G4: Conservation of biodiversity (3 hours)

G.4.1 Explain the use of biotic indices and indicator species in monitoring environmental change. Canary in the coal mine!  Indicator species Sensitive to environmental change –Lichens: indicator of air quality, pollution Cities too polluted, not much lichen Retain metals in tissue, so can measure presence in air (Pb, Hg) –Aquatic Macroinvertebrates  water quality Various levels of tolerance Cleaner water  more # of sensitive organisms

G.4.1 Explain the use of biotic indices and indicator species in monitoring environmental change. Biotic Index –phytoplankton monitoring # organisms in different tolerant groups Multiply x # based on the tolerance level (sensitive species, higher #, b/c bigger effect) More of sensitive species = higher water quality Total # = biotic index

G.4.2 Outline the factors that contributed to the extinction of one named animal species. Carolina parakeet –Extinct in wild since 1900 –NY  south  Colorado –Mid-1800s, settlers cleared trees for farming –Destroyed habitat –Honeybee same time, compete for hollow trees (parakeets use to nest) –HATS! Feathers (yellow, orange) –Live capture for pets Dodo passenger pigeon thyracine (Tasmanian wolf)

G.4.3 Outline the biogeographical features of nature reserves that promote the conservation of diversity. edge effects, size and habitat corridors SLOSS—single large or several small? –Large is better b/c small have low pop #s, extinction risk & more edge area more predation risk or competition from invasives risk Large nature reserves usually promote conservation of biodiversity more effectively than small ones. The ecology of the edges of ecosystems is different from the central areas, due to edge effects. –Ex. of edge effect: egg-laying habits of cowbird (western US) Feeds in open areas, but lays eggs in nests of other birds, near edges of forests. Fragmentation of forests  considerable increase in cowbird populations b/c increase in forest edge. Wildlife corridors allow organisms to move between different parts of a fragmented habitat, for example, tunnels under busy roads.

G.4.4 Discuss the role of active management techniques in conservation. Local example: Restoration Recovery of threatened species Removal of introduced species Legal protection against development/pollution Funding and prioritizing

G.4.5 Discuss the advantages of in situ conservation of endangered species (terrestrial and aquatic nature reserves). in situ conservation = keeping them in the natural habitat, conditions they’re adapted to Goal: continue adapting, w/o interference (invasives, humans) –Marine: rare, but ocean needs more protection –Terrestrial: common Protect target species (maintain habitat) Defend them from predators Remove invasives Lg enough area to maintain lg population Lg enough population to maintain genetic diversity

It doesn’t always work... If species is so endangered it needs more protection Pop not lg enough to maintain gen diversity Destruction can’t be controlled (invasives, humans, natural disasters)

G.4.6 Outline the use of ex situ conservation measures, including captive breeding of animals, botanic gardens and seed banks. LAST resort Can’t be kept in natural habitat safely or pop too small Captive breeding: –Zoos: artificial insemination (use pedigrees), embryo transfer to surrogate moms, cryogenics, human-raised young –Problems: introduce these to wild? Can introduce disease to fragile wild pop. (desert tortoises...resp disease); issues of instinct/learning/imprinting Botanical gardens: –Way easier; can add wild plants w/wild genes to keep gen diversity Seed banks: –Cold, dark conditions slow metabolism, stop germination –Can be dormant for decades!!