Lecture 31: Conservation biology

Question 1

Why are smaller populations at higher risk of extinction

Answer 1

Low genetic diversity

Natural selection is less effective in small populations

Evolution is less likely to be adaptive

Question 2

Three main areas of conservation biologists work on

Answer 2

Protecting endangered populations

Protecting ecosystems and landscapes

Decreasing threats to biodiversity

Question 3

Protected areas are

Answer 3

Areas where species cannot legally be killed

Question 4

Flagship species

Answer 4

Species selected to act as ambassador, icon, or symbol for a defined habitat, campaign, or environmental cause

Considered “charismatic” in western cultures

Question 5

Why umbrella species benefit many other species

Answer 5

Provide protection or service to several other species

Question 6

Umbrella species

Answer 6

Conservation of a species that benefits other species or ecosystems