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Published byStuart Dixon Modified over 8 years ago
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Ch 55 – Conservation Biology
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Focus on loss of biodiversity, due to human activities Increased rates of extinction
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Biodiversity 3 main levels: 1) Genetic diversity 2) Species diversity 3) Ecosystem diversity
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Human impact Habitat Destruction: 90% of world’s plant activity takes place where people play a significant role 38% of earth’s ice-free land has been been cultivated for farming Destroyed original forests in N. America & Europe, deforestation of tropical rainforests Use of fossil fuels has warmed atmosphere Pollution affects oceans
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Human impact Overexploitation – Overfishing – California Sardines – harvested to brink of extinction in early 1900’s – Collapse of orange roughy, Chilean sea bass, blue fin tuna populations Estimated that overfishing has reduced large fish populations to 10% of pre-industrial population
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Introduced species – Kudzu in South -introduced for erosion control
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- Burmese python in Florida – exotic pets, now established in Everglades
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- Asian carp in Great Lakes Aggressive, out compete native fish
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Bioaccumulation Accumulation of substances (i.e. toxins, pesticides) in an organism We are surrounded by chemicals: In personal products, furniture, food, etc. i.e. Phthalates – shampoo, soap, lotion – Can cause reproductive disorders
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Biomagnification Poisoning of small consumers can be passed along the food chain to affect the consumers later on.
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