Chapter 2 - Wildlife Conservation Flashcards
Why is human behaviour one of the rationale for wildlife conservation?
By studying other primates, particularly the great apes such as gorillas and chimpanzees, we learn about social structure and behaviour
Define ‘biomimetics’
The study of living organisms so the knowledge gained can be applied to engineering or technological developments
Why is interdependence important for wildlife conservation?
Species rely on each other as a source of food. In order to protect a species we need to protect the species that they rely on
Give one example of biomimetics
1)Birds of prey such as Eagles use widespread wingtip feathers to reduce the flow of air. This species adaption has been applied to aircraft as an application to human engineering by fitting fins onto the end of the wing to achieve the same effect
or
2)Shark skins have grooves at right angles to the direction of water flow. This reduces friction and makes swimming easier. An application to human engineering based on the species adaption is surface grooves called riblets developed for swimming wear, boats and aircrafts. They can reduce friction up to 15%
What is the importance of aesthetics and recreation in wildlife conservation?
Furry, cuddly, appealing species such as pandas and monkeys are more popular than creepy crawlies and other species such as spiders and snakes. People enjoy seeing wildlife such as these species and often have many economic benefits
What is meant by ‘flagship species’?
Flagship species are the most appealing or notable species that can be used to highlight conservation campaigns or vulnerable habitats.
Explain why morals are one of the rationale for wildlife conservation
Many people believe other organisms have a right to life and that it is wrong to kill or hunt them unnecessarily. Public concern is often the greatest when high-profile animals such as whales and tigers are threatened. Most people would support the right of other spices to exist but fewer would argue the right of species such as mosquitos or rats have the same right
Explain why ethics are one of the rationale for wildlife conservation
In more affluent societies, it is not necessary to exploit wildlife for food but in other societies it can be an essential part of their diet and life. In LEDCs, many people have no alternative so it would be difficult to convince someone that they have less right to live than the animals they eat
State the economic reasons for conservation (3 reasons)
Physiological research
Food resources
Other material resources
State the rationale for wildlife conservation (7 reasons)
Knowledge and understanding Human behaviour The interdependence of species Biomimetics Aesthetics and recreation Morals Ethics
Define teratology
The study of the causes of birth defects
Why is species conservation important for physiological research?
Many species have a number of medical benefits and can be used for medical research
Give some examples of species used in physiological research (3 possible examples)
Nerve function - Squid have wide diameter nerve cells that are easier to study than other mammals. Research has helped improve our understanding of cell membrane ion pumps
Leprosy - Armadillos are among a few animals that can catch leprosy and are used in the study of the disease and the production of vaccines and possible cures
Drug teratology - Sea urchin embryos can be used to investigate whether drugs are likely to cause birth abnormalities. The purple sea urchin of North America is common and a single female can produce half a million eggs. Drugs that would cause birth abnormalities in humans also cause abnormal sea urchin embryo development
