Conservation Of Biology

Question 1

Extinction vortex

Answer 1

Describes how small populations are at risk of entering a down spiral towards extinction due to multiple reinforcing negative factors. A small population may suffer from inbreeding, reducing genetic variation, higher vulnerability to disease and predation, and random events.

Question 2

Movement corridor

Answer 2

Narrow strip of natural habitat that connects otherwise isolated patches of habitat, allowing organisms to move between them. Promote gene flow, reduce inbreeding, allow migration, foraging, and seasonal movement.

Question 3

Biodiversity Hot Spot

Answer 3

A region that is exceptionally rich in species especially endemic species. Also highly threatened by human activity.

Question 4

Effective population size (Ne)

Answer 4

The number of individuals in a population who contribute genes to the next generation not just the total number of individuals.

Question 5

Minimum viable population (MVP)

Answer 5

The smallest population size at which a species can survive long term without facing a high risk of extinction from random events.

Question 6

Threats to biodiversity and how do they impact species

Answer 6

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation - reduces available space, isolates populations
2. Invasive species - disrupts ecosystem balance, lead to the decline or extinction of native species
3. Climate change - alter habitat and migration patters

Question 7

What are two approaches to population level conservation

Answer 7

1. Movement corridors
2. Landscape level approach.

Question 8

What are two strategies for landscape level conservation

Answer 8

SLOSS and Movement corridors