wolves Flashcards
(11 cards)
what are the ecological benefits of wolves?
apex series
conservation biology
strong social affiliations
abiotic vs biotic
abiotic = non-living = air and water biotic = living = trees
what is biodiversity?
The sum total of all organisms in an area.
Species diversity (populations, communities)
Genetic diversity
Ecosystem diversity (landscape)
what is conservation biology?
a science built on activism - promote biodiversity conservation.
solution-based research.
combine preservationist & wise use philosophies.
what is species diversity?
most common measurement. species richness (number of), relative abundance (evenness of species), endemic species (unique to an area).
concerns and solutions of species diversity?
concern: extinctions
solutions: endangered species act
why are wolves useful in Yellowstone? what are they able to change in the ecosystem?
trophic cascade
behavior of rivers (banks stopped collapsing)
behavior of deer (less of them, more of other species - they stopped going into areas where they were destroying the ecosystem)
Yellowstone with and without wolves…
eliminated in 1926 - a cascade of changes that influenced the ecosystem negatively.
back in 1995 - keep the world of predator and prey in balance.
what is the social construction of wolves?
“Good vs. Bad”
“Game” species vs. “Pest” species.
Ecological element vs. killer
what was the decline rate of the northern elk herd once the wolves had come back?
80%
ethics of wolves - biocentric/ecocentric/anthropocentric
Biocentric: Do wolves have a right to exist?
Ecocentric: Keeping ecosystems healthy
Anthropocentric: Will bring benefits (ecotourism, knowledge)
