Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity Chapter 17.
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Transcript of Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity Chapter 17.
Preserving Earth’s
Biological Diversity
Chapter 17
Biological Diversity
Biodiversity
Species Richness
Genetic Diversity
Biological Diversity
Biodiversity
Species Richness
Genetic Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
Biological Diversity
Why We Need Organisms
• Ecosystem Services and Species Richness
Maintains smaller fish populations by eating gar
Digs underwater holes used by other aquatic organisms
Gator trails clear out aquatic vegetation
Nests eventually become small islands of trees
Biological Diversity
Why We Need Organisms
• Ecosystem Services and Species Richness
• Genetic Reserves• Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity• Medicinal, Agricultural, and Industrial Importance of Organisms
Biological Diversity
Why We Need Organisms
• Ecosystem Services and Species Richness
• Genetic Reserves• Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity• Medicinal, Agricultural, and Industrial Importance of Organisms• Aesthetic, Ethical, and Spiritual Value of Organisms (intrinsic value)
Endangered and Extinct Species
Background Extinction vs. Mass Extinction
Continuous, slow rate of extinction over millions of years
Numerous species disappear over geologically short time frame.
Endangered and Extinct SpeciesEndangered and extinct species
Confirmed observation in Arkansas in April 2005
Endangered and Extinct Species
Endangered and Threatened Species
Could become extinct soon.
Population declining very fast.
Endangered and Extinct Species
Characteristics of Endangered Species:
• Extremely small range
• Requiring large territories
• Living on islands
• Low reproductive success
• Specialized breeding areas
• Specialized feeding habits
Tiburon mariposa lily
California condor
Hawaii ‘O’ o
Blue whale
Green sea turtle
Giant panda
Endangered and Extinct Species
Common problem: habitat fragmentation
Endangered and Extinct Species
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
#1 cause: Habitat Destruction, Fragmentation, and Degradation
Endangered and Extinct Species
Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots
Endangered and Extinct Species
Human Causes of Species Endangerment:
Invasive
Species
Endangered and Extinct Species
Human Causes of Species Endangerment:
Pollution
• Acid rain
• Ozone depletion (leading to increased UV radiation
• Climate change due to CO2 increases
Endangered and Extinct Species
Human Causes of Species Endangerment:
Overexploitation, poaching
Endangered and Extinct SpeciesCase-in-Point: Disappearing Frogs•In the US, 38% of amphibian
species are declining
•No single factor has been
determined•Many deformities have been observed
Conservation Biology
• Preservation – keeping resources/areas in a pristine state; not using them at all.
• Conservation – the sensible and careful management (use) of natural resources:
• In situ conservation – maintaining biodiversity in the wild
• Ex situ conservation – human-controlled settings; captive breeding, zoos
Conservation Policies and Laws
Endangered Species Act - 1973
Conservation Policies and Laws
Endangered Species
Act: critical habitats,
management plans
for each species
1982, 1985, 1988
Science vs private
interest
Conservation Policies and Laws
International Conservation Policies and Laws
• Most important: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna)
• 1975 to ban international trade of endangered animals & parts (tusks, skins)
Conservation BiologyProtecting Habitats
Conservation Policies and Laws
Habitat Conservation Plans
• 1982 amendment to ESA
• Landowner allowed to set aside land for endangered species, but develop other land with those species
Conservation Biology
Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats
Beginning of prairie restoration in 1935
Conservation Biology
Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats
Same area in 2004
Conservation Biology
Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks
Conservation Biology
Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks
Ultimate goal is to reintroduce endangered species back to their natural habitats
Conservation Biology
Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks
Establishing seed banks
Conservation Biology
Conservation Organizations
Many work with state & federal agencies and private landowners to promote conservation.
Wildlife Management
Differs from conservation biology in that wildlife managers focus more often on common organisms
and manage those species primarily for human benefits
Wildlife Management
Management of Migratory Animals
Example of artic snow geese impact
Wildlife Management
Management of Aquatic Organisms
• Freshwater fisheries primarily managed by state fishing regulations
• Ocean fisheries commonly viewed as common property
this has lead many species close to commercial extinction
What Can We Do About Declining Biological Diversity?
• Increase Public Awareness
• Support Research in Conservation Biology
• Support the Establishment of an International System of Parks
• Control Pollution
• Provide Economic Incentives to Landowners and Other Local People
Endangered and Extinct Species
Where is Declining Biological Diversity the Greatest Problem?
• In US: Hawaii and California
• Worldwide: Tropical rain forests