AQA Environmental Science > Conservation > Flashcards

Conservation Flashcards

(52 cards)

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1
Q

What is Biodiversity?

A

Biodiversity is the variety of abundance of life / species on Earth. It is essential we conserve it as it provides: resources, used in full research and ensures ecosystem services take place.

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2
Q

Name 5 resources and why they are used.

A

Wood - Used in the manufacture of buildings, tools, and furniture. Highly important in developing nations.
Fibres - Cotton, wool, paper, silk and rayon.
Oils - Vegetable and animal oils are used in foods, lubricants and soaps.
Fuels - Wood, charcoal, alcohol, and vegetable oils.
Food - Plants, animals, algae, and fungi.

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3
Q
A
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4
Q

What is biodiversity?

A

The variety of abundance of life / species on Earth

It is essential to conserve biodiversity as it provides resources, research opportunities, and ensures ecosystem services.

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5
Q

List the resources provided by biodiversity.

A
  • Wood
  • Fibres
  • Oils
  • Fuels
  • Food

These resources are crucial for various human needs and industries.

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6
Q

What are the new foods derived from biodiversity?

A

Plants or animals not yet dominated, well adapted to present conditions

They may offer high yield, better nutritional content, and require less fertilizer.

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7
Q

Define biomimetics.

A

Using animal or plant adaptations to improve design of items

Examples include airplane wings inspired by bird feathers and self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves.

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8
Q

What are some sources of medicine from biodiversity?

A
  • Yew tree (Taxol for breast cancer)
  • Willow (Aspirin)
  • Poppies (Morphine)

These plants and animals are vital for developing future medicines.

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9
Q

What are ecosystem services provided by biodiversity?

A
  • Atmosphere composition
  • Hydrological cycles
  • Biogeochemical cycles
  • Soil maintenance

These services are beneficial to people but often under-appreciated.

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10
Q

What role do pollinators play in biodiversity?

A

They assist in the reproduction of plants through pollination

This is especially important in areas with low wind speed.

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11
Q

List the threats to biodiversity.

A
  • Direct exploitation
  • Fashion
  • Habitat destruction
  • Changes to abiotic factors
  • Changes to biotic factors

These threats lead to species decline and extinction.

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12
Q

What is direct exploitation?

A

Using organisms to make products such as food, clothing, and traditional medicines

Examples include over-exploitation of tuna and animals used for fur.

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13
Q

What are abiotic factors that affect biodiversity?

A
  • Water availability
  • Dissolved oxygen
  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Water turbidity

Changes in these factors can significantly impact species survival.

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14
Q

What is the IUCN?

A

International Union for Conservation of Nature

It coordinates global data on biodiversity and categorizes species according to their vulnerability to extinction.

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15
Q

What are the categories in the IUCN Red List?

A
  • E - extinct
  • EW - extinct in wild
  • CE - critically endangered
  • EN - endangered
  • V - vulnerable
  • NT - near threatened
  • LC - least concern

This list helps prioritize conservation efforts.

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16
Q

What is a keystone species?

A

A species that other species depend on for their survival

Example: Jaguars in South America help balance the ecosystem.

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17
Q

Fill in the blank: Biodiversity ensures ________ services take place.

A

ecosystem

These services are crucial for human well-being and environmental health.

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18
Q

True or false: Habitat destruction is a significant threat to biodiversity.

A

TRUE

Activities like deforestation and urban expansion lead to loss of habitats for many species.

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19
Q

What is ex-situ conservation?

A

Conservation methods that involve protecting species by removing them from their natural habitats

Examples include captive breeding programs and seed banks.

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20
Q

What are introduced species?

A

Species that are brought to new habitats where they are not native

They can outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems.

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21
Q

What happens to highly dispersed populations?

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A

They can become isolated, leading to low genetic variation and inbreeding problems

Example: chimpanzees.

22
Q

What are keystone species?

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A

Species that other species depend on for survival

Example: Jaguar in South America helps balance the ecosystem.

23
Q

What is a flagship species?

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A

A species that raises economic support for conservation efforts

Example: beavers help support conservation for other species in the same habitat.

24
Q

What are the two other roles of the IUCN?

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A
  • Increase understanding of biodiversity
  • Deploy nature-based solutions for climate change and food security

These roles emphasize the importance of biodiversity.

25
What is a method of conservation involving **legislation**?
Laws protect species and habitats, ensuring management agreements ## Footnote This is a form of in situ conservation.
26
What does the **Wildlife and Countryside Act** allow?
Designation of protected areas ## Footnote Examples include SSSI, NNR, SAC, SPA, MNR, MCZ, LNR, Ramsar site.
27
What is **CITES**?
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ## Footnote Protects selected species from international trade.
28
What is **Appendix 1** in CITES?
Species threatened by extinction; trade is banned ## Footnote Examples: great apes, big cats, rhinos.
29
What is **Appendix 2** in CITES?
Tightly controlled trade; permitted under certain conditions ## Footnote Examples: great white shark, Honduras, mahogany.
30
What does the **International Whaling Commission (IWC)** do?
Controls whaling to ensure sustainability ## Footnote Protects certain species and designates whale sanctuaries.
31
What is the goal of the **International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO)**?
Sustainably manage tropical forests ## Footnote Focuses on conservation and sustainable use of timber resources.
32
What does the **European Union Common Fisheries Policy (EU CFP)** regulate?
* Catch quotas * Fish size limits * Net mesh size * Maximum size of fishing boats * Ban on discarding unwanted fish ## Footnote Aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
33
What is **captive breeding**?
A form of ex situ conservation where organisms are bred outside their natural habitat ## Footnote Examples include zoos and seed banks.
34
What are reasons to use **ex-situ conservation**?
* Wild population threatened * In situ conservation unsuccessful * Realistic captive breeding ## Footnote Example: not feasible for blue whales.
35
What are issues with **ex-situ conservation**?
* Habitat too large * Specific food requirements * Symbiotic relationships * High costs ## Footnote These factors can limit the effectiveness of ex-situ methods.
36
What technique can overcome breeding issues in captivity?
Artificial insemination (AI) ## Footnote Ensures breeding success and prevents harm.
37
What is a **stud book** used for?
To record family trees and maintain breeding records ## Footnote Helps prevent inbreeding in captive populations.
38
What is the purpose of **cryopreservation**?
Freezing eggs, semen, and embryos to increase the gene pool ## Footnote Allows for genetic diversity in captive breeding.
39
What are the requirements for **release programmes**?
* Large enough habitat * Reliable food supply * Low predation risk * Breeding sites * Water * Local population support ## Footnote Essential for successful reintroduction of species.
40
What are **seed banks**?
Facilities that collect and store seeds from various plant species ## Footnote Aim to maintain genetic diversity, including endangered species.
41
What are the four main ways of **habitat conservation**?
* Land ownership * Designated protected areas * Agri-environmental schemes * Habitat creation/management ## Footnote Protects entire communities of species.
42
What does **SSSI** stand for?
Site of Special Scientific Interest ## Footnote Protects important flora, fauna, and geology.
43
What is the purpose of **agri-environmental agreements**?
Provide financial support to farmers for conservation efforts ## Footnote Examples: Environmental Stewardship, Countryside Stewardship.
44
What is **rewilding**?
Restoring habitats by reintroducing species that were once present ## Footnote Aims to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
45
What abiotic factors are important for species survival?
* Water * Oxygen * Temperature * Salinity * Mineral nutrients * Light intensity * pH ## Footnote These factors influence the viability of habitats.
46
What biotic factors can be controlled for conservation?
* Predation * Competition * Pathogens * Pollination and seed dispersal ## Footnote Management of these factors can enhance species survival.
47
What is the purpose of **tracking devices** in conservation?
Monitor distribution and behavior of released species ## Footnote Provides data for habitat protection and management.
48
What is **mowing** used for in habitat management?
Removes all vegetation to maintain desired habitats ## Footnote Helps control undesirable plant species.
49
What does **grazing** do in habitat management?
Controls vegetation without removing all plants ## Footnote Helps maintain biodiversity by allowing some plants to thrive.
50
What is the role of **burning** in habitat management?
Creates unshaded areas for young plants to grow ## Footnote Stimulates seed germination in certain habitats.
51
What is **coppicing**?
Cutting trees at ground level to promote new growth ## Footnote Allows more light into the woodland and supports diverse vegetation.
52
What is the goal of **population control** in conservation?
Manage species numbers to maintain ecological balance ## Footnote Can involve the release of captive bred individuals.
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