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Chapter 38: Problem 7

With limited resources, conservation biologists need to prioritize their efforts. Of the following choices, which should receive the greatest attention for the goal of conserving biodiversity? a. a commercially important species b. all endangered vertebrate species c. a declining keystone species in a community d. all endangered species

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. a declining keystone species in a community

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question asks which option should receive the greatest attention for conserving biodiversity. The choices include a commercially important species, all endangered vertebrate species, a declining keystone species in a community, and all endangered species.
02

Analyze Each Option

Examine the impact of conserving each choice: - A commercially important species might not have a significant role in biodiversity. - All endangered vertebrate species is a broad choice, but it excludes non-vertebrates. - A declining keystone species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. - All endangered species is vast and may not be practical with limited resources.
03

Evaluate the Keystone Species

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. Conserving a keystone species can support the entire ecosystem, thereby conserving biodiversity more effectively.
04

Make the Decision

Given the limited resources and the goal of conserving biodiversity, the option that addresses the core of ecological stability should be prioritized.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the different species, genes, and ecosystems. It's crucial because a rich variety of life forms ensures ecosystem resilience. This means ecosystems can better withstand disturbances and continue to provide essential services like clean water, air, and food. High biodiversity also means more genetic variation and adaptability, ensuring that species can survive changes in the environment. Conservation biologists focus on preserving this diversity to maintain healthy and functioning ecosystems.
keystone species
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. Think of these species as the 'glue' that holds an ecosystem together. Examples include sea otters in kelp forests and wolves in Yellowstone. Losing a keystone species can lead to the collapse of the ecosystem, affecting many other species. Conservationists prioritize keystone species because protecting them means protecting the entire ecosystem. It's a strategic way to use limited resources for maximum ecological benefit.
endangered species
Endangered species are those at high risk of extinction in the near future. Factors like habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, and climate change contribute to their declining numbers. Protecting endangered species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. However, with limited resources, it's often challenging to save all at-risk species. Conservation efforts must be strategic, often focusing on species that also help larger ecosystems, like keystone species. By concentrating efforts on these critical species, we can make significant strides in preserving broader biodiversity.
ecosystem stability
Ecosystem stability refers to an ecosystem's ability to maintain its structure and functions over time, despite external stressors. Stable ecosystems are vital for the survival of species and the continued provision of ecosystem services like food, water, and clean air. Biodiverse ecosystems are generally more stable because a variety of species can fulfill different roles and support each other. Conservation strategies often aim to enhance ecosystem stability by protecting vital species and habitats, ensuring the resilience and functionality of natural spaces.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following is characteristic of endemic species? a. They are often found in biodiversity hot spots. b. They are distributed widely in the biosphere. c. They require edges between ecosystems. d. They are often keystone species whose presence helps to structure a community.

Movement corridors art a. the routes taken by migratory animals. b. strips or clumps of habitat that connect isolated fragment of habitat. c. landscapes that include several different ecosystems. d. edges, or boundaries, between ecosystems.

Which of these statements best describes what conservation biologists mean by the "the rapid loss of biodiversity"? a. Introduced species, such as starlings and zebra mussels, have rapidly expanded their ranges. b. Harvests of marine fishes, such as cod and bluefin tuna, are declining. c. The current species extinction rate is as much as 100 times greater than at any time in the past 100,000 years. d. Many potential medicines are being lost as plant species become extinct.

Ospreys and other top predators are most severely affected by pesticides such as PCBs because they a. are especially sensitive to chemicals. b. have very long life spans. c. store the pesticides in their tissues. d. consume prey in which pesticides are concentrated.

The price of energy does not reflect its real costs. What kinds of hidden environmental costs are not reflected in the price of fossil fuels? How are these costs paid, and by whom? Do you think these costs could or should be figured into the price of oil? How might that be done?
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