Ecology-Biodiversity and Conservation - Extinction of Species
- Definition of extinction
- Causes of extinction
- Habitat loss
- Introduction of invasive species
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Effects of extinction
- Loss of biodiversity
- Disruption of ecosystems
- Examples of extinct species
- Dodo bird
- Tasmanian tiger
- Mass extinctions in history
- Permian-Triassic extinction
- Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction
- Endangered species and conservation
- Red list categories
- Conservation efforts
- Role of humans in species extinction
- Overhunting and overfishing
- Deforestation
- Global trade
- Importance of biodiversity conservation
- Strategies for preventing extinction
- Habitat preservation
- Captive breeding programs
- Invasive species management
Extinction: Definition
- Extinction is the complete eradication of a species from the Earth.
- It occurs when there are no remaining individuals of a species alive.
- Extinction can be a natural process or result from human activities.
Causes of Extinction: Habitat Loss
- Habitat loss is the destruction or conversion of natural habitats.
- It is mainly caused by human activities such as deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
- Examples: Destruction of rainforests leading to the extinction of numerous plant and animal species.
Causes of Extinction: Introduction of Invasive Species
- Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the ecosystems they invade.
- They often outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
- Examples: Introduction of the brown tree snake to Guam, leading to the extinction of several bird species.
Causes of Extinction: Pollution
- Pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, can have severe impacts on species survival.
- It can lead to habitat degradation, poisoning of organisms, and disruption of ecological processes.
- Examples: Industrial pollution causing the decline of fish populations in polluted rivers.
Causes of Extinction: Climate Change
- Climate change is altering habitats and affecting species in various ways.
- Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise can disrupt ecosystems.
- Examples: Polar bears facing extinction due to the loss of sea ice habitat.
Effects of Extinction: Loss of Biodiversity
- Extinction contributes to the loss of biodiversity, which is the variety of life on Earth.
- Each species has a unique role in the ecosystem, and the loss of one species can lead to cascading effects on other species.
- Examples: Loss of pollinators like bees can reduce crop productivity and biodiversity.
Effects of Extinction: Disruption of Ecosystems
- Extinction can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to instability and potential collapse.
- Removal of keystone species or important ecological interactions can have far-reaching impacts.
- Examples: Elimination of top predators can lead to an increase in prey population, causing overgrazing and habitat degradation.
Examples of Extinct Species: Dodo Bird
- The dodo bird was a flightless bird native to Mauritius.
- It became extinct in the late 17th century due to overhunting by humans and the introduction of invasive species.
- The dodo serves as a symbol of human-induced extinction.
Examples of Extinct Species: Tasmanian Tiger
- The Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, was a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania.
- It was hunted to extinction by humans in the early 20th century due to perceived threats to livestock.
- The last known individual died in captivity in 1936.
Sure! Here are slides 11 to 20:
Slide 11: Mass Extinctions in History
- Mass extinctions are periods in Earth’s history when a significant number of species go extinct.
- They have occurred multiple times throughout history, with five major mass extinctions identified.
- Mass extinctions can result from natural events or human activities.
Slide 12: Permian-Triassic Extinction
- The Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as “The Great Dying,” occurred around 252 million years ago.
- It is considered the most severe mass extinction event, with an estimated 90-96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species going extinct.
- Causes of the Permian-Triassic extinction include volcanic activity, global warming, and ocean acidification.
Slide 13: Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction
- The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, also known as the K-Pg extinction, occurred approximately 66 million years ago.
- It marked the end of the dinosaurs and led to the extinction of about 75% of all species on Earth.
- The impact event of a large asteroid or comet is believed to be the primary cause of this mass extinction.
Slide 14: Endangered Species and Conservation
- Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction in the near future.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the Red List, which categorizes species based on their conservation status.
- Categories include critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and near threatened.
Slide 15: Red List Categories
- Critically Endangered: Species facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- Endangered: Species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
- Vulnerable: Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- Near Threatened: Species close to qualifying for a threatened category.
Slide 16: Conservation Efforts
- Conservation aims to protect and preserve biodiversity by managing and restoring ecosystems.
- Efforts include creating protected areas, establishing breeding programs, and implementing conservation laws and regulations.
- Conservation organizations and government agencies collaborate to develop and implement conservation plans.
Slide 17: Role of Humans in Species Extinction
- Human activities are the primary drivers of species extinction.
- Overhunting and overfishing can lead to population declines and the disappearance of species.
- Deforestation and habitat destruction result in the loss of viable habitats for many organisms.
- Global trade, including the exotic pet trade and the trafficking of wildlife products, contributes to species depletion.
Slide 18: Importance of Biodiversity Conservation
- Biodiversity conservation is essential for ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainability.
- It provides numerous benefits, including food security, climate regulation, and the discovery of new medicines.
- Conservation helps maintain the balance of ecosystems and the services they provide to humans.
Slide 19: Strategies for Preventing Extinction
- Habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining viable populations of species. Protecting and restoring habitats ensures they can continue to thrive.
- Captive breeding programs aim to breed species in controlled environments, with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild.
- Invasive species management focuses on controlling and eradicating non-native species that disrupt native ecosystems.
Slide 20: Conclusion
- Extinction of species is a significant concern and has both ecological and societal implications.
- Conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and species management, are vital for preventing further extinctions.
- Recognizing the role of humans in species extinction is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity.
Slide 21: Importance of Habitat Preservation
- Protection of natural habitats ensures the survival of species by providing them with suitable living conditions.
- Preserving habitats helps maintain biodiversity and supports ecosystem functioning.
- Examples: Protection of coral reefs to ensure the survival of various marine species.
Slide 22: Captive Breeding Programs
- Captive breeding programs involve breeding threatened or endangered species in controlled environments.
- These programs aim to increase the population size of species and reintroduce them into the wild.
- Examples: Breeding programs for the California condor and black-footed ferret.
Slide 23: Invasive Species Management
- Invasive species management focuses on controlling and eradicating non-native species that disrupt ecosystems.
- Techniques include prevention, eradication, and control methods like trapping, chemical treatments, and biological control.
- Examples: Managing the infestation of zebra mussels in freshwater ecosystems.
Slide 24: Ecosystem Services
- Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from healthy ecosystems.
- They include provisioning services (e.g., food, water), regulating services (e.g., climate regulation, water purification), cultural services (e.g., recreation, aesthetic enjoyment), and supporting services (e.g., nutrient cycling, soil formation).
- Examples: Forests providing clean air, wetlands purifying water, and bees pollinating crops.
Slide 25: Sustainable Resource Use
- Sustainable resource use involves utilizing natural resources in a way that does not deplete or harm ecosystems.
- It aims to balance the need for resources with the long-term preservation of the environment.
- Examples: Implementing sustainable fishing practices and promoting renewable energy sources.
Slide 26: International Conservation Efforts
- Various international organizations work together to promote conservation efforts globally.
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade of endangered species.
- The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include targets for biodiversity conservation.
- Examples: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Slide 27: Case Study: African Elephant Conservation
- African elephants are threatened by habitat loss, poaching for ivory, and human-elephant conflict.
- Conservation efforts include the establishment of protected areas, anti-poaching patrols, and community-based initiatives to reduce conflicts.
- The African Elephant Action Plan, supported by multiple organizations, focuses on conserving elephant populations and their habitats.
Slide 28: Case Study: Pollinator Conservation
- Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are essential for plant reproduction and food production.
- Conservation efforts aim to protect pollinator habitats, reduce pesticide use, and raise awareness about their importance.
- Examples: The Pollinator Partnership and the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
Slide 29: Case Study: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Marine Protected Areas are designated regions in oceans or seas where human activities are limited or prohibited.
- MPAs help conserve marine biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable fisheries.
- Examples: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Slide 30: Conclusion
- The extinction of species poses a significant threat to ecosystems and global biodiversity.
- Habitat preservation, captive breeding programs, and invasive species management are essential strategies for preventing extinction.
- Conservation efforts, both local and international, play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining the services provided by ecosystems.