1 Biodiversity and Roles of Species

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3Biodiversity

4Biodiversity number of speciesnumber of species genetic diversity of speciesgenetic diversity of species diversity of ecosystemsdiversity of ecosystems

5 Within every ecosystem, every species has its role (its niche) Niche Specialists and Generalists Niche Overlap Native Species vs. Exotic Species Indicator / Keystone Species

6 Species’ Roles Niche: a species’ total way of life and / or “role” in the ecosystem including all physical, chemical, and biological conditions a species needs to live and reproduce in an ecosystem

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8 Specialists and Generalists (plants and animals) Specialist: Can only survive in a limited number of biomes, very limited diet Can survive in a wide variety of biomes, usually omnivorous Generalist:

9 Niche Overlap Two (or more) species that require similar resources (i.e. two species that have to compete for the same thing) –Fundamental niche (“perfect world”) –Realized niche (“real world”)

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11 So what if a species is “exotic!” What’s the big deal?So what if a species is “exotic!” What’s the big deal? Native Species vs. Exotic Species No natural enemies (always the consumer and never consumed) No natural enemies (always the consumer and never consumed) Superior competition skills and may remove the native species Superior competition skills and may remove the native species Where in the food chain / web do they fit if they are from somewhere else? Where in the food chain / web do they fit if they are from somewhere else?

12 Exotic Species ItemSourceProblem Location Kudzu JapanSE U.S. Zebra Mussels NE Europe / RussiaGreat Lakes Brown Tree Snake AsiaHawaii Asian Lady BeetleAsiaMidwest Asian CarpChinaAll fresh waters And so many more…

Asian Carp: Where are they now? …and where will they be in the future? 13

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15 Indicator / Keystone Species Species that have a much greater impact than food alone –Control population of other species –Create food at times when food is scarce –Impact would be greater than others if disappeared

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17 Gray Wolf Population in Wisconsin

Wolf Depredations in WI ( ) 18 Q: Has the Wolf Recovery Act of 1989 in Wisconsin lessened deer overpopulation?

19 Wolf Recovery Plan Instituted in Wisconsin (1989) Wolf Target Population Reached (1994)

20 Impact of Wolf Recovery Plan of 1989 Since 1992 the deer population in WI has increased by 300,000 deer…Since 1992 the deer population in WI has increased by 300,000 deer… * Therefore, wolves have not helped control the deer population of Wisconsin Since 1994 the deer population in WI has stayed the same…Since 1994 the deer population in WI has stayed the same… * Therefore, wolves have been doing their job. Since 1995 the deer population in WI has decreased by 300,000…Since 1995 the deer population in WI has decreased by 300,000… * Therefore, wolves have had killed too many of Wisconsin’s deer population.

Interpretation! “Data” is just a bunch of numbers!“Data” is just a bunch of numbers! In order to effectively use data, you MUST:In order to effectively use data, you MUST: AnalyzeAnalyze InterpretInterpret Place into the right contextPlace into the right context

22 Case Study: Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

23 anywhere in the world! Most Unique Ecosystem anywhere in the world! Most Unique Ecosystem The archipelago is home to around 5,000 different species, almost half of which are found on Earth.The archipelago is home to around 5,000 different species, almost half of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

24 Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin: “Origin of Species”Charles Darwin: “Origin of Species” Many of his ideas came from his trip to the Galapagos (many unique species)Many of his ideas came from his trip to the Galapagos (many unique species) No natural enemies!No natural enemies! Humans can “pet” the wild animals (tortoises, dolphins, seals, etc.)Humans can “pet” the wild animals (tortoises, dolphins, seals, etc.) Darwin Research Station (1959) for conservation of the Galapagos.Darwin Research Station (1959) for conservation of the Galapagos. However…

25 History of the Galapagos 1535: Arrival of the Spanish…and the introduction of HUNDREDS of exotic species!! –goats, cats, dogs, fruits, vegetables, diseases –Perhaps the most destructive of all: –1790: Arrival of the English—whaling industry 1833: First permanent settlement Humans.

26 Galapagos: the hangover begins… Islands isolated, undisturbed until last few hundred yearsIslands isolated, undisturbed until last few hundred years Due to isolation and abundant resources (tropics), animals coexisted with relatively little competition.Due to isolation and abundant resources (tropics), animals coexisted with relatively little competition. As a result, they developed few tools to compete (i.e. “natural” defenses)…As a result, they developed few tools to compete (i.e. “natural” defenses)… Therefore, native species are no match for exotic animals and diseases. Even goats.Therefore, native species are no match for exotic animals and diseases. Even goats.

27 Introduction of Invasive Species: Galapagos

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30 Back to the most exotic of all… 13xThe Galapagos population has grown 13x in 34 years! –1972: 3, : 40,000+ Animal life threatened: –Tourism –Overfishing –Pollution –“Development” Increased population equals: –greater risk of introduction / spread of alien species / diseases –higher pressure on scarce resources. Ecuadorian law now prohibits moving to the Galapagos unless you: –Were born on the islands –Have family on the islands –Yet thousands of violators

31 Key: Sustainability But how?

32 Sustainability To have the ability to exploit resources without depleting them or creating significant adverse effectsTo have the ability to exploit resources without depleting them or creating significant adverse effects How do you measure sustainability?How do you measure sustainability? Who decides?Who decides? What comes first: Environment, Animals or Humans?What comes first: Environment, Animals or Humans? –Environmental Ethics: Applying “moral” principles to environment just as one would do with humans. –But which humans are you considering?

33 The Galapagos Islands?

Cultural Sustainability? The Sea Turtle vs. Pope Francis

Somewhat related… Somewhat related… All sea turtles(worldwide) are critically threatened or endangered…but particularly in Latin America.All sea turtles (worldwide) are critically threatened or endangered…but particularly in Latin America. Latinos 90+% Catholic: LentLatinos 90+% Catholic: Lent Reptiles not considered “meat”Reptiles not considered “meat” Due to increased human population, not sustainable tradition anymoreDue to increased human population, not sustainable tradition anymore Environmentalists asked old Pope to put turtles on the “not acceptable list”Environmentalists asked old Pope to put turtles on the “not acceptable list” No word yet from new PopeNo word yet from new Pope

Sustainability. 36