Ecology

Question 1

What are human primary needs and what are the four?

Answer 1

Fundamental elements that allow individuals to live fulfilled and self-actuated lives.

• Water
• Energy
• Food
• Shelter

Question 2

How does fulfilling human primary needs affect species, habitats and ecosystems? (BIG FOUR)

Answer 2

• Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
• Invasive species and disease
• Over-exploitation
• Climate Change

Question 3

An example of large scale habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation?

Answer 3

Species loss is a big concern in Ontario as 80% of species are at risk due to habitat loss. 20% of those species rely on wetlands but less than 30% wetlands remain in Ontario. This is detrimental to amphibians and reptiles. Fragmentation also affects behavioral traits as when migration occurs it is stopped by busy roadways as habitats are separated, this can lead to fatalities. (Ontario Nature, 2017)

Question 4

An example of invasive species and disease?

Answer 4

Bats species are very threatened by invasive species, especially on islands, it has been shown by cats, invasive burdock - a prickly plant that entangles them, giant centipedes and fire ants that are in competition for tree hollows. (Welch et al, 2017)