Transcript Species Preservation

1)Hand-in Mining lab M. Choice,
Matching, Fill-ins.
Tests back Tomorrow
HW: Cha. 16 S. Answer
Today 2/13/07
1)Hand-in Chapter 16 S. Answer
2) Lab: Relationships & Biodiversity.
Tests back Today
HW: Cha. 16 Critical Thinking.
Today 2/15/07
1)Hand-in Chapter 16 work
2)Finish Relationships/Biodiversity Lab
Chapter 17
Preserving
Earth’s
Biological
Diversity
Do Now:
 Identify
and explain the significance
of the various components of
biological diversity.
 Supply one specific example of each
type of diversity in your explanation.
THINK:
biological diversity
genetic diversity
species richness
ecosystem diversity
Do Now: Answer and examples
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Variation among organisms is referred to as biological diversity.
The components of biological diversity include genetic diversity,
species richness, and ecosystem diversity.
Genetic diversity takes into account the genetic variety within all
populations of that species. These differences provide a broad
genetic base for each species’ long-term health and survival.
*If all members of a species were genetically identical, then they
would all be susceptible to the same pests and disease.
However, a corn blight fungus that ruined the corn crop in the U.S.
in 1970 was brought under control by crossing the cultivated,
highly uniform corn varieties with genetically diverse ancestral
varieties from Mexico, making the resulting varieties resistant
to the fungus.
Species richness refers to the number of
species found in an
ecosystem.
Species richness within an ecosystem provides the ecosystem with
resilience, the ability to recover from environmental disasters. The
removal of one species from a community makes an ecosystem run
less smoothly.
Ecosystem diversity is the variety of interactions among organisms
in natural communities, including forests, prairies, deserts, coral
reefs, lakes, coastal estuaries and other ecosystems. A forest
community with trees, shrubs, vines, insects, worms, animals,
fungi and bacteria has greater ecosystem diversity than a cornfield.
Biological Diversity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why We Need Organisms
Ecosystem Services and Species Richness
Genetic Reserves
Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity
Medicinal, Agricultural, and Industrial
Importance of Organisms
Aesthetic, Ethical, and Spiritual Value of
Organisms
Biological Diversity

Biodiversity
Species Richness
Genetic Diversity
Biological Diversity

Biodiversity
Species Richness
Genetic Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
Why we need organisms
 Biological
diversity: the number
and variety of organisms.
 Genetic
diversity: variation within a
species.
 Species richness: the number of
species
 Ecosystem
diversity: variation
within an ecosystem.
Why we need organisms
 270,000
plant species
 45,000 vertebrate species
 950,000 insect species!
 10,000 new species identified
each year.
Where is declining Biological Diversity the
Greatest problem?
 Drastic
loss biological diversity is
occurring worldwide.
 Tropical areas are more
susceptible to species loss.
Ecosystem Services and Species Richness
Why We Need Organisms
 Ecosystem Services and Species Richness

Nests
eventually
become small
islands of trees
Gator trails clear
out aquatic
vegetation
Maintains
smaller fish
populations by
eating gar
Digs underwater
holes used by
other aquatic
organisms
Ecosystem Services & Organisms

Organisms provide essential ecosystem
services.

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Ex: Florida Alligators
Bacteria and Fungi are decomposers that
cleanse and recycle nutrients within an
ecosystem.
Forests recharge groundwater, hold soil, act as
a C sink.
I. How many Species are there?
 99.95
% of species that have
existed are now extinct.
 ~1.8 million species identified at
present.
 # may range from 5-100 million
species, we don’t know.
Do Now: Explain why genetic diversity is
important.
Genetic Reserves
Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity
 How
to avoid a
Corn Blight?
 Increased genetic
variety increases
the chance that
Zea mays will
survive
changing
conditions in
nature.
Scientific Importance of Genetic
Diversity

Genetic Engineering
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Bacterial derived Human Insulin
Bacterial derived Human Growth Hormones
Microevolution
Medicinal, Agricultural, & Industrial
Importance of Organisms
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Penicillium fungus: Penicillin based drugs
Rosy Periwinkle: increased child leukemia
survivorship 5%95%
Sponge derived compound used in AZT (aids
drug)
Beetles: Steroids
Centipedes: fungicide for crops
A. Ecosystem Services & Organisms
Medicinal,
& Industrial
II.
Why weAgricultural,
need organisms
Importance of Organisms
Salix babylonica
Aspirin
The discovery of aspirin dates back to the 5th century
B.C., when Hippocrates used a powder from the bark
of a willow tree to ease minor pains, reduce fevers
and to help with childbirth. The willow tree contains
salicylic acid which is similar to acetylsalicylic acid
(aspirin).
Do Now:

Define extinction and give the possible causes of
mass extinction. What single human activity
increases the susceptibility of a given species to
extinction? Provide the ways?
Do Now: Answer
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Extinction is the irreversible elimination of a
species from Earth. The causes of past mass
extinctions are not well understood, however
possible causes include a major climate change
or a catastrophic collision of Earth and a large
asteroid or comet.
Human activity disrupts or destroys the habitat of
many organisms. If an organism’s habitat is
altered, this impacts the organism's ability to find
a mate, food sources, and territory necessary for
survival and shelter.
Some species have an extremely small range and
when this is disturbed, the species will perish
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
 Most
human activities contribute
to a reduction in biological
diversity
 Habitat
Destruction is the major
cause of the current decline in
biological diversity.
 This loss of habitat reduces a
species biological range & ability to
survive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Endangered & threatened Species
• Extinction: the permanent loss of a species, therefore a
permanent loss in species diversity.
• Background extinction: continual low level extinction
• Mass extinction: numerous species disappear during a relative
short period of time
• Marine organisms being temperature sensitive
• Human population growth and consequent habitat
destruction of the Dusky sparrow
Endangered and threatened Species

Background Extinction vs. Mass Extinction
Continuous, slow
rate of extinction
over millions of
years
Numerous
species disappear
over geologically
short time frame.
Endangered & threatened Species
• Extinction: the permanent loss of a species,
therefore a permanent loss in species diversity.
• An endangered species numbers are reduced
so that they are in danger of extinction
throughout all or a significant part of their
range.
Endangered and Extinct Species

Endangered and Threatened Species
Could become
extinct soon.
Population
declining very
fast.
Endangered & threatened Species
• Threatened species: when extinction is less
imminent but its population is quite low.
• Species likely to become endangered in the
foreseeable future, throughout all or a
significant portion of its range
Endangered & threatened Species
Protected Species 
Threatened species 
endangered species 
Extinct Species
Endangered & threatened Species
• What factors are common with most
Endangered & threatened species?
Gymnogyps californianus
Endangered & threatened Species
• Endangered & threatened species often
have:
• Limited natural ranges
• Low population densities.
• Low reproductive rates
• Very specialized nutritional or
reproductive requirements.
Characteristics of Endangered Species
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Extremely small range
Tiburon mariposa lily
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Requiring large territories
California condor
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Living on islands
Hawaii O-o, Moho nobilis
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Low reproductive success
Blue whale
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Specialized breeding areas
Green sea turtle
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Specialized feeding habits
Giant panda
Hawaii O-o, Moho nobilis
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Hawai'i 'O'o Moho nobilis was only found
in forest on the big island of Hawai'i, USA.
It was last collected in 1898 and last seen
in 1934, with its decline to extinction
presumably caused by both habitat
destruction and disease.

Bears http://www.iucn.org/
http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/13625/all
Do Now:
• What does it mean that a species is
endemic? Name a species that is
endemic to your bioregion.
Do Now: Answers
endemic = native to a limited area and not
found naturally outside that area
Endangered & threatened Species
• Endemic species: species found only in
one spot in the world
• 171 extinct bird species
• 155 of them lived on islands
• Leads to habitat fragmentation
Do Now:
• What are some Human Causes of
Species Endangerment?
Do Now:
• habitat destruction,
• fragmentation, degradation, Deforestation
• Invasive species (biotic pollution)
• competition
• Pollution
• Water, air, land, Biocide use
• Acid rain, ozone depletion, climate change
• Overexploitation,
• commercial harvesting
• Ivory, pet trade, scientific whaling
Endangered & threatened Species
• Many island species are Endangered
species.
• “Island” isolated habitat surrounded by unsuitable
territory
• Habitat fragmentation: the break up of
large areas of habitat into small, isolated
patches (islands) is a major threat to the
long-term survival of many species.
Habitat fragmentation
Deforestation
Deforestation
Habitat fragmentation
and how the Cow birds love it

Not a deep woodland bird until loggers come.
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North America's most notorious brood parasite
Cowbirds have parasitized over 220 host species 150
reared by host species, with songbirds comprising
the majority of hosts.
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Examples:
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Black-capped Vireo: 90% of nests parasitized in open
canyon woodlands on Fort Hood, Texas (Eckrich et al.).
Bell's Vireo and Yellow-breasted Chat: 80-90% of nests
parasitized in desert riparian habitat in the lower Colorado
River valley (Averill et al.).
Endangered and Extinct Species
Confirmed
observation in
Arkansas in
April 2005
Endangered and Extinct Species
Where is Declining Biological Diversity the
Greatest Problem?

In US: Hawaii and California
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Worldwide: Tropical rain forests
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7% of earth's surface containing almost 50% species
Endangered and Extinct Species
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Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots
Endangered and Extinct Species
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Human Causes of Species Endangerment
#1 cause:
Habitat
Destruction,
Fragmentation,
and
Degradation
Where is declining Biological Diversity the
Greatest problem?
 43%
of all endangered species
need wetland habitat to live.
 60,000 acres of wetlands are
destroyed in the US annually.
Endangered and Extinct Species
Invasive Species
Endangered and Extinct Species
Invasive Species
 Federal Noxious Weed Act banned the
importation of Caulerpa
 Blue water hyacinth
 Brown tree snake introduced by the US
navy and is responsible for the extinction
of 9-12 species indigenous to Guan
Endangered and Extinct Species
40% parrot species are now threatened or
endangered
 Wild Bird Conservation Act 1992
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Decreased poaching rates
Hyacinth /Macaw $7,000 – $12,000
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
 Exotic
Species may compete
with native species for food or
habitat (niche) or may actually
prey upon the endemic species.
Competition
1.
2.
Different species living in the same
environment, or habitat, may require the
same resources. When the resources are
limited, competition occurs among the
species.
Competition- is the struggle between
different species for the same limited
resources. The more similar the needs of
the species, the more intense the
competition.
Competition (cont)
3. Each species occupies a niche in the community.
A niche is the role the species plays, and
includes the type of food it eats, where it lives,
where it reproduces, and its relationships with
other species. Ex. catfish and the Asian carp
4. When two different species compete for the
same niche in a community, the weaker species
is usually eliminated establishing one species
per niche in a community.
Competition
NO,, I can’t
compete with
that!!!
Throw
him
back!!
Graphs showing competition between two species of Paramecium. Since each
population alone prospers (top two graphs), when they are in a competition
situation one species will win, the other will lose (bottom graph).
Do Now:
What does the data on the graph tell you?
Do Now: Answers
What does the dada on the graph tell you?
Ruffe have steadily increased from about
10% of the catch in 1989 to nearly 90% of
the catch in 1996.
 Unlike ruffe, emerald shiners have
declined from nearly 80% of the catch in
1989 to about 5% of the catch in 1996.
 Little change has been observed for yellow
perch, which have consistently made up
about 10% of the catch for these three
species.

What does the dada on the graph tell you?
http://chesapeake.usgs.gov/invspec.html
Importation of Organisms
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Humans have
accidentally and/or
intentionally imported
organisms to areas
where they have no
natural enemies
leading to the
disruption of existing
ecosystems.
Examples include the
Zebra Mussel, Gypsy
moth, & “Killer bees”
INVASIVE SPECIES LINK
Importation of Organisms
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Kudzu smothers native trees and shrubs.
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Purple Loosestrife Environmental Impacts
of
replaces native wetland communities
 eliminates food and shelter for wildlife species
 reduces biodiversity

Importation of Organisms
Humans have
accidentally and/or
intentionally
imported organisms
to areas where they
have no natural
enemies leading to
the disruption of
existing ecosystems.
 Examples include
the Japanese beetle
and the Gypsy moth.

Importation of Organisms
INVASIVE SPECIES LINK
Human Causes of Species Endangerment

Pollution, such as acid rain, pesticides, O3
depleting compounds, as well as climate
warming atmospheric pollutants (CO2, CH4)
contribute to the decline of species.
 Major
air pollutants include: carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, and
particulates.
 Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide
combine with water vapor creating
acid rain problems.
Exam avg= 73%, pt I=70%, pt II=76%
Grade
Range
Students
90<
1
85-89
2
81-84
2
76-80
2
71-75
7
66-70
1
61-65
5
55-60
3
Endangered and Extinct Species
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
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Pollution
• Acid rain
• Ozone depletion (leading to increased UV
radiation
• Climate change due to CO2 increases
Endangered and Extinct Species
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Human Causes of Species Endangerment
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Overexploitation
Commercial harvest
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
 Overexploitation
of species: the
over hunting or harvesting of
species without regard to their
biotic potential.
Ex:
The Dodo
Black Rhino
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
Overexploitation:
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Ranchers, hunters and government agents
reduced wolf and grizzly for grazing livestock
Carolina Parakeet: (extnt 1920) exterminated by
farmers to protect fruits and crops
Prairie dogs and pocket gophers were poisoned
1900-1960, most disappeared from natural lands
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.
Predators like the Black footed ferret became endangered
1985-1986 10 ferrets left,
1991 successfully reintroduced back to the wild
black tailed prairie dogs Plague has now Wyoming
Prairie land development also negatively affect BFF
populations
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
Uncontrolled hunting,
trapping, and fishing still
occur in many parts of
the world.
 The extinction of the
dodo bird and the
passenger pigeon
resulted from such
activities.

Human Causes of Species Endangerment
The Passenger Pigeon

The last known
individual of the
species, a female
named Martha, died
in 1914 in the
Cincinnati Zoo and is
now on display in
the U.S. National
Museum of Natural
History.
Overexploitation


The exploitation of wildlife for
their products and pet trade
has led to threatened
populations & ecosystem
disruptions.
Examples include: the African
elephant—ivory; the
Colombian parrot—pet trade;
Tropical rain forest—plywood.
Over hunting
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
Commercial harvest is the removal of live
organisms from nature. I
 illegal commercial trade of rare animals &
plants supplies a thriving black market,
but regulated commercial harvest may
sustain species from an economic
standpoint.

Human Causes of Species Endangerment

Efforts to eradicate a pest species or predator.
MYXOMATOSIS more

Illegal commercial hunting has a great impact
(especially on larger animals. (K selected)
Kayko
Saccone
Tontawee
Human Causes of Species Endangerment
Introduction of Exotic Species
 Islands
are particularly susceptible to
biotic pollution. MYXOMATOSIS
Amphibian Deformities
Case-in-Point: Disappearing Frogs
 In the US, 38% of amphibian species are
declining
 Many deformities have been observed
 No single factor has been determined
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Trematode (flatworm) infestation
Environmental stressors
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Habitat loss
disease
air/water pollution
pesticide residues
High UV levels,
Do Now:
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What is a bellwether species (aka sentinel
species) and which group of organisms are
being considered bellwether species?
Do Now:
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defined as organisms that are very
sensitive to environmental change and
provide “advance warning” of such
changes
amphibians are very sensitive to changes
perhaps because they are very thin
skinned and absorb water (and whatever
is in the water) through their skins
amphibian populations worldwide show
decline in species and quantity
Biocide Use
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
The use of some
biocides (such as
pesticides) without a
complete
assessment of their
environmental
impact has
contaminated the
soil, atmosphere,
water supply, and
has disrupted food
webs.
Ex: DDT
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/49
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/49
DDT a Banned Insecticide
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** 1939 discovered the effectiveness of DDT
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**DDT seemed to be the ideal insecticide it is cheap and of
relatively low toxicity to mammals.

**Extensive use of DDT began to appear in the late 1940s..

**Linked to the RAPID decline of Raptors (birds of prey) due to
the thinning of calcium layers of eggs shells.

**The use of DDT was banned in the United States in 1973,
although it is still in use in some other parts of the world.

** The buildup of DDT in natural waters is a reversible process:
the EPA reported a 90% reduction of DDT in Lake Michigan fish
by 1978 as a result of the ban.
Species Preservation
The peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus .

Do Now:Name this scientist &
describe what he did.
DDT a Banned Insecticide

kodak.com/cgi-bin/asCgi.pl?node=1&app=birdcam&laf=playground
Species Preservation
Species Preservation
Former Wolf Range in the lower 48 states
Species Preservation
Present Wolf Range in the lower 48 states
Species Preservation
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Some efforts to sustain
endangered species have
included habitat protection
(wildlife refuges and national
parks) and wildlife
management (game laws and
fisheries).
Animals which were once
endangered are now
successfully reproducing and
increasing their numbers.
Examples of endangered
animals which are responding
to conservation efforts and
beginning to make a
comeback are the bald eagle
Haliaetus leucocephalus and
the peregrine falcon Falco
peregrinus .
Species Preservation
http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/organiza/fwb/wildlife/pages/falconindex.htm
Aesthetic, Ethical, & Spiritual
Importance of Organisms
Do Now:

What is the difference between Conservation
and Preservation?

Conserve/preserve
Conservation Biology

Scientific study of how humans impact
organisms and development of strategies to
protect diversity.
Conservation Biology, Challenges
Conservation Biology, Challenges
Mock Trial
8 Jurors
6 Lawyers (3 per side)
10 expert witnesses (5 per side)
Ferret Expert
Wind expert
Sierra Club
Solar expert
Impact awareness
Energy specialist (debts)
Wind expert
Solar
Biologist (everything is ok)
War veteran Parent
Conservation Biology

Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats
Beginning of prairie
restoration in 1935
Conservation Biology

Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats
Same area in 2004
Conservation Biology

Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and
Seed Banks


Goal?
How?
Conservation Biology
Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and
Seed Banks

Ultimate goal is to reintroduce
endangered species back to their natural
habitats

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By artificial insemination
Embryo transfer
Conservation Biology
Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and
Seed Banks

Establishing seed banks (Gene banks)

Conservation Biology

Conservation Organizations


IUCN, The World Conservation Union
Many work with state & federal agencies
and private landowners to promote
conservation.
Conservation Policies and Laws

Endangered Species Act
Conservation Policies and Laws

Endangered Species Act
Conservation Policies and Laws
Habitat Conservation Plans

1982 amendment to ESA

Landowner allowed to set aside land for
endangered species, but develop other
land with those species

Conservation Policies and Laws
International Conservation Policies and
Laws
 Most important: CITES (Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Flora and Fauna)

Wildlife Management
Differs from conservation biology in that
wildlife managers focus more often on
common organisms

and manage those species primarily for
human benefits

Wildlife Management

Management of Migratory Animals
Example of artic snow geese impact
Wildlife Management
Management of Aquatic Organisms

Freshwater fisheries primarily managed
by state fishing regulations

Ocean fisheries commonly viewed as
common property

this has lead many species close to
commercial extinction

What Can We Do About Declining
Biological Diversity?
Increase Public Awareness
 Support Research in Conservation Biology
 Support the Establishment of an
International System of Parks
 Control Pollution
 Provide Economic Incentives to
Landowners and Other Local People

Human Causes of Species Endangerment
 Biotic
pollution: the introduction of
of a foreign species into an area
where it is not native.
IV. Conservation biology





The scientific study & protection of biological
diversity.
In situ conservation addresses loss of diversity
in nature.
Includes parks, sanctuaries, refuges, & other
protected areas.
Restoration ecology attempt to restore a
degraded area (derelict lands) by applying
ecological principles.
Species population community
ecosystembiome
IV. Conservation biology
 Ex
situ conservation addresses
loss of diversity in controlled
settings & involve captive
breeding programs & storing
genetic material.
 Zoos, Aquaria, botanical
gardens, and seed banks are
examples of Ex situ conservation.
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Conservation organizations
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Various organizations help to
educate policy makers and the
public about the importance of
biological diversity.
Organizations also take direct
action in addressing the
problem.
Schoolworld
W.W.F
EarthFirst!
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
The World Conservation Union.
Greenpeace
Conservation Policies & Laws




Endangered Species Act: this legislation authorizes the U.S.
Fish & wildlife Service to protect endangered & threatened
species in the U.S. & abroad.
Other nations have similar laws.
The Endangered Species Act does not include economic
considerations built in. (private property owners won’t be
compensated for abiding by the law if they suffer financial
loss due to protecting an at risk species.
Habitat conservation plans are intended to resolve conflicts
that arise due to the Endangered Species Act on private
lands.
International Policies & Laws

The IUCN, World Wildlife
Fund, & the U.N
Environment Program
developed the World
Conservation Strategy in
an attempt to conserve
biological diversity
worldwide.
International Policies & Laws
C.I.T.E.S
Policies & Laws
There are laws which regulate and
guide the use of natural habitats.
 Ex: SEQR- State Environmental
Quality Review Act
 A New York State law designed to
provide the opportunity for citizen
review and comment of the
environmental impact of any proposed
development that has been determined
to have significant effect on the
environment.

Wildlife Management



An applied field of conservation biology that
focuses on the continued productivity of plants &
animals.
Involves the regulation of hunting & fishing & the
management of food, water, & other habitat
components.
Wildlife programs often have different priorities
than conservation biology. Traditional wildlife
management tends to focus on maintaining the
population of a specific species, whereas
conservation biology focuses on managing a
community to ensure diversity in general.
What can we do about declining
biological diversity?


Increase Public
Awareness
The general public &
lawmakers must
become more aware
of the importance of
our biological
heritage.
What can we do about declining
biological diversity?


Support research in
Conservation Biology
Funding must be
found for additional
research in both basic
& applied fields
relating to
conservation biology.
What can we do about declining biological
diversity?

Support the establishment of
an International System of
parks with a minimum of
10% of the Earth’s land area.
What can we do about declining biological diversity?

Control pollution which
damages humans as
well as other organisms.
What can we do about declining biological diversity?
Provide economic
incentives to
landowners & other
local people to manage
their lands in an
environmentally
sustainable way.
Ex: Ecotourism in Costa
Rica

What can we do about declining biological diversity?

Developing nations
that are the
repositories of much of
the world’s biological
diversity must realize
the economic value of
their living resources.
What can we do about declining biological diversity?


Disappearing
Amphibians:
Frogs and other
amphibians have been
disappearing on a global
scale.
Click here for
chytrid fungus
Genetic Reserves
 Domesticated
plants & animal
breeding
including
traditional
breeding
(pollination &
animal
husbandry) as
well as genetic
The End?