This document summarizes information about biodiversity and ecosystems. It notes that over 99% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct, and current extinction rates are 100-10,000 times higher than background rates. It also discusses the valuable services provided by ecosystems like water purification and climate regulation, and notes that trillions of dollars are lost annually from ecosystem degradation. Finally, it presents data showing the relationship between economic development and various environmental impacts, highlighting the need for sustainable development policies.
It's no secret that environmental degradation has been shown to have damaged people's health, often fatally, in many specific cases.
Now, however, world-leading research at the University of Adelaide has linked the two on a staggering global scale.
Using data from over 100 countries, Professor Corey Bradshaw has examined the relationships between key indicators of human health and environmental quality and discovered a clear correlation, with dire implications.
As only one example, his findings indicate just a 10% overall reduction in water quality would raise infant deaths by many millions per year.
It's vital information for people and planet. And in this important presentation Professor Bradshaw will reveal the full story.
Estimating Extinction Rates: Habitat loss, species-area curves, and the “exti...Flinders University
This document discusses methods for estimating extinction rates and examines the limitations of using species-area relationships (SAR) to estimate extinction rates from habitat loss. Specifically, SAR methods may overestimate extinction rates because they assume species are randomly distributed when in reality species distributions are often non-random. The document explores how non-random spatial distributions violate the mirror-image relationship between forward and backward modeling using SAR and endemics-area curves. Data from forest plots are analyzed showing SAR may not accurately capture extinction risks from habitat loss for non-randomly distributed species.
This document summarizes key statistics on biodiversity and extinction rates:
- It lists the estimated numbers of various taxonomic groups ranging from protists to mammals.
- It notes that 99% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct, and current extinction rates are 100-10,000 times higher than background rates.
- Several studies are cited showing high percentages of threatened species for groups like mammals, amphibians, birds, sharks and corals.
- Causes of extinction are discussed, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, invasive species, climate change and their interactions.
The document discusses how climate change, environmental degradation, and inequality can lead to societal collapse based on historical patterns. It then summarizes evidence that deforestation, wildlife trade, and land use changes can increase transmission of diseases from animals to humans by modifying habitats and increasing human-animal contact. Specifically, these factors may have contributed to the high prevalence of Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases. The document recommends pandemic preparedness, policies to curb deforestation and wildlife trade, and addressing climate change to reduce risks of disease emergence.
Water temperatures affects susceptibility to ranavirusmgray11
This document summarizes a study that tested how water temperature affects the pathogenicity of ranavirus in four amphibian species. The study found that at higher temperatures (25C vs 10C): 1) Mortality from ranavirus was greater for wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and green frogs; 2) Infection prevalence was higher in all species tested; and 3) Wood frogs experienced 100% infection but no mortality at 10C, whereas 80-90% mortality occurred at 15C. These results support the hypothesis that higher temperatures increase ranavirus replication and pathogenicity, likely by increasing virus replication rates while suppressing immune function in amphibians. Future research should retest other species and temperatures to further elucidate
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is responsible for the infectious disease chytridiomycosis that is devastating amphibian populations worldwide. Bd was first discovered in Australia in 1998 and has since spread globally, causing population declines and extinctions of over 200 frog species. While the exact origin of Bd is unknown, it likely spread through increased global trade and transport of amphibians. Climate change may also be facilitating the spread and emergence of Bd in new areas by forcing amphibians to higher elevations and latitudes. Conservation efforts include capturing wild amphibians, breeding them in chytrid-free environments, and re-releasing them to help
The document provides an overview of key concepts in ecology, including:
1) Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment, which determine species distribution and abundance.
2) All environments include biotic factors like living organisms and abiotic non-living chemical and physical factors that also influence species.
3) Population ecology examines factors like birth, death, and migration that influence population size and growth patterns in relation to environmental carrying capacity.
4) Community ecology looks at interspecies interactions like competition, predation, and symbiosis that structure ecological communities.
This document summarizes information about biodiversity and ecosystems. It notes that over 99% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct, and current extinction rates are 100-10,000 times higher than background rates. It also discusses the valuable services provided by ecosystems like water purification and climate regulation, and notes that trillions of dollars are lost annually from ecosystem degradation. Finally, it presents data showing the relationship between economic development and various environmental impacts, highlighting the need for sustainable development policies.
It's no secret that environmental degradation has been shown to have damaged people's health, often fatally, in many specific cases.
Now, however, world-leading research at the University of Adelaide has linked the two on a staggering global scale.
Using data from over 100 countries, Professor Corey Bradshaw has examined the relationships between key indicators of human health and environmental quality and discovered a clear correlation, with dire implications.
As only one example, his findings indicate just a 10% overall reduction in water quality would raise infant deaths by many millions per year.
It's vital information for people and planet. And in this important presentation Professor Bradshaw will reveal the full story.
Estimating Extinction Rates: Habitat loss, species-area curves, and the “exti...Flinders University
This document discusses methods for estimating extinction rates and examines the limitations of using species-area relationships (SAR) to estimate extinction rates from habitat loss. Specifically, SAR methods may overestimate extinction rates because they assume species are randomly distributed when in reality species distributions are often non-random. The document explores how non-random spatial distributions violate the mirror-image relationship between forward and backward modeling using SAR and endemics-area curves. Data from forest plots are analyzed showing SAR may not accurately capture extinction risks from habitat loss for non-randomly distributed species.
This document summarizes key statistics on biodiversity and extinction rates:
- It lists the estimated numbers of various taxonomic groups ranging from protists to mammals.
- It notes that 99% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct, and current extinction rates are 100-10,000 times higher than background rates.
- Several studies are cited showing high percentages of threatened species for groups like mammals, amphibians, birds, sharks and corals.
- Causes of extinction are discussed, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, invasive species, climate change and their interactions.
The document discusses how climate change, environmental degradation, and inequality can lead to societal collapse based on historical patterns. It then summarizes evidence that deforestation, wildlife trade, and land use changes can increase transmission of diseases from animals to humans by modifying habitats and increasing human-animal contact. Specifically, these factors may have contributed to the high prevalence of Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases. The document recommends pandemic preparedness, policies to curb deforestation and wildlife trade, and addressing climate change to reduce risks of disease emergence.
Water temperatures affects susceptibility to ranavirusmgray11
This document summarizes a study that tested how water temperature affects the pathogenicity of ranavirus in four amphibian species. The study found that at higher temperatures (25C vs 10C): 1) Mortality from ranavirus was greater for wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and green frogs; 2) Infection prevalence was higher in all species tested; and 3) Wood frogs experienced 100% infection but no mortality at 10C, whereas 80-90% mortality occurred at 15C. These results support the hypothesis that higher temperatures increase ranavirus replication and pathogenicity, likely by increasing virus replication rates while suppressing immune function in amphibians. Future research should retest other species and temperatures to further elucidate
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is responsible for the infectious disease chytridiomycosis that is devastating amphibian populations worldwide. Bd was first discovered in Australia in 1998 and has since spread globally, causing population declines and extinctions of over 200 frog species. While the exact origin of Bd is unknown, it likely spread through increased global trade and transport of amphibians. Climate change may also be facilitating the spread and emergence of Bd in new areas by forcing amphibians to higher elevations and latitudes. Conservation efforts include capturing wild amphibians, breeding them in chytrid-free environments, and re-releasing them to help
The document provides an overview of key concepts in ecology, including:
1) Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment, which determine species distribution and abundance.
2) All environments include biotic factors like living organisms and abiotic non-living chemical and physical factors that also influence species.
3) Population ecology examines factors like birth, death, and migration that influence population size and growth patterns in relation to environmental carrying capacity.
4) Community ecology looks at interspecies interactions like competition, predation, and symbiosis that structure ecological communities.
The passage describes several ecological concepts and methods used to study plant and animal populations and communities, including:
1) Factors that influence species distributions such as temperature, water, light, soil pH, salinity, and nutrients are outlined.
2) Random quadrat sampling and transect methods to study and compare population sizes and distributions are explained.
3) The niche concept including an organism's habitat, feeding activities, and interactions is defined.
4) Examples of species interactions like competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, and mutualism are given.
5) The principles of competitive exclusion and distinguishing fundamental versus realized niches are explained.
6) Biom
Fourteen artificial nests were monitored, with four in a nature preserve and ten in residential yards. Nests contained quail and clay eggs and were monitored by game cameras. In the nature preserve, 50% of nests were predated, while 60% of nests in yards were predated. Nest predation in yards was lower within 3.5 miles of downtown. The predator community differed between the sites, with jays preying in the preserve but multiple species like grackles, mice, and squirrels taking eggs in yards.
This document summarizes research on ranaviruses, which are pathogens that can cause disease outbreaks in amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Ranaviruses have been detected globally and can infect over 70 amphibian species from 14 families on 5 continents. Susceptibility and mortality from ranavirus infection varies between species and life stages. Some species may act as reservoirs or amplification hosts. There is evidence that ranaviruses can transmit between classes of vertebrates (e.g. from fish to amphibians). Stressors like temperature, pollution, and genetic isolation can increase susceptibility. Ranaviruses have been associated with local population declines and extirpations, especially of rare species.
This document summarizes research on Ranaviral disease pathology and physiology across different classes of animals. Key points include:
1) Lesions from Ranavirus infections often include hemorrhage, swelling and tissue necrosis across amphibians, reptiles and fish.
2) Host susceptibility and disease severity varies between virus isolates and host species.
3) Concurrent infections with other pathogens can influence Ranavirus disease progression.
4) Current research is characterizing Ranavirus pathogenesis in different hosts and exploring the effects of concurrent infections.
Barker et al 2012. Thermoregulation by an Australian murine rodent, the ash-g...Justine Barker
This study examines the thermoregulatory physiology of the ash-grey mouse (Pseudomys albocinereus), an Australian murine rodent. Most ash-grey mice remained normothermic over a range of ambient temperatures, but one individual entered torpor at 20°C and 25°C before spontaneously arousing, representing the first evidence of torpor use in an Australian murine rodent. However, torpor appeared to be used rarely and their basal metabolic rate was higher than expected, indicating they do not have a frugal energy expenditure approach. While ash-grey mice have the physiological ability for torpor, other behavioral and physiological adaptations allow them to maintain energy and water balance without heavy reliance on tor
This document discusses population ecology concepts including:
- Populations are defined as groups of the same species in a specific area, characterized by number and density.
- Physical environment limits species' geographic distributions. Studies found climate influences kangaroo and plant species distributions.
- On small scales, individual distributions within populations can be random, regular, or clumped based on resource availability. On large scales, distributions are often clumped.
- Population density generally declines with increasing organism size, shown in studies of mammals, birds, and plants.
- Rarity is determined by a species' geographic range, habitat tolerance, and local population sizes, with less common combinations more vulnerable to extinction.
1) The document discusses how human activities like agriculture, pollution, and urbanization impact soil arthropod communities.
2) Agriculture can lower diversity through monocropping and high-input methods, while moderate grazing and crop rotation can increase diversity. Invasive species and some management practices also negatively impact communities.
3) Pollution from chemicals, heavy metals, and increasing CO2 levels reduces abundance and shifts community compositions. Recovery times vary between species.
4) Effects of urbanization on soil arthropod communities are mixed - one study found no difference while another found native species loss over time.
Jardine et al RRV and GIS Muddy Lakes WA_AJTMH_May 2014Peter Neville
This study examined the dispersal of Aedes camptorhynchus mosquitoes from breeding habitat at Muddy Lakes in Western Australia and the associated risk of Ross River virus (RRV) in surrounding residential areas. Mark-release-recapture experiments found that Ae. camptorhynchus readily dispersed from Muddy Lakes up to 6.5 km away, with 91% recaptured within 3 km. A spatial analysis of 10 years of RRV case data found significantly higher rates of RRV within 2 km of Muddy Lakes, highlighting the disease risk posed to residents near mosquito breeding habitat. The findings suggest planning authorities should consider mosquito-borne disease risks when approving new residential developments near wetlands.
DP Bio Option C-3 Impacts of Humans on EcosystemsR. Price
1. Introduced alien species that become invasive can negatively impact local ecosystems by competing with and preying upon native species, especially if they do not have natural predators in the new location. Examples mentioned include zebra mussels, Japanese knotweed, and cane toads.
2. When alien species become invasive, their competitive exclusion of native species and lack of natural predators can lead to a reduction in numbers of endemic species through domination of the ecosystem.
3. Pollutants can biomagnify up food chains, becoming more concentrated at higher trophic levels as each organism consumes prey containing the toxins, which are not easily excreted and often accumulate in fatty tissues.
This document discusses insect biodiversity and conservation. It begins by defining biodiversity and noting that insects make up over 70% of described species. It then provides tables listing the approximate number of described species across taxonomic groups. The rest of the document discusses measuring and comparing diversity within and between communities, the importance of conserving insect diversity for ecosystem services like pollination and pest control, and threats to biodiversity from land use change, climate change, and invasive species.
A preliminary survey of gastrointestinal parasites of animals inAlexander Decker
This study surveyed gastrointestinal parasites in 18 animal species at the Federal University of Agriculture
Abeokuta Zoological Park in Nigeria. Fecal samples collected from April to July 2014 were examined
microscopically and 7 parasite species were identified, with hookworm being the most prevalent at 22.2%. Of the
animals surveyed, 55.6% were infected with at least one parasite. Non-human primates had the highest infection
rates and intensities. The study recommends routine deworming and improved hygiene to control parasite
transmission between animals and humans at the zoo.
The document summarizes a study that found parallel declines in the frequency of melanic peppered moths in populations in southeast Michigan, USA and Britain. In both locations, the frequency of melanic moths peaked in the 1950s-1960s during periods of high air pollution, exceeding 90% in Michigan. However, as air quality improved due to environmental regulations in both places beginning in the 1960s, the frequency of melanic moths declined steadily at both sites. By 1994-1995, melanics made up 16-20% of moths in Michigan, similar to the 18.7-17.6% found in Britain over the same period. This parallel evolution is attributed to improved air quality reducing selection pressures that previously
Impact of the koka reservoir on malaria, Solomon Kibret, Matthew McCartney and Jonathan Lautze. Challenge Program on Water and Food, 2nd International Forum on Water and Food, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
November 2008
This document summarizes a lecture on exploitation in ecology, including predation, parasitism, and disease. It discusses complex interactions between exploiters and their hosts/prey and how their abundances fluctuate over time. Models like Lotka-Volterra predict oscillations in populations as exploiters consume hosts/prey, then decline as the resource is depleted. For populations to persist, hosts/prey need refuges from exploiters, like living in dense groups, being a less profitable size target, or having physical structures that separate populations.
There is very little doubt today among the scientific community that anthropogenic, or human-induced, greenhouse gas pollution has contributed significantly to the global warming. Greenhouse gases are so named because they trap heat and impede its radiation back into the atmosphere, much like the glass panes on a greenhouse does, thus causing a rise in surface temperatures on earth.
Transmission of ranavirus between ectothermic vertebrate hostsmgray11
This study tested whether a frog virus 3 (FV3)-like ranavirus could be transmitted between three ectothermic vertebrate hosts: Cope's gray tree frogs, red-eared slider turtles, and mosquito fish. The results showed that (1) turtles could infect frogs and frogs could infect turtles, (2) fish could infect frogs but frogs did not infect fish, and (3) indirect transmission between species occurred but did not always result in mortality. This is the first study to demonstrate interclass transmission of ranavirus between reptiles, amphibians, and fish, providing evidence that these hosts can act as reservoirs and contribute to the persistence and spread of ranavirus infections.
This document discusses biodiversity, including the variety of living things, ecological diversity through different habitats and species interactions, and genetic diversity within populations. It notes the benefits of biodiversity, such as ecosystem functions, services like cleaning water and air, and providing habitat for wildlife. Biodiversity also provides resources like new food sources, medicines from plants and marine organisms. However, biodiversity is threatened by extinction and population reductions due to hunting, habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Ways to protect biodiversity discussed include sustainable harvesting, establishing protected areas, and legislation like the Endangered Species Act.
Seven Ozark stream sites were sampled and their macroinvertebrate communities assessed. The sites varied in phosphorus concentration from 0.013 to 0.042 μg/L. Results showed Kings River had the highest percentage of pollution-sensitive EPT taxa and lowest ratio of pollution-tolerant to intolerant organisms, indicating best health. White River had the highest percentages of pollution-tolerant organisms and Chironomidae, and lowest EPT, indicating most impairment. Percentage of pollution-tolerant organisms increased with higher phosphorus levels at most sites.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within an ecosystem and is a measure of ecosystem health. Greater biodiversity implies greater health, and terrestrial biodiversity generally declines from the equator to the poles. The evolution of life over 3.5 billion years has resulted in the biodiversity we see today, although until around 600 million years ago life consisted primarily of single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea. Biodiversity provides many benefits to humans like genetic resources for improving crops, and is also culturally and aesthetically valuable. However, biodiversity is facing major threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, and climate change, with many species currently endangered or facing extinction. Conservation efforts are needed to protect biod
This document provides special thanks to over 20 individuals from various universities and organizations. It then summarizes 3 initiatives by the global partnership Internet.org to expand affordable internet access worldwide: 1) An innovation lab to help developers ensure apps will work in remote areas. 2) Research on technologies like planes, satellites and lasers to improve connectivity. 3) An app providing free basic services to users in markets where internet access is less affordable, launched in Zambia and expanding globally.
This document summarizes a study that ranked countries based on their environmental impact. The researchers developed several metrics to measure a country's impact, such as forest loss, land conversion, fish catches, fertilizer use, carbon emissions, and threats to biodiversity. They found that high-impact countries tended to be in Asia, and wealth did not reduce countries' impacts as predicted by the environmental Kuznets curve. The researchers hope these rankings can identify countries needing assistance and encourage better environmental policies.
The passage describes several ecological concepts and methods used to study plant and animal populations and communities, including:
1) Factors that influence species distributions such as temperature, water, light, soil pH, salinity, and nutrients are outlined.
2) Random quadrat sampling and transect methods to study and compare population sizes and distributions are explained.
3) The niche concept including an organism's habitat, feeding activities, and interactions is defined.
4) Examples of species interactions like competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, and mutualism are given.
5) The principles of competitive exclusion and distinguishing fundamental versus realized niches are explained.
6) Biom
Fourteen artificial nests were monitored, with four in a nature preserve and ten in residential yards. Nests contained quail and clay eggs and were monitored by game cameras. In the nature preserve, 50% of nests were predated, while 60% of nests in yards were predated. Nest predation in yards was lower within 3.5 miles of downtown. The predator community differed between the sites, with jays preying in the preserve but multiple species like grackles, mice, and squirrels taking eggs in yards.
This document summarizes research on ranaviruses, which are pathogens that can cause disease outbreaks in amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Ranaviruses have been detected globally and can infect over 70 amphibian species from 14 families on 5 continents. Susceptibility and mortality from ranavirus infection varies between species and life stages. Some species may act as reservoirs or amplification hosts. There is evidence that ranaviruses can transmit between classes of vertebrates (e.g. from fish to amphibians). Stressors like temperature, pollution, and genetic isolation can increase susceptibility. Ranaviruses have been associated with local population declines and extirpations, especially of rare species.
This document summarizes research on Ranaviral disease pathology and physiology across different classes of animals. Key points include:
1) Lesions from Ranavirus infections often include hemorrhage, swelling and tissue necrosis across amphibians, reptiles and fish.
2) Host susceptibility and disease severity varies between virus isolates and host species.
3) Concurrent infections with other pathogens can influence Ranavirus disease progression.
4) Current research is characterizing Ranavirus pathogenesis in different hosts and exploring the effects of concurrent infections.
Barker et al 2012. Thermoregulation by an Australian murine rodent, the ash-g...Justine Barker
This study examines the thermoregulatory physiology of the ash-grey mouse (Pseudomys albocinereus), an Australian murine rodent. Most ash-grey mice remained normothermic over a range of ambient temperatures, but one individual entered torpor at 20°C and 25°C before spontaneously arousing, representing the first evidence of torpor use in an Australian murine rodent. However, torpor appeared to be used rarely and their basal metabolic rate was higher than expected, indicating they do not have a frugal energy expenditure approach. While ash-grey mice have the physiological ability for torpor, other behavioral and physiological adaptations allow them to maintain energy and water balance without heavy reliance on tor
This document discusses population ecology concepts including:
- Populations are defined as groups of the same species in a specific area, characterized by number and density.
- Physical environment limits species' geographic distributions. Studies found climate influences kangaroo and plant species distributions.
- On small scales, individual distributions within populations can be random, regular, or clumped based on resource availability. On large scales, distributions are often clumped.
- Population density generally declines with increasing organism size, shown in studies of mammals, birds, and plants.
- Rarity is determined by a species' geographic range, habitat tolerance, and local population sizes, with less common combinations more vulnerable to extinction.
1) The document discusses how human activities like agriculture, pollution, and urbanization impact soil arthropod communities.
2) Agriculture can lower diversity through monocropping and high-input methods, while moderate grazing and crop rotation can increase diversity. Invasive species and some management practices also negatively impact communities.
3) Pollution from chemicals, heavy metals, and increasing CO2 levels reduces abundance and shifts community compositions. Recovery times vary between species.
4) Effects of urbanization on soil arthropod communities are mixed - one study found no difference while another found native species loss over time.
Jardine et al RRV and GIS Muddy Lakes WA_AJTMH_May 2014Peter Neville
This study examined the dispersal of Aedes camptorhynchus mosquitoes from breeding habitat at Muddy Lakes in Western Australia and the associated risk of Ross River virus (RRV) in surrounding residential areas. Mark-release-recapture experiments found that Ae. camptorhynchus readily dispersed from Muddy Lakes up to 6.5 km away, with 91% recaptured within 3 km. A spatial analysis of 10 years of RRV case data found significantly higher rates of RRV within 2 km of Muddy Lakes, highlighting the disease risk posed to residents near mosquito breeding habitat. The findings suggest planning authorities should consider mosquito-borne disease risks when approving new residential developments near wetlands.
DP Bio Option C-3 Impacts of Humans on EcosystemsR. Price
1. Introduced alien species that become invasive can negatively impact local ecosystems by competing with and preying upon native species, especially if they do not have natural predators in the new location. Examples mentioned include zebra mussels, Japanese knotweed, and cane toads.
2. When alien species become invasive, their competitive exclusion of native species and lack of natural predators can lead to a reduction in numbers of endemic species through domination of the ecosystem.
3. Pollutants can biomagnify up food chains, becoming more concentrated at higher trophic levels as each organism consumes prey containing the toxins, which are not easily excreted and often accumulate in fatty tissues.
This document discusses insect biodiversity and conservation. It begins by defining biodiversity and noting that insects make up over 70% of described species. It then provides tables listing the approximate number of described species across taxonomic groups. The rest of the document discusses measuring and comparing diversity within and between communities, the importance of conserving insect diversity for ecosystem services like pollination and pest control, and threats to biodiversity from land use change, climate change, and invasive species.
A preliminary survey of gastrointestinal parasites of animals inAlexander Decker
This study surveyed gastrointestinal parasites in 18 animal species at the Federal University of Agriculture
Abeokuta Zoological Park in Nigeria. Fecal samples collected from April to July 2014 were examined
microscopically and 7 parasite species were identified, with hookworm being the most prevalent at 22.2%. Of the
animals surveyed, 55.6% were infected with at least one parasite. Non-human primates had the highest infection
rates and intensities. The study recommends routine deworming and improved hygiene to control parasite
transmission between animals and humans at the zoo.
The document summarizes a study that found parallel declines in the frequency of melanic peppered moths in populations in southeast Michigan, USA and Britain. In both locations, the frequency of melanic moths peaked in the 1950s-1960s during periods of high air pollution, exceeding 90% in Michigan. However, as air quality improved due to environmental regulations in both places beginning in the 1960s, the frequency of melanic moths declined steadily at both sites. By 1994-1995, melanics made up 16-20% of moths in Michigan, similar to the 18.7-17.6% found in Britain over the same period. This parallel evolution is attributed to improved air quality reducing selection pressures that previously
Impact of the koka reservoir on malaria, Solomon Kibret, Matthew McCartney and Jonathan Lautze. Challenge Program on Water and Food, 2nd International Forum on Water and Food, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
November 2008
This document summarizes a lecture on exploitation in ecology, including predation, parasitism, and disease. It discusses complex interactions between exploiters and their hosts/prey and how their abundances fluctuate over time. Models like Lotka-Volterra predict oscillations in populations as exploiters consume hosts/prey, then decline as the resource is depleted. For populations to persist, hosts/prey need refuges from exploiters, like living in dense groups, being a less profitable size target, or having physical structures that separate populations.
There is very little doubt today among the scientific community that anthropogenic, or human-induced, greenhouse gas pollution has contributed significantly to the global warming. Greenhouse gases are so named because they trap heat and impede its radiation back into the atmosphere, much like the glass panes on a greenhouse does, thus causing a rise in surface temperatures on earth.
Transmission of ranavirus between ectothermic vertebrate hostsmgray11
This study tested whether a frog virus 3 (FV3)-like ranavirus could be transmitted between three ectothermic vertebrate hosts: Cope's gray tree frogs, red-eared slider turtles, and mosquito fish. The results showed that (1) turtles could infect frogs and frogs could infect turtles, (2) fish could infect frogs but frogs did not infect fish, and (3) indirect transmission between species occurred but did not always result in mortality. This is the first study to demonstrate interclass transmission of ranavirus between reptiles, amphibians, and fish, providing evidence that these hosts can act as reservoirs and contribute to the persistence and spread of ranavirus infections.
This document discusses biodiversity, including the variety of living things, ecological diversity through different habitats and species interactions, and genetic diversity within populations. It notes the benefits of biodiversity, such as ecosystem functions, services like cleaning water and air, and providing habitat for wildlife. Biodiversity also provides resources like new food sources, medicines from plants and marine organisms. However, biodiversity is threatened by extinction and population reductions due to hunting, habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Ways to protect biodiversity discussed include sustainable harvesting, establishing protected areas, and legislation like the Endangered Species Act.
Seven Ozark stream sites were sampled and their macroinvertebrate communities assessed. The sites varied in phosphorus concentration from 0.013 to 0.042 μg/L. Results showed Kings River had the highest percentage of pollution-sensitive EPT taxa and lowest ratio of pollution-tolerant to intolerant organisms, indicating best health. White River had the highest percentages of pollution-tolerant organisms and Chironomidae, and lowest EPT, indicating most impairment. Percentage of pollution-tolerant organisms increased with higher phosphorus levels at most sites.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within an ecosystem and is a measure of ecosystem health. Greater biodiversity implies greater health, and terrestrial biodiversity generally declines from the equator to the poles. The evolution of life over 3.5 billion years has resulted in the biodiversity we see today, although until around 600 million years ago life consisted primarily of single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea. Biodiversity provides many benefits to humans like genetic resources for improving crops, and is also culturally and aesthetically valuable. However, biodiversity is facing major threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, and climate change, with many species currently endangered or facing extinction. Conservation efforts are needed to protect biod
This document provides special thanks to over 20 individuals from various universities and organizations. It then summarizes 3 initiatives by the global partnership Internet.org to expand affordable internet access worldwide: 1) An innovation lab to help developers ensure apps will work in remote areas. 2) Research on technologies like planes, satellites and lasers to improve connectivity. 3) An app providing free basic services to users in markets where internet access is less affordable, launched in Zambia and expanding globally.
This document summarizes a study that ranked countries based on their environmental impact. The researchers developed several metrics to measure a country's impact, such as forest loss, land conversion, fish catches, fertilizer use, carbon emissions, and threats to biodiversity. They found that high-impact countries tended to be in Asia, and wealth did not reduce countries' impacts as predicted by the environmental Kuznets curve. The researchers hope these rankings can identify countries needing assistance and encourage better environmental policies.
The document summarizes climate change impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and global food supply. It discusses how climate change threatens 15-37% of species with extinction by 2100 through impacts like increased temperatures and altered hydrologic cycles. These changes to ecosystems in turn impact services like water availability and wildfire regimes. Regarding food, the document notes climate change could lead to crop failures in Africa and other regions, exacerbating issues of land and resource pressures to support a growing population. Adaptation will be needed to ensure a sustainable global food supply.
Coastal marsh. Wetlands in the Atchafalaya National Wil.docxmonicafrancis71118
Coastal marsh.
'Wetlands in the
Atchafalaya National
Wildlife Refuge in
Louisiana provide valuable
ecosystem services.
2 Communities and Ecosystems
Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, Fourth Edition, by Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, and Jane B. Reece. Published by Benjamin Cummings.
Copyright CD, 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc.
CHAPTER CONTENTS
The Loss of Biodiversity 426
Community Ecology 428
Ecosystem Ecology 437
Conservation and Restoration Biology 444
CHAPTER THREAD
Biodiversity in Decline
BIOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Why Biodiversity Matters 425
THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE
How Does Tropical Forest Fragmentation
Affect Biodiversity? 446
EVOLUTION CONNECTION
Can Biophilia Save Biodiversity? 448
Biodiversity in Decline BIOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Why Biodiversity Matters
As the human population has expanded, hundreds of species have become extinct and thou-
sands more are threatened with extinction. These changes represent a loss in biological di-
versity, or biodiversity. Biodiversity loss goes hand in hand with the disappearance of natural
ecosystems. Only about a quarter of Earth's land surfaces remain untouched by human altera-
tions. We see the evidence of our impact on natural ecosystems every day. We live and work
in altered landscapes. And though we may be less aware of it, our impact on the oceans is also
extensive.
What is the value of biodiversity? Most people appreciate the direct benefits provided by
certain ecosystems. For example, you probably know that we use resources—such as water,
wood, and fish—that come from natural or near-natural ecosystems. These resources have
economic value, as the massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico dramatically demonstrated.
Billions of dollars were lost by fishing, recreation, and other industries as a result of the di-
saster. But human well-being also depends on less obvious services that healthy ecosystems
provide. The coastal wetlands affected by the Gulf oil spill normally act as a buffer against hur-
ricanes, reduce the impact of flooding, and filter pollutants. The wetlands also furnish nesting
sites for birds and marine turtles and breeding areas and nurseries for a wide variety of fish
and shellfish. Natural ecosystems provide other services as well—such as recycling nutrients,
preventing erosion and mudslides, controlling agricultural pests, and pollinating crops. Some
scientists have attempted to assign an economic value to these benefits. They arrived at an
average annual value of ecosystem services of $33 trillion, almost twice the global gross
national product for the year they published their results. Although rough, these estimates
make the important point that we cannot afford to take biodiversity for granted.
In this chapter, we'll examine the interactions among organisms and how those relation-
ships determine the features of communities. On a larger scale, we'll explore the dynamics
of ecosystems. Finally, we'll consi.
Extinction occurs when a species dies out completely. It has multiple causes including habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, disease, and human activities like pollution and deforestation. Small population sizes also increase the risk of extinction due to reduced genetic diversity and inbreeding. Mass extinctions have occurred periodically throughout history, including one caused by an asteroid impact 65 million years ago. Today's extinction rates are estimated to be 100-1000 times higher than background rates, primarily due to human activities. Biodiversity hotspots experience especially high rates of species loss. International efforts like the Convention on Biological Diversity aim to reduce extinction risks.
This document discusses the environmental impacts of animal agriculture. It notes that 75% of global soy production is used to feed livestock in the meat, dairy and egg industries rather than being consumed directly by humans. Animal agriculture is responsible for 71% of deforestation in South America between 1990 and 2005 due to cattle grazing. Producing animal products, especially meat and dairy, requires significantly more water than producing plant-based foods. The animal agriculture industry produces over 5 tons of waste for every US citizen each year, far exceeding human waste production and causing widespread water and air pollution. Other impacts discussed include greenhouse gas emissions, ocean dead zones, overfishing, marine debris, and the environmental footprint of different milk options.
This document discusses biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. It provides examples of species diversity, such as the large number of ant and beetle species. Drivers of biodiversity loss include habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and coextinctions. Conservation approaches involve both in situ methods like biosphere reserves, and ex situ techniques like seed banks and wildlife parks. International agreements aim to reduce biodiversity loss globally by 2010.
Extinction occurs when a species dies out completely. The main causes of extinction are habitat loss and degradation, introduction of invasive species, overhunting, climate change, pollution and disease. When many species go extinct simultaneously over a short period, it is considered a mass extinction event. The five major mass extinctions in Earth's history were caused by events like asteroid impacts and climate shifts. Today, the main drivers of extinction are human activities like habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity in extinction hotspots and prevent further species losses.
Biodiversity is the variety of life at all levels and is an essential renewable resource that provides natural resources, ecosystem services, and aesthetic value. However, biodiversity is being depleted due to factors like habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, human overpopulation, and overexploitation. These direct threats are driven by underlying causes like increasing economic activity, land use change, and technological and social developments. Protecting biodiversity will require actions like preserving habitats, controlling invasive species, reducing pollution, and enforcing laws like the Endangered Species Act. Loss of biodiversity could significantly weaken ecosystems and jeopardize food security.
The document summarizes a scientific paper that proposes a framework of "planetary boundaries" to define a "safe operating space for humanity" considering Earth's biophysical processes and systems. It identifies 9 boundaries related to climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, aerosol loading and chemical pollution. Each boundary represents a proposed threshold beyond which Earth System processes could be substantially and irreversibly altered at the planetary scale.
S O S Save The Planet - The facts you should knowthilight
The document summarizes warnings from scientists about the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation. It notes that according to several experts, if no action is taken before 2012, it will be too late to address these issues. The document also outlines the significant environmental impacts of animal agriculture, including its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
Underestimating the Challenges of Avoiding a Ghastly FutureJoão Soares
Bradshaw et al. (2021) make a call to action in light of three major crises - biodiversity loss, the sixth mass extinction, and climate disruption. We have no contention with Bradshaw et al.’s diagnosis of the severity of the crises. Yet, their call for scientists to "tell it like it is", their appeal to political "leaders", and the great attention they afford to human population growth as a main driver underpinning the three crises, rest on contested assumptions about the role of science in societal transformations, and are scientifically flawed and politically problematic.
Scientific Paper Paul Ehrlich et. al: Underestimating the ChallengesEnergy for One World
This document discusses three major environmental issues that require urgent action:
1. Future environmental conditions will be far more dangerous than currently believed due to the rapid loss of biodiversity and Earth's ability to support life. The scale of threats to the biosphere are difficult for even experts to grasp.
2. No current political or economic system is prepared to handle the predicted environmental disasters or implement the necessary actions.
3. Scientists have an extraordinary responsibility to accurately communicate the scale of the problems to the public and leaders. Without understanding and broadcasting the enormity of the challenges, society will fail to achieve sustainability goals.
The document discusses various topics related to human-environment interactions including the environment, ecosystems, human impact on the environment, the Paul Ehrlich equation, and future predictions. It defines key terms, describes how humans both adapt to and change the environment, examines major causes of environmental degradation like population growth and industrialization, and predicts several environmental challenges in the future such as water scarcity, loss of cropland and fisheries, and climate change impacts. Suggestions are made for improving the human-environment relationship.
The document discusses how human population growth is negatively impacting biodiversity through increasing demands for resources, land use changes, pollution, overexploitation of species, and introduction of invasive species. Areas with the highest biodiversity, like tropical rainforests and coral reefs, are being degraded the most by human activities. The increasing rate of species extinction due to humans may be hundreds of times higher than the natural background rate, with potentially severe consequences if biodiversity is not protected.
1. Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) are small, live-bearing fish that can be introduced to control mosquito populations. They are voracious eaters of mosquito larvae.
2. Female mosquito fish give birth to live young and can have multiple broods per year, allowing populations to establish rapidly. They have a modified anal fin that allows males to deposit sperm inside females.
3. Mosquito fish are hardy and adaptable, surviving in a wide range of temperatures and water qualities. They primarily eat mosquito larvae but can negatively impact native fish populations through competition and predation.
Ecosystem Services for Biodiversity Conservation: Study of Corbett India Water Portal
Traditionally, the only market economic values Protected Areas recognised are tourism revenues and income from extractive activities.The difficulty in quantifying many of the economic, social, environmental and cultural values of protected areas lead to their undervaluation in land and resource use decisions
It is often perceived to be more profitable to convert a natural ecosystem than to leave it intact. A study of Corbett National Park shows indirect benefits like carbon storage and direct benefits like tourism.
Climate change is negatively impacting wetlands and the birds that depend on them for habitat. [1] Wetlands are becoming degraded due to changes in precipitation and temperature. [2] Birds use wetlands for breeding and rely on their physical and biological attributes, but climate change is altering these habitats. [3] A case study from Nepal found that temperatures have increased 0.41°C per decade and precipitation has become more variable, negatively impacting wetland birds through changes to their food availability, water resources, living space, and increased invasive species.
This document describes a 5-year study assessing the impacts of control operations on a recreationally hunted feral swine population at Avon Park Air Force Range in Florida. Researchers monitored the population from 2008-2012 using a passive tracking index during dry and wet seasons, and hunter take rates during the dry season. All indices showed substantial declines in the feral swine population after control operations began in 2009, leveling off for the final two study years. Control efforts were limited by military missions and hunting seasons, preventing further reduction of the population. The tracking index also monitored coyotes and detected black bears and panthers on the base.
The document discusses biodiversity at three hierarchical levels - genetic, species, and ecological diversity. It provides examples of genetic diversity within different species. Species diversity depends on the number and richness of species in a region. Ecological diversity refers to diversity at the ecosystem level, like rainforests and mangroves. Tropical regions generally have higher biodiversity than temperate regions. Species diversity increases with area up to a limit, following a logarithmic relationship. The document outlines threats to biodiversity from habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and co-extinctions.
Similar to Global erosion of ecosystem services (20)
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodCeline George
Odoo provides an option for creating a module by using a single line command. By using this command the user can make a whole structure of a module. It is very easy for a beginner to make a module. There is no need to make each file manually. This slide will show how to create a module using the scaffold method.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
বাংলাদেশের অর্থনৈতিক সমীক্ষা ২০২৪ [Bangladesh Economic Review 2024 Bangla.pdf] কম্পিউটার , ট্যাব ও স্মার্ট ফোন ভার্সন সহ সম্পূর্ণ বাংলা ই-বুক বা pdf বই " সুচিপত্র ...বুকমার্ক মেনু 🔖 ও হাইপার লিংক মেনু 📝👆 যুক্ত ..
আমাদের সবার জন্য খুব খুব গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি বই ..বিসিএস, ব্যাংক, ইউনিভার্সিটি ভর্তি ও যে কোন প্রতিযোগিতা মূলক পরীক্ষার জন্য এর খুব ইম্পরট্যান্ট একটি বিষয় ...তাছাড়া বাংলাদেশের সাম্প্রতিক যে কোন ডাটা বা তথ্য এই বইতে পাবেন ...
তাই একজন নাগরিক হিসাবে এই তথ্য গুলো আপনার জানা প্রয়োজন ...।
বিসিএস ও ব্যাংক এর লিখিত পরীক্ষা ...+এছাড়া মাধ্যমিক ও উচ্চমাধ্যমিকের স্টুডেন্টদের জন্য অনেক কাজে আসবে ...
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
it describes the bony anatomy including the femoral head , acetabulum, labrum . also discusses the capsule , ligaments . muscle that act on the hip joint and the range of motion are outlined. factors affecting hip joint stability and weight transmission through the joint are summarized.
Executive Directors Chat Leveraging AI for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionTechSoup
Let’s explore the intersection of technology and equity in the final session of our DEI series. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be used to support and enhance your nonprofit's DEI initiatives. Participants will gain insights into practical AI applications and get tips for leveraging technology to advance their DEI goals.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
1. Global Erosion of Ecosystem Services Corey J. A. Bradshaw1,2 1THE ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE, University of Adelaide, Australia 2South Australian Research & Development Institute
28. Nationally, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, DR CongoHansen et al. 2010 PNAS doi:10.1073/pnas.0912668107 Barson et al. 2000 Land Cover Change in Australia, Bur RurSci
42. 27 % of reef-building coralsthreatened with extinction
43. intact biological communities and functioning species interactions provide humanity with a host of ‘services’ that support or improve our quality of life
44.
45. ~ 75 % of all human crops require pollination by insects (mostly bees)
46. domestic honey bees declined in USA by 59 % since 1947 & in Europe by 25 % since 1985Potts et al. 2010 Trends EcolEvol25:345-353
59. provide > 10% of essential organic carbon to global oceans
60. occupy only 0.12% of world’s total land areaPolidoro et al. 2010 PLoS One 5:e10095
61. average trophic level has declined by 0.2 units (position in food web relative to autotrophs – primary producers such as phytoplankton) trophic unit varies from 1 (phytoplankton) to 4.6 (e.g., snappers) Paulyet al. 1998 Science 279:860 - 863
65. fish species within park recover after fisher exclusion from park (Kenyan coral reefs) McClanahan & Kaunda-Arara 2002 ConservBiol10:1187–1199
66. spiny lobster 11 ×more abundant & biomass 25× higher in no-take marine park following establishment; no change in partially protected park (New Zealand) Shears et al. 2006 BiolConserv 132:222-231
103. typhusincreased host habitat availability & displacement of humans to areas where inadequate sanitation and temporary high-density living promote disease Ohl & Tapsell 2000 Br Med J 321:1167-1168; Ivers & Ryan 2006 Curr Op Infect Dis19:408-414
104.
105. based on earlier theory (in 1980s)Soulé et al. 1988 ConservBiol2:75; Soulé & Crooks 1999 Nature 400:563
111. DATA Human health: World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease database Environment: - Environmental Combination Index (adapted from Yale Env Performance Index) - Proportional Environmental Impact rank (Bradshaw et al. 2010 PLoS One 5:e10440) - natural habitat conversion proportion (Global Land Cover 2000 dataset) - air/water quality (Yale Environmental Performance Index) - NPK fertiliser use/area arable land (FAOSTAT database) - CO2 emissions (Climate Analysis Indicators tool) Control: - human population size (United Nations Common Database) - purchasing-power parity-adjusted GNI (World Resources Institute) - health expenditure (WHO Statistical Information System)
122. 10 % water quality infant mortality 3.4/1000 live births > 946,000 extra infant deaths/year§ 1.6 years life expectancy 10 % air quality 2.0 cancer deaths/100,000 > 132,900 extra cancer deaths/year§ 10 % pcCO2 emissions infant mortality 0.4/1000 live births > 11,700 extra infant deaths/year§ §assuming 21.2 births/1000 population & human population 6.5 billion
Russia has the most extensive forest cover, followed by Brazil, Canada and USAEstimated area of gross forest cover loss at the global scale is 1,011,000 km2, or 3.1 % of year 2000 forest area (0.6% per year from 2000 to 2005)Gross forest cover loss was highest in the boreal biome, with fire accounting for 60 % of that lossThe humid tropics had the second-highest gross forest cover loss, due mainly to broad-scale clearing for agriculture in Brazil, Indonesia and MalaysiaWhen expressed as proportion lost from the 2000 extent estimates, the humid tropics is the least disturbedThe Amazon interior is the largest remaining ‘intact’ forest, followed by the Congo basinThe dry tropics has the 3rd-highest gross forest cover loss, with Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay accounting for most of thisAlthough the temperate biome had the lowest forest cover (due mainly to forest clearances long, long ago), it had the 2nd-highest proportional gross forest cover lossNorth America has the greatest area of gross forest cover loss, followed by Asia and South AmericaNorth America alone accounts for ~ 30 % of global gross forest cover loss, and has the highest proportional gross forest cover loss at 5.1 %Brazil has the highest gross national forest cover loss of any nationIndonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are next in line for tropical countriesUSA has the highest proportional global forest cover loss since 2000Despite previous estimates suggesting that Canada has had little forest loss, the new estimates place it second in terms of gross forest cover loss only to Brazil
The world’s oceans are under huge threat, with predictions of 70 % loss of coral reefs by 2050, decline in kelp forests, loss of seagrasses, over-fishing, pollution and a rapidly warming and acidifying physical environment. Given all these stressors, it is absolutely imperative we spend a good deal of time thinking about the right way to impose restrictions on damage to marine areas – the simplest way to do this is via marine protected areas (MPA).
Now, it’s not bulldozers razing our underwater forests – it’s our own filth. Yes, we do indeed have underwater forests, and they are possibly the most important set of species from a biodiversity perspective in temperate coastal waters around the world. I’m talking about kelp. Climate change poses a threat to these habitat-forming species that support a wealth of invertebrates and fish. In fact, kelp forests are analogous to coral reefs in the tropics for their role in supporting other biodiversity.Connell et al. 2008:The Adelaide coastline has experienced a fairly hefty loss of canopy-forming kelp (mainly species like Eckloniaradiata and Cystophora spp.) since urbanisation (up to 70 % !). Now, this might not seem too surprising – we humans have a horrible track record for damaging, exploiting or maltreating biodiversity – but it’s actually a little unexpected given that Adelaide is one of Australia’s smaller major cities, and certainly a tiny city from a global perspective. There hasn’t been any real kelp harvesting around Adelaide, or coastal overfishing that could lead to trophic cascades causing loss through herbivory. Connell and colleagues pretty much are able to isolate the main culprits: sedimentation and nutrient loading (eutrophication) from urban run-off.Second, one might expect this to be strange because other places around the world don’t have the same kind of response. The paper points out that in the coastal waters of South Australia, the normal situation is characterised by low nutrient concentrations in the water (what we term ‘oligotrophic’) compared to other places like New South Wales. Thus, when you add even a little bit extra to a system not used to it, these losses of canopy-forming kelp ensue. So understanding the underlying context of an ecosystem will tell you how much it can be stressed before all hell breaks loose.
It’s amazingly arrogant and anthropocentric to think of anything in ecosystems as ‘providing benefits to humanity’. After all, we’re just another species in a complex array of species within ecosystems – we just happen to be one of the numerically dominant ones, excel at ecosystem ‘engineering’ and as far as we know, are the only (semi-) sentient of the biologicals. Although the concept of ecosystem services is, I think, an essential abstraction to place emphasis on the importance of biodiversity conservation to the biodiversity ignorant, it does rub me a little the wrong way. It’s almost ascribing some sort of illogical religious perspective that the Earth was placed in its current form for our eventual benefit. We might be a fairly new species in geological time scales, but don’t think of ecosystems as mere provisions for our well-being.
The question of whether marine parks ‘work’ is, however, more complicated than it might first appear. When one asks this question, it is essential to define how the criteria for success are to be measured. Whether it’s biodiversity protection, fisheries production, recreational revenue, community acceptance/involvement or some combination of the above, your conclusion is likely to vary from place to place.
The question of whether marine parks ‘work’ is, however, more complicated than it might first appear. When one asks this question, it is essential to define how the criteria for success are to be measured. Whether it’s biodiversity protection, fisheries production, recreational revenue, community acceptance/involvement or some combination of the above, your conclusion is likely to vary from place to place.
Canada’s boreal zone has recently shifted from a C sink in the 1990s to a C source in 2001 as warmer temperatures reduced over-winter mortality of tree-killing insects, resulting in an increased frequency and severity of outbreaks and subsequent mass tree mortality insect disturbance was responsible for a greater loss of stored C than was fire from Canadian forests in the late 20th century [42], and the estimated annual C release due to the current mountain pine beetle outbreak in western Canada is 50 % more than rates attributable to fires during even the most severe fire years
1990-2000: nearly 100 000 people were killed and 320 million people were displaced by floods, with total reported economic damages exceeding US$1151 billion