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

2. 1 - Competition Read & Consider C.3.1-C.3.2
List examples of local invasive species.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 2 - Chemicals Read & Consider Understandings C.3.3-C.3.4
What chemicals are polluting our area?

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

8. 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.

9. 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)

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

11. 3 - Management Read & Consider C.4.1-C.4.6
List examples of local invasive species.

12. Lichen Algal Blooms Biotic Indicies
Indicator Species
Lichen Algal Blooms Biotic Indicies

13. Conservation Methods
In Situ
Ex Situ

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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?

17. Works Cited
"Bufo Marinus: The Sound of an Invasive Species." SOUNDS LIKE NOISE. N.p., 30 Mar Web. 20 Apr
"Competitive_exclusion.html 54_03-NicheCompetition-L.jpg." Competitive_exclusion.html 54_03-NicheCompetition-L.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr
Flexo, Mitchell. "SHFT | Oceanic Plastic Pollution Enters the Food Chain." SHFT. N.p., 16 Mar Web. 20 Apr
"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 Web. 20 Apr
Walia, Arjan. "New Study Finds 88 Percent of Earth’s Ocean Surface Now Polluted With Plastic Trash." CollectiveEvolution RSS. N.p., 7 July Web. 20 Apr