Chapter 18 Highlights APES 2015 Mrs. Thompson

Key Ideas Describe how genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem functions are changing over time. Identify causes of declining biodiversity and describe solutions Compare and contrast the single species approach with the ecosystem approach to conservation

True or False…. Approximately 10,000 species extinctions per year (~.5%) make the past 50 years the world’s 6 th mass extinction 80% of domesticated livestock species in North America are declining or at risk of extinction due to a loss in genetic diversity There are approximately 500 seed bank facilities around the world Almost 50% of al amphibian species are threatened or near-threatened with extinction

True or False…. Approximately 50,000 species extinctions per year (~.5%) make the past 50 years the world’s 6 th mass extinction There are approximately 1400 seed bank facilities around the world

Biodiversity Turn and talk: – Make a list of at least five possible causes of declining biodiversity – What do you think the number 1 cause is?

Habitat Loss The western gray squirrel play an important role in maintaining oak woodlands by planting acorns and disseminating spores of mycorrhizal fungi. Washington population of western gray squirrels are estimated to total between 468 and 1,405 individuals. None of the three current populations seem to be large enough to avoid a decline in genetic diversity and at least two may suffer from the negative effects of inbreeding. The western gray squirrel was listed as a threatened species in Washington in 1993 and its native oak habitat is recognized as a Priority Habitat.

Competition with Invasive Species html

Overharvest/over hunting

Pollution WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH STORMWATER? Stormwater is the leading contributor to water quality pollution of urban waterways in the state. Two species of salmon and bull tout are threatened with extinction under the federal Endangered Species Act. Loss of habitat due to stormwater and development is one of the causes. Shellfish harvest at many beaches is restricted or prohibited due to pollution. Stormwater runoff is often one of the causes. Stormwater likely contributes to the killing of high percentages of healthy coho salmon in Seattle creeks within hours of the fish entering the creeks, before the fish are able to spawn. English sole are more likely to develop cancerous lesions on their livers in more urban areas. Stormwater likely plays a role.

Climate Change summer temperature increases and decreased summer flows, will threaten many freshwater species, particularly salmon, steelhead, and trout. Rising temperatures will increase in several iconic salmon species, especially for Chinook and sockeye. more than 140,000 acres of coastal lands lie within 3.3 feet in elevation of high tide. As sea levels continue to rise, these areas will be inundated more frequently. Ocean acidification threatens marine species such as oysters and Pacific salmon increasing wildfire risk and insect and tree disease outbreaks reduce the availability of irrigation water in snowmelt-fed basins and increase the probability of heat stress to field crops and tree fruit. Possible increases in plant diseases, pests, and weeds present additional potential risks.”

Invasive Species Wanted Poster Name: AKA: scientific name/common name/ “criminal name” Picture: A drawing or photograph (color preferred) Identifying Characteristics: Key features to look for when identifying the criminal Last Seen: Where did the species originally come from? Suspected Hideouts: Include a map of Washington with its current distribution shaded; description of preferred habitat Crimes Committed: By your species (be specific to your species and not general to all invasive species) Reward: For elimination of your species (be specific for your species)

Invasive species How are invasive species introduced to a new area? What steps can be taken to stop new invasive species from being brought into Washington? What are common consequences of invasive species? Why should steps be taken to reduce/ stop invasive species introduction?

Warm Up Compare and contrast the single species vs ecosystem approaches to conservation Give an example of each overview.html