Topic 5 & Option G: Ecology & Conservation Topic C3 – C4 Human Impact & Conservation of Biodiversity

1 - Competition Read & Consider C.3.1-C.3.2 List examples of local invasive species.

Introduced Species Alien species – introduced species that have been transferred to a new environment where abiotic factors are also suitable for them. Invasive species – an alien that takes over in an aggressive way, detrimental to the food chains of the habitat. Rabbit Japanese Knotweed American Grey Squirrel

Competitive Exclusion No two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely. Invasive/Alien species have a competitive advantage – no natural competitors. Invasive species will outcompete and exclude native species.

Biological Control Intentionally introducing a non-native species as a means of controlling an invasive species. Prickly Pear Cactus + Cactus Moth Caterpillar Sugar Cane Beetle + Cane Toad

2 - Chemicals Read & Consider Understandings C.3.3-C.3.4 What chemicals are polluting our area?

Biomagnification The process in which chemical substances become more concentrated at each trophic level.

DDT Build-up Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) DDT is selectively retained in the fatty tissue of animals rather than being circulated and eliminated. DDT inhibits calcium deposition in breeding birds causing vulnerable egg shells, and resulting in diminished bird populations.

Marine Plastic Debris Plastics make up as much as 90% of marine floating debris. Macrosplastic – plastic fragments greater than 1mm across – bottles, containers, food wrappers Microplastic – fragments less than 1mm – PVC, synthetic clothes (2000 fibers released per washing)

Laysan Albatross Plastics enter the food when when ingested by marine organisms. This may lead to: Intestinal blockage Full feeling that discourages feeding

3 - Management Read & Consider C.4.1-C.4.6 List examples of local invasive species.

Lichen Algal Blooms Biotic Indicies Indicator Species Lichen Algal Blooms Biotic Indicies

Conservation Methods In Situ Ex Situ

Biogeographical Features Edge effect – minimal perimeter area is better and surrounding areas must be used with the reserve in mind. Geographical isolation – protected areas positioned close to one another are more effective.

Simpson’s Reciprocal Index of Diversity Diversity of species present in a habitat is an indicator of the stability of the habitat. D = diversity index N = total number of organisms of all species found n = number of individuals of a particular species.

Richness and evenness are components of biodiversity. Calculate: Name n Groundsel 45 Shepherds Purse 40 Dandelion 10 Richness and evenness are components of biodiversity. Consider the example calculation of page 36 – how to richness and evenness contribute to the overall biodiversity score?

Works Cited "Bufo Marinus: The Sound of an Invasive Species." SOUNDS LIKE NOISE. N.p., 30 Mar. 2012. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. "Competitive_exclusion.html 54_03-NicheCompetition-L.jpg." Competitive_exclusion.html 54_03-NicheCompetition-L.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. Flexo, Mitchell. "SHFT | Oceanic Plastic Pollution Enters the Food Chain." SHFT. N.p., 16 Mar. 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. "USGS - NAWQA - Water Quality in the Upper Mississippi River Basin - Major Findings." USGS - NAWQA - Water Quality in the Upper Mississippi River Basin - Major Findings. USGS, 11 Jan. 2013. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. Walia, Arjan. "New Study Finds 88 Percent of Earth’s Ocean Surface Now Polluted With Plastic Trash." CollectiveEvolution RSS. N.p., 7 July 2014. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.