Method Of Conserving Biodiversity

Question 1

What is one method of conserving biodiversity?

Answer 1

Legal Protection

Legal protection can include laws that safeguard endangered species and their habitats.

Question 2

What are captive breeding and release programmes?

Answer 2

Programs aimed at breeding endangered species in captivity and releasing them into their natural habitats

These programs help boost the population of threatened species.

Question 3

What is habitat conservation?

Answer 3

Efforts to protect and restore natural habitats to ensure the survival of species

Habitat conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

Question 4

Why are some species prioritized for conservation?

Answer 4

Some species/habitats/communities are perceived to be more important than others, leading to prioritization

This is necessary due to limited conservation resources.

Question 5

What does the IUCN Red List categorize?

Answer 5

Species according to their vulnerability to extinction

The Red List is a critical tool for assessing conservation status.

Question 6

What does ‘Extinct’ mean in IUCN categories?

Answer 6

No known individuals remain

This category indicates a complete loss of a species.

Question 7

What does ‘Critically Endangered’ mean?

Answer 7

Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

This is one of the most severe categories on the IUCN Red List.

Question 8

What are EDGE Species?

Answer 8

Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species

These species have few genetic relatives and are a high priority for conservation.

Question 9

What is an endemic species?

Answer 9

A species that evolved and is found only in a specific area

Endemic species are vulnerable to extinction if their habitat is destroyed.

Question 10

Define a keystone species.

Answer 10

A species with crucial ecological functions that significantly affect its ecosystem

Keystone species play vital roles despite potentially low population numbers.

Question 11

What is a flagship species?

Answer 11

A species with a high public profile that can raise support for conservation

Protecting flagship species can benefit broader wildlife conservation efforts.

Question 12

What is the impact of population dispersal on species conservation?

Answer 12

Fragmentation can lead to non-viable populations that lack resources and genetic diversity

Maintaining viable local populations is crucial for species survival.

Question 13

What does the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) protect?

Answer 13

Wildlife in the UK, including designated protected areas and certain species

This law is a key component of legal protection for biodiversity in the UK.

Question 14

What are CITES Appendices?

Answer 14

Lists that categorize species based on their need for trade control

Appendix 1 includes species threatened with extinction, while Appendix 2 includes those that need controlled trade.

Question 15

What is the role of the International Whaling Commission (IWC)?

Answer 15

To control whaling and ensure sustainable exploitation of whale stocks

The IWC sets regulations to protect certain whale species and their habitats.

Question 16

What is the purpose of the Common Fisheries Policy (EU CFP)?

Answer 16

To ensure sustainable fishing practices within EU waters

The policy aims to balance environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

Question 17

What is cryopreservation?

Answer 17

The process of freezing eggs, sperm, and embryos for future use

Cryopreservation facilitates easier transportation and long-term storage.

Question 18

What are some factors that influence captive breeding success?

Answer 18

• Conditions for breeding
• Environmental stimuli
• Population interactions
• Breeding habitat
• Gene pool size

Understanding these factors is essential for effective captive breeding programs.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: In situ conservation means conservation _______.

Answer 19

[on site]

In situ conservation focuses on maintaining species diversity within their natural habitats.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Ex situ conservation involves conserving species in _______.

Answer 20

[zoos or seed banks]

Ex situ conservation is often used for species that cannot thrive in their natural environments.

Question 21

What are some methods for increasing breeding success in captivity?

Answer 21

• Cryopreservation
• Artificial insemination
• Embryo transfer
• Micro-propagation
• Cloning

These techniques can help improve the viability of captive breeding programs.

Question 22

What is Artificial Insemination?

Answer 22

Collecting sperm from males and inserting it into females artificially

This method requires predicting the timing of fertilization.

Question 23

List the advantages of Artificial Insemination.

Answer 23

• Animals in different zoos can breed without meeting, reducing costs
• No dangers of injury from mating large animals
• Semen can be stored for years using cryopreservation
• Semen from wild animals can increase genetic diversity

Question 24

What is embryo transfer?

Answer 24

A process where fertilized embryos are implanted into surrogate mothers to increase offspring production

This method is useful when there are very few breeding females.

Question 25

Describe the procedure of embryo transfer.

Answer 25

* Hormones stimulate females to produce many eggs * Eggs are collected artificially * Eggs are fertilized in vitro using sperm from males * Fertilized embryos are implanted into surrogates

Question 26

What is micro-propagation in plants?

Answer 26

A technique where clusters of cells from a plant are stimulated with hormones to produce new, genetically identical plants ## Footnote This method allows for a large number of plants to be produced from a single parent.

Question 27

What is cloning in plants?

Answer 27

The production of genetically identical plants, important for breeding programs ## Footnote Cloning can be achieved through micro-propagation and tissue culture.

Question 28

What is the success rate of cloning in wildlife species?

Answer 28

Very low ## Footnote However, there is potential to use deep frozen stem cells for future cloning even after extinction.

Question 29

What are the key features of successful release programs for captive-bred animals?

Answer 29

* Sufficient number of individuals released * Suitable release sites with adequate habitat * Reliable food supplies * Low predation risk * Suitable breeding sites * Support of local human population

Question 30

What is hard release?

Answer 30

Releasing individuals with no post-release support, typically for species whose behavior is instinctual ## Footnote This method is often used for insects, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Question 31

What is soft release?

Answer 31

Involves post-release support such as gradual release and provision of food ## Footnote This method is often necessary for mammals and birds.

Question 32

What problems do released individuals face?

Answer 32

* Recognizing poisonous foods * Finding and recognizing food * Developing hunting skills * Recognizing and avoiding predators * Being accepted into social groups

Question 33

How can post-release success be ensured?

Answer 33

* Ensure habitat is suitable for survival * Protect habitat with designations * Provide post-release training * Release a large enough population * Ensure released animals are old enough to breed * Monitor released animals

Question 34

What is the purpose of seed banks?

Answer 34

To store seeds of wild plants to preserve species that may become extinct in the wild ## Footnote Seed banks maintain biodiversity and collect seeds from threatened species.

Question 35

What conditions are needed to maintain seeds in seed banks?

Answer 35

Seeds should be stored at <5% humidity and -20°C ## Footnote This ensures seeds can be preserved for decades or even centuries.

Question 36

What is the target number of seeds for each species in seed banks?

Answer 36

10,000 seeds ## Footnote This number helps ensure a wide gene pool.

Question 37

What are some problems faced by seed banks?

Answer 37

* Not all species are suited for this treatment * Seeds need to be regularly germinated * Risk of power failure, natural disasters, and war * Seeds do not evolve with environmental changes