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Questions and Answers
Why do bluefin tuna populations take a long time to recover from overexploitation?
What was enacted in 2015 to protect bluefin tuna during spawning times?
Why are lawns considered an example of overexploitation?
What do monocultures like lawns require for maintenance?
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Why are bluefin tuna important for the ocean ecosystem?
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What contributes to the resource-intensive nature of maintaining monocultures like lawns?
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Why does the overexploitation of bluefin tuna pose a challenge for their recovery?
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What is a key factor contributing to the decline in bluefin tuna populations?
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What environmental impact is associated with maintaining monoculture lawns?
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Why are monocultures like lawns considered resource-intensive?
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What measure was implemented in 2015 to protect bluefin tuna during spawning times?
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What ecosystem benefit is attributed to bluefin tuna as apex predators?
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Why do monocultures like lawns pose a threat to biodiversity?
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Study Notes
Overexploitation Definition
- Overexploitation is when a living resource is removed from the environment at a rate faster than it can be replaced.
- Overexploitation can also be known as overfishing or overharvesting, depending on the species being harmed.
- Many species have become endangered due to overexploitation.
Effects of Overexploitation on the Ecosystem
- Overexploitation has dramatic negative effects on the harvested species and other species in the ecosystem.
- The concept of biodiversity was popularized by E.O.Wilson's 1988 book "Biodiversity".
- Biodiversity is the measure of the variety of all species on Earth, including plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals.
- Overharvesting harms biodiversity in two ways:
- It disrupts the balance between species in an ecosystem, as all members depend on each other.
- It reduces genetic biodiversity, which is essential for the survival of a species.
Examples of Overexploitation
- Frogs are being poached for the exotic pet trade, leading to their endangerment.
- Rhino horns are incorrectly believed to have medicinal properties, leading to their overexploitation and endangerment.
- Overfishing is a common form of overexploitation, with species such as halibut, salmon, swordfish, tuna, and shark being overfished.
- The bluefin tuna has experienced declining populations due to overfishing since the 1960s.
- The Hawai'ian Sandalwood tree has been overharvested for its oil and wood, leading to its endangerment.
- Lawns are an example of monoculture, which promotes the spread of disease, contributes to soil erosion, and disrupts watersheds.
Consequences of Overexploitation
- Overexploitation can lead to population decline and extinction.
- It can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to negative effects on all species within the ecosystem.
- It can also contribute to soil erosion, watershed disruption, and the spread of disease.
- The loss of biodiversity can have long-term and irreversible effects on ecosystems.
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Description
Explore the concept of overexploitation, which occurs when a living resource is depleted from the environment at a rate exceeding its natural replacement. Learn how overexploitation can lead to endangerment of species, such as frogs being threatened by activities like overfishing and overharvesting.
