4.2.1 - Biodiversity ( Part 2 )

Question 1

What are the main reasons for conserving biodiversity ?

Answer 1

• Ecological
• Economic
• Aesthetic
• Social
• Moral/ethical
• Environmental
• Agricultural

Question 2

Explain the ecological reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 2

• A more diverse ecosystem is better able to survive and adapt to environmental changes or threats
• Species are interdependant on one another, therefore loss of one species impacts many others

Question 3

Explain the economic reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 3

• Ecosystems have a lot of economic value
• Many of the medicines used today have originated from plants, fungi and bacteria
• Ecotourism a major source of income for many countries as it improves economy and provides jobs
• Ecosystems have made major contributions to the field of science and technology

Question 4

Explain the aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 4

• Humans find pleasure in the beauty/ visuals of biodiversity
• It provides inspiration for creatives such as photographers and artists

Question 5

Explain the social reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 5

• Many people enjoy spending time/ doing activities together in the natural environment
• If lost, social benefits brung about by ecosystems are lost as well

Question 6

Explain the moral/ethical reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 6

Many believe that humans have a moral obligation to prevent the loss of biodiversity/ reduce their impact on the planet / biodiversity

Question 7

Explain the environmental reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 7

• Organisms provide essential environmental services
• Absorption of carbon dioxide : Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help to reduce the greenhouse effect and climate change
• Water cycle : Humans have irrigation and drinking water thanks to the transpiration of plants
• Nutrient cycle : fungi and bacteria species allow for nutrients to reenter the soil for further plant growth
• Microorganisms digest and break down the masses of organic waste that are produced by larger organisms

Question 8

Explain the agricultural reasons for maintaining biodiversity ?

Answer 8

• Wild relatives of crops can provide a source of genetic diversity to rescue crops that are affected by disease or other disasters
• Many of the wild relative species are under threat due to habitat destruction and climate change

Question 9

What are the two types of conservation ?

Answer 9

• In situ
• Ex situ

Question 10

What is in situ and ex situ conservation ?

Answer 10

• In situ : Conservation that occurs within the habitat
• Ex situ : Conservation that involves removing organisms from their natural habitat

Question 11

Name examples of In situ conservation methods ?

Answer 11

• National parks
• Marine parks

Question 12

Name examples of ex situ conservation methods ?

Answer 12

• Zoos
• Botanic gardens
• Frozen zoos
• Seed banks

Question 13

Define ‘endangered species’ ?

Answer 13

Endangered species : A species that is being threatened with extinction

Question 14

Explain how national parks are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 14

• Protect endangered animals and plant species through strict regulations
• Human activity is highly controlled, limits/ bans on hunting tight regulations on Industrial activities such as agriculture and building
• Increase public engagement in conservation

Question 15

Explain how marine parks are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 15

• Protect endangered marine species and ecosystems through regulations on overfishing/ pollution
• Increase awareness

Question 16

Explain how zoos are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 16

• Captive breeding programmes for the reintroduction of animal species into the wild
• Research.
• Education

Question 17

Explain how botanic gardens are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 17

• Captive breeding programmes for the reintroduction of plant species into the wild
• Research
• Education

Question 18

Explain how frozen zoos are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 18

Conserves animal diversity long-term storage of animal genetic material at very low temperatures.

Question 19

Explain how seed banks are a method to conserve biodiversity ?

Answer 19

Conserves plant diversity through the long-term storage of plant seeds in a temperature-controlled environment.

Question 20

Name some examples of conservation agreements ?

Answer 20

• IUCN
• CBD
• CITES
• CSS

Question 21

What does the IUCN mean ?

Answer 21

IUCN = The International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Question 22

What does the CBD mean ?

Answer 22

CBD = The Convention on Biological Diversity

Question 23

What does the CITES mean ?

Answer 23

CITES = The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

Question 24

What does the CSS mean ?

Answer 24

CSS = The Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Question 25

What is the role of the IUCN ?

Answer 25

- They asses the conservation status of animal and plant species around the world - There is an IUCN classification system based on their population numbers and the threats and risks to those populations

Question 26

What are the three main goals of the CBD ?

Answer 26

- The conservation of biological diversity by use of a variety of different conservation methods - The sustainable use of biological resources - The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

Question 27

What is the role of the CBD ?

Answer 27

- 172 nations met in Rio and came up with several agreements - Countries came up with strategies for sustainable development - To stabilise greenhouse gas emissions/ concentrations - To prevent the destruction of fertile land into dessert and reduce the effect soft bought - Share access to scientific knowledge adn technology

Question 28

What is the role of the CITES ?

Answer 28

- Controls the trade of endangered species and their associated products - Categorizes endangered and vulnerable species into three appendices ( appendix l, ll, lll ) - Different trading regulations apply to each appendix

Question 29

What is the role of the CSS ?

Answer 29

In UK, provided funding to farmers/ private landowners to protect and increase the natural biodiversity on their land

Question 30

What replaced the CSS ?

Answer 30

ESS = Environmental Stewardship Scheme

Question 31

What are the qualities required to be applicable for the ESS ?

Answer 31

Farmers/ private landowners have to : - Provide and protect valuable wildlife habitats - Ensure their land is managed well - Protect any natural resources/ historic features present on their land - Conserve any traditional crops or livestock present on their land - Provide visitor opportunities