APB Unit 8.4 - Ecology

APB Unit 8.4 - Ecology

Conservation Biology & Global Patterns of Change

Chapter 56

Conservation Biology looks at

Genetic diversity

Species diversity

Community diversity

Ecosystem diversity

Endangered

v.

Threatened

v.

Vulnerable

https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/ wildlife_practice/about_species/

Biodiversity

Matters

Ecosystem Services

All of the natural processes or our natural ecosystems that help US humans survive on Earth.

Threats to Biodiversity include but are NOT limited to:

• Habitat Loss or Habitat change

• Introduced species --------> Invasive species

• Overharvesting - terrestrial & aquatic

• Human and naturally caused greenhouse gas emissions

Pandora's box

Implications for resurrecting extinct species using biotech

Extinction vortex

Small population that can inbreed and may be impacted by genetic drift, which could cause the population to get smaller and smaller and smaller.

Regional conservation techniques include but are NOT limited to:

Avoiding fragmentation (edges) by using wildlife/movement corridors, establishing protected areas/reserves, & rethinking urban ecology.

Human Impacts include but are NOT limited to:

• Nutrient enrichment ----> Critical Load

• Biological magnification of toxins ex. DDT

• Greenhouse gases leading to Greenhouse Effect

• Depletion of the Ozone layer

Sustainable Development

A way for us to live within our carrying capacity

Is sustainable development

good for business and profit margins?

What is the Green Economy?

Can the U.S. benefit?

Alternatives

Not necessarily good alternatives

Not doing anything could lead

to...

Review

• We discussed the importance of biodiversity and how to possibly protect it.

• We discussed conservation ecology especially in light of human impacts upon our ecosystems.

• We discussed how sustainable development may actually help global economies, including the U.S.