Ecosystem Services + Diversity
What is biodiversity?
is the variety and variability of all life on Earth, including plants,
animals, bacteria and microorganisms, and humans
Define preservation
the philosophy that public lands and natural
wonders should remain completely untouched and
protected in their natural state, free from human use,
logging, or commercial development.
Define a protected area
A defined geographic area managed for long-term conservation of nature and associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
What is the definition of "take" according to the ESA?
to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
What does EDRR represent?
Early detection, rapid response
Define carrying capacity
the maximum population size of a biological species that a specific environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available food, water, habitat, and other resources
Define eutrophication:
occurs when the environment becomes enriched with nutrients, increasing the amount of plant and algae growth to estuaries and coastal waters
Give 2 examples of supporting ecosystem services
photosynthesis + water cycle
Aldo Leopold is considered the father of....
wildlife ecology
What are two examples of prohibited uses of wilderness areas
motorized vehicles, commercial enterprises, aircraft landings, permanent roads, mechnical transport
What agency administers ESA responsibilities for most marine species?
NOAA
What is the difference between nuissance and invasive species?
nuissance: Species who can be native to an environment that may cause ecological or economic harm.
invasive: A non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health
Give an example of a density-dependent and a density-independent factor
density-dependent: disease, competition, predation
density-independent: fires, flood, habitat destruction
bioaccumulation- toxins build up in the tissues of an individual animal over its lifetime
ex: methylmercury in tuna fish
biomagnification: the amplification of toxins across trophic cascades, seen largely in apex predators as they consume animals with toxins
ex: Orcas with PFAS
What type of ecosystem service is demonstrated through education, recreation, and eco-tourism?
Cultural
Name 3 core ideas of utilitarianism in conservation
wise use
human benefit
sustainability
What is BLM land?
Federal public land owned by all U.S. citizens and managed for multiple uses. Covers about 10% of the total land in the United States and 700 million acres of subsurface minerals.
What circumstances allow unoccupied land to be designated as critical habitat?
when the amount of occupied areas would not be enough to ensure conservation of the species.
Why are islands particularly more vulnerable to impacts of invasive species?
What is the change in population size of a herd of wildebeest that in the last year had 12 calves born, 4 individuals immigrated from an outside herd, 20 individuals lost to predation, and 3 bachelors who left the herd to start their own families.
-7
What are potential sources for thermal pollution?
water from hot pavement, data plants, soil erosion, deforestation
What are the two ways species diversity is measured and the difference between the two
species richness: # of different species in an area
species evenness: population sizes of each species type
What are 4 examples of things Teddy Roosevelt is known for during his presidency and include an example of each
National Parks (Crater Lake), national monuments (Grand Canyon), wildlife refuges(Pelican Island), and public programs (American Bison act)
Define edge effects and give 2 examples
Environmental and biological changes that occur at the boundary where two or more distinct habitats meet, such as where a fragmented forest borders an agricultural field or a road.
ex: increased sunlight, lower humidity
What are two ways the process of listing a species can begin and give one example factor that species must meet to be considered
1. agency initiative 2. public petition
Provide an example of mechanical, biological, and chemical pest management options for invasive species
mechanical: trapping, barriers, hunting
biological: natural predators
chemical: birth control, pesticides
64 moths
Name all 8 sources of pollution
chemical, nutrient, oil, plastic, light, air, thermal, and noise
What are the four different types of ecosystem services and provide an example of each
provisional- timber, water, medicine
regulating- pollination, flood control, water purification
supporting- nutrient cycling, soil formation, photosynthesis
cultural- art/aesthetic, recreation, spiritual
Explain the connection between the Sand County Almanac and the Land Ethic
sand county almanac is a series of essays by Aldo leopold on the connections humans have to the land and our duty to take care of all aspects of the land (abiotic +biotic)
What is the difference between a park and a refuge and what agency controls them?
Primary mission includes conserving nationally significant natural and cultural resources while allowing public enjoyment.
Only established through Congress
Allow camping
Agency: National Park Service
Primary mission centers on conservation of fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats.
Agency: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
What are the three things draft recovery plan managers are interested in hearing about from the public?
Name 3 characteristics of species who can become successful invasive species and give one ecological and one economic/social impact they can have
ecological: competition, predation, disease
economic/social: damage, reduced recreation, stakeholders
What is the growth rate over time for 270 okapi in a habitat with a carrying capacity of 450 okapi and are have an intrinsic growth rate of -0.3 per year?
-32 okapi per year
1. Amphibians
2. Young/developing animals
3. Top predators
4. Migratory species
5. Aquatic wildlife
6. Specialists
amphibian: Permeable skin, aquatic life stages, small wetlands, sensitivity to water quality.
top predators: Long lifespans and trophic position can increase exposure to persistent contaminants.
migratory species: Encounter multiple habitats and pollution sources across their annual cycle.
aquatic: Contaminants can accumulate in water and sediment; oxygen and temperature changes matter.
young: Embryos, larvae, nestlings, and juveniles may be sensitive during critical developmental windows.
specialists: Species with narrow diets or habitats may have fewer alternatives when habitat quality declines.