G4 Conservation of biodiversity

Monday, 9 July 2012 2:20 PM

G.4.1 Explain the use of biotic indices and indicator species in monitoring environmental change. Biotic indices:

The number of organisms in each group is multiplied by a factor Factor determined by how sensitive the organism is to pollution Presence of sensitive organisms multiplied by higher number More sensitive organisms --> higher quality Total number: biotic index Altered by weather, pollution, season...

Indicator species: e.g. lichen Lichens live on rocks and trees Reliable indicator of air quality (very sensitive to pollution) Not found in city because of pollution Metal retained in tissues show presence of lead/mercury in air e.g. macroinvertebrates in rivers and streams Presence or absence can be used to judge water quality Freshwater indicator species have various levels of pollution tolerance Leeches, aquatic worms are not sensitive Alderfly, damselfly larvae are moderately sensitive Mayfly, caddisfly larvae very sensitive The cleaner the water the more sensitive organisms

G.4.2 Outline the factors that contributed to the extinction of one named animal species. Species less suited to environment become extinct E.g. Dodo bird The dodo (Raphus cuccullatus) Inhabited in Mauritius island Bird related to modern pigeons Evolved to master terrestrial habit --> become large bird

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 Nested, reared the young on the ground Diet: seeds and fruits Extinction: Mauritius far from mainland Mauritius was involved in spice trade Extinct by 1681 1. Sailors killed dodo for food 2. Settlers brought alien species 3. Natural habitats destroyed for spice plant growth G.4.3 Outline the biogeographical features of nature reserves that promote the conservation of diversity. 1. Determinations of size: SLOSS debate about reserve size Hypothesised that small sites will have small population numbers Low numbers --> high risk of extinction Unexpected factors could wipe out small population more easily than large population Small habitats have more edge area than large site Organisms at the edge are more at risk from predation, competition by invasive species

2. Edge effect: e.g. more sunlight, more wind, less moisture at edge of forest More competition from other species in the edge 3. Corridors: Connect otherwise isolated habitats Wildlife can travel between habitats e.g. tunnel under a road, corridors between 40 panda populations Problems: Narrow corridors can expose animals to predators Invasive species can enter Corridors which affect human populations can cause controversy

G.4.4 Discuss the role of active management techniques in conservation. 1. Restoration Attempts to return land to natural state Scrub clearance, cutting, burning and replanting 2. Recovery of threatened species Active management maintains areas needed for habitat of endangered species Restoration of ecosystem necessary to existence of all species 3. 4. Removal of introduced species Most exotic species die out because they don't have adaptations When it does take over it can be devastating Active management needed to remove them from nature reserves Legal protection against development or pollution Protection by government/private organisations can prevent harmful activities e.g. extraction of minerals, recreation facilities, hunting of animals, over-use Active management measures: posting of signs, security personnel

5. Funding and prioritising

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5. Funding and prioritising Increasing public awareness of reserves helps gather funds Management requires a balance between good of ecosystem, maintenance of diversity and costs G.4.5 Discuss the advantages of in situ conservation of endangered species (terrestrial and aquatic nature reserves).
'in situ': placing organisms in the situation where they belong Adapted to conditions including other species and abiotic factors In situ conservation aims to allow target species to continue to adapt to conditions No interference from outside influences (invasive species, human incursions) Terrestrial and aquatic

Conservation in situ: Protects targeted species by maintaining habitat Defends targeted species from predators Removes invasive species Large area to maintain population Large population to maintain genetic diversity Limitations: Species is so endangered it needs more protection Population too small to maintain genetic diversity Destructive forces can't be controlled G.4.6 Outline the use of ex situ conservation measures, including captive breeding of animals, botanic gardens and seed banks. Usually used as last resort Species can't be kept in natural habitat safely, or endangered 3 methods: captive breeding, cultivation, seed banks 1. Captive breeding Zoos have breeding facilities, staff trained in animal husbandry Interest public and generate new funds Goal: increase reproductive output, ensure survival of offspring Techniques: Artificial insemination: when animals are reluctant to mate Embryo transfer to surrogate mother: 'test tube' babies Cryogenics: eggs/sperm/embryos frozen Human-raised young: hand-raised by zoo staff Keeping pedigree: keep inbreeding to minimum Problems: Introduction into wild can spread disease Missed process of in situ learning --> disadvantage in the wild Botanical gardens Plants kept in captivity Easily kept, simple needs, easy to breed 80000 plant species grown in cultivation Problems: Wild relatives of commercial crops are under-represented Wild species may have genes which confer resistance to disease Solution: add wild plant relatives to provide gene banks Seed banks Kept in cold, dark conditions Slow metabolism, no germinating Can be kept for decades Seed from 10000-20000 species stored in banks

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