarily play in ecosystems?
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Which of the following is NOT a benefit of high biodiversity in ecosystems?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of high biodiversity in ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Lecture 2: Values in Conservation Biology
- Conservation biology considers the preservation of biodiversity at the genetic, organism, and ecosystem levels.
- Photosynthesis is crucial for producing oxygen and providing food for all living things. Its value is immeasurable.
- Global geochemical cycles (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus cycles) are essential for building and maintaining living organisms and are tightly linked to climate and ecosystem viability. Disruptions to these cycles have significant impacts.
- Deforestation affects the hydrologic cycle and climate, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
- Soil erosion is a critical global issue, impacting harvests, income, and human well-being. Rates of erosion are significantly faster than soil formation.
- Soil is essential for filtering and purifying water, removing contaminants.
- Soil supports an enormous diversity of microorganisms playing vital roles in decomposition, pathogen control, nutrient cycling, and supporting life.
- Increased biodiversity enhances ecosystem functioning, efficiency, and productivity in plant communities.
- Large mammals are often the first to disappear when human activity alters ecosystems; this can lead to trophic cascades and declines in plant populations.
- Pollinators are crucial for plant reproduction, affecting food production and contributing to biodiversity.
- Many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity for human health.
- Ecosystem services are essential functions sustaining life on Earth, such as supplying clean air and water.
- Disruptions in biogeochemical cycles (e.g., flooding, droughts, pollution) can have severe consequences.
- Soil erosion and degradation put critical ecosystem services at risk.
- Mobile link animals play vital ecosystem roles, from pollination to pest control to seed dispersal.
- Traditional knowledge from medicinal plants holds significant importance but is at risk from traditional knowledge loss and species extinction.
Reasons for Biodiversity Conservation
- Intrinsic value reflects the inherent worth of biodiversity regardless of its usefulness to humans (biocentrism).
- Instrumental value underlines the usefulness and benefits of biodiversity to humans (anthropocentrism).
- Instrumental value can be material (e.g., food, fuel, fiber) or non-material (e.g., spiritual well-being, aesthetic appreciation).
Conservation Ethics:
- Gifford Pinchot championed a utilitarian conservation ethic emphasizing the greatest good for the greatest number for the longest time, prioritizing human needs.
- John Muir advocated for a Romantic-Transcendental conservation ethic that prioritized Nature's inherent value, not solely its material benefits.
- The value of nature includes tangible "goods" (materials) and essential "services" underpinning human existence, as well as diverse scientific and other informational benefits.
- Ethical and aesthetic reasons for conservation include the intrinsic value of other species and the preservation of natural beauty for future generations.
Monetizing Biodiversity:
- The estimated global value of ecosystem goods and services is substantial, potentially exceeding the value of the sum of all gross national products annually.
Why Should We Care?:
- Ethical and aesthetic considerations motivate conservation efforts, questioning the right to drive species to extinction or leave the environment in a worse condition for future generations.
- New discoveries, particularly in food science and medicine, may be possible with further study and protection of biodiversity.
- The economic value of ecosystem services underpins the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for the long-term benefit of humans.
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Description
Explore the fundamental values in conservation biology, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity preservation. Learn about the roles of photosynthesis, global geochemical cycles, and the impacts of deforestation and soil erosion on ecosystems. This quiz covers essential concepts critical for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being.
