Chapter 8 Questions
Name two reasons that a large national park like Serengeti or Yellowstone might not be adequate to effectively conserve a population of threatened species. What solutions exist to address these reasons?
Those two parks might not be enough to conserve the threatened species. - increasing human settlements - practice of illegal poaching
What are the five primary causes of biodiversity loss? Give one specific example of each.
1) habitat loss and destruction Grazing grassland that can lead to desertification 2) alterations in ecosystem composition 3) invasive alien species Weeds seeds cling to our socks as we travel from place to place 4) over-exploitation Fish in our oceans are being over harvested 5) pollution and contamination Air pollution degrades forest ecosystems and affects the atmosphere and climate 6) global climate change We warm the atmosphere with greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion
What is the relationship between biodiversity and food security? Between biodiversity and pharmaceuticals? Give three examples of benefits if biodiversity conservation for food supplies and medicine.
Biodiversity provides the food we eat. We can improve food security by finding sustainable ways to harvest or farm wild species and rare crop varieties. Many of today's pharmaceuticals are derived from chemical compounds from wild plants. Wild species helps us test our medicine so we can save people's lives Wild plants can help us spread our diet out and be more sustainable The wild relatives of our crops hold reservoirs of genetic diversity that can help protect the crops we grow now
Explain the notion of community-based conservation. Why have conservation advocates been turning to this approach? What challenges exist in implementing it?
Community-based conservation is the act biologists actively engage local people in efforts to protect land and wildlife. Because it includes the entire community to really make a difference→ the African Wildlife Foundation funds community-based conservation programs to help communities conserve elephants, lions, rhinos, gorillas, and other animals. It has been challenging because the land used to preserve wildlife was created on land historically used by people so some are being relocated.
Define the term Ecosystem services. Give three examples of ecosystem services that people would have a hard time replacing if they were lost.
Ecosystem services are the benefits obtained by the regulation of ecosystem processes. Stabilizes earth's climate Moderates floods, droughts, and temperatures Purifies air and water
What is Biodiversity? Describe three levels of biodiversity.
The variety of life across all levels of biological organization, and includes diversity in species, genes, populations, communities, ecosystems. 1. Species Diversity The number or variety of species found in a particular region 2. Genetic Diversity Encompasses the differences in DNA composition among individuals, and this provides the raw material for adaptation to local conditions. 3. Ecosystem Diversity Refers to the number and variety of ecosystems but biologists can also refer to it as the diversity of communities or habitats within some specified area.
List three reasons why people suggest that biodiversity conservation is important.
by protecting biodiversity, we enhance our ability to treat illness. 1)enhances food security 2) provides drugs and medicines 3)provides ecosystem services
