Chapter 1: The History and Distinctions of Conservation Biology Flashcards
- A new scientific organization, originated in 1985.
- Founder
Society for Conservation Biology
Michael Soule
What is the “true test” in conservation biology?
The true test will be whether the field can actually preserve biodiversity.
The environmental impact triangle
- “Value Cognition” = human perception of nature.
- “Nature” -Local natural environment.
- “Resource Use” - Local human economy
The origin of Conservation
??
Conservation as Preservation of Landscape example
The Washburn Expedition in 1870 led to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park!
Conservation as Moral Mission by ___ and explain.
John Muir & Theodore Roosevelt
US conservation activist John Muir, founder of the ___ and champion of the Preservationist Approach to conservation. Muir, who framed conservation as a question of ___, was instrumental in establishing the ____.
Sierra Club,
Preservationist Approach to conservation.
moral choice
US National Park Service
Muir was the father of a new school of thought and activism in US conservation, the philosophy of ____.
preservationism
A view that argued that the highest and best use of nature was not the extraction of its resources as commodities for human use and material goals, but the appreciation of it intrinsic values and
aesthetic qualities through which the human spirit was transformed, a place where one could draw near to and
commune with God…
Romantic Transcendentalism,
a fierce advocate of protecting nature from development and exploitation precisely so that it could be enjoyed in these higher and better ways. He was instrumental in framing the debate in conservation around the essential question ____.
John Muir
What is the best and “highest” use of nature and natural resources?
Who is Theodore Roosevelt
the US President who made conservation a national priority during his presidency from 1900 to 1908.
Who is Gifford Pinchot
- Promoted a pragmatic “Wise
Use” or Utilitarian Conservation - Resource Conservation Ethic
-developed the US Forest Service and its philosophy of Sustained Yield and Multiple Use during the administrations of US President Theodore Roosevelt
Explain what is “Resource Conservation Ethic”
developed by Gifford Pinchot, emphasized the responsible and efficient use of natural resources to meet human needs over the long term. It was built on two key principles: equity, ensuring resources are fairly distributed across present and future generations, and efficiency, avoiding wasteful use. Unlike preservationists like John Muir, who valued nature for its intrinsic moral worth, Pinchot advocated for scientific management to maximize sustainable yield and multiple use of resources, thus shaping modern forestry and land management policies.
Who is Aldo Leopold?
US conservationist
- founder of The Wilderness Society, a chief intellectual architect of the “Wilderness Ideal” in
conservation at his “shack”.
Under the influence of Gifford Pinchot’s Resource Conservation Ethic, developed the Wilderness Ideal. This concept emphasized preserving wilderness areas for their intrinsic value, rather than solely for human use.
argued that wilderness protection was essential for maintaining ecological balance and fostering a deeper ethical relationship between humans and the natural world, thus shaping modern environmental ethics.
Which conservation framework do you believe is most
prominent in our society today? What contemporary
laws and policies are in place that manifest values
espoused by such a framework?
Today, Gifford Pinchot’s Resource Conservation Ethic is the most prominent conservation framework, emphasizing sustainable management of natural resources for human benefit. This approach is reflected in laws and policies such as the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act (1960), which governs U.S. national forests to balance timber, recreation, and other uses, and the National Forest Management Act (1976), which mandates sustainable yield and resource conservation. Additionally, policies like the Clean Water Act (1972) and Clean Air Act (1963) align with Pinchot’s principles by seeking to manage resources efficiently to meet human needs while ensuring environmental quality.
The need for increasing international cooperation to protect migratory species from ___ began to be replaced in importance by the emerging awareness of the needs of future generations through sustainable resource
use.
overexploitation
____, Swiss scientist and international statesman of
conservation, who founded the Swiss League for Nature Protection and whose vision of an international conservation network eventually led to
the formation of the ____
Paul Sarasin
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
(IUCN).
Explain what is IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that works to conserve nature and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It brings together governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts to develop policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation. The IUCN is best known for its “Red List of Threatened Species,” which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide and guides efforts to prevent extinction.
Explain: A Time of Transition: Protecting Nature from People to Protecting Nature for People
Conservation has evolved from just protecting nature from people to also protecting it for people’s benefit. In the past, conservation mainly saw human activities as threats to nature. Today, there’s a greater focus on balancing the needs of both nature and humans. This new approach, called “conservation science,” includes caring for the environment while also considering economic development and social well-being. It aims to protect nature while supporting human needs, recognizing that many conservation efforts must happen in places already shaped by people.
Conservation Biology vs Conservation Science
Conservation Biology focuses on protecting species and ecosystems from human impacts, aiming to preserve nature in its original state. It traditionally emphasized minimizing human disturbance and setting aside protected areas. In contrast, Conservation Science takes a broader approach by integrating human needs and social factors, aiming to balance ecological protection with human well-being. It emphasizes sustainable use, economic development, and managing ecosystems in ways that benefit both nature and people.
Conservation Biology (illustration)
Genetics
Population Biology
Physiology
Island Biogeography
Historical Biogeography
Hazard Evaluation
Veterinary Medicine
Environmental Monitoring
Ecophilosophy
Social Sciences
Natural Resource Fields (Forestry, Fishery Biology, Wildlife Biology, Public Policy, Management)
Conservation Science (illustration)
Conservation biology
Economics
Agriculture
Anthropology
Communications
Psychology
Sociology
Philantrophy
Sustainable Development
Ethics
Public Policy
Public Health
Climate Science
Wdym by Arcadian Vision
Conservation as right relationship with Nature-
The Arcadian Vision is an idealized concept of living in harmony with nature, inspired by the ancient Greek province of Arcadia, which was seen as a paradise where humans and nature coexisted peacefully. This vision, reflected in European art and literature, portrays nature as valuable for its own sake and emphasizes a simple, pastoral lifestyle free from the corruption of civilization. While it did not directly lead to modern conservation practices, the Arcadian ideal laid the groundwork for the idea that humans should have a respectful and harmonious relationship with nature.
Overview: The origins and history of conservation and conservation biology.
The origins of conservation and conservation biology are rooted in the recognition of human impacts on nature, with significant contributions from various key figures.
1. Michael Soule- often regarded as the father of conservation biology, emphasized the need for scientific research to address biodiversity loss. He founded the new scientific organization in 1985, the “Society for Conservation Biology”
2 . John Muir- a US Conversation activist, founder of Sierra Club advocated for the preservation of wilderness and helped establish national parks
- Theodore Roosevelt played a vital role in making conservation a national priority during his presidency, expanding the national park system and creating the U.S. Forest Service.
- Gifford Pinchot- Resource Conservation Ethic developed the US Forest Service and promoted sustainable resource management and the idea of conservation for the greatest good.
- Aldo Leopold- emphasized the importance of ethics in conservation, advocating for a land ethic that respects all forms of life.
- Paul Sarasin - founder of Swiss League for Nature Protection and led to the formation of IUCN.
