Define 'Endangered Species'.
A species at risk of extinction because of a significant decrease in its population or a loss of its critical habitat.
Define 'Threatened Species'.
Any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Define 'Overharvesting'.
Removing individuals from a population faster than the population can reproduce, leading to population decline.
Define 'Critical Habitat'.
Specific geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection.
Define 'Specialist Species'.
A species that can thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or has a limited diet.
Define 'Generalist Species'.
A species that is able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources.
Define 'R-selected species'.
Species that produce many offspring, have a high reproductive rate, and a low survival rate.
Define 'K-selected species'.
Species that produce few offspring, have a low reproductive rate, and a high survival rate.
Define 'Poaching'.
The illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wild animals or plants, typically associated with land use rights.
Define 'Habitat Loss'.
The destruction or degradation of natural habitats, rendering them unable to support the species that once lived there.
What are the environmental consequences of overharvesting?
Population decline, ecosystem imbalance, and potential extinction of harvested species.
How does habitat loss affect specialist species?
It reduces their ability to find suitable food and shelter, leading to population decline and potential extinction.
What is the impact of illegal wildlife trade on endangered species?
It drives poaching, reduces population sizes, and disrupts ecosystems.
How does climate change affect species vulnerability?
It alters habitats, disrupts migration patterns, and increases the risk of extreme weather events, making species more vulnerable to extinction.
What are the effects of invasive species on native biodiversity?
Competition for resources, predation, and disease transmission, leading to decline or extinction of native species.
How does pollution impact aquatic ecosystems and species?
It contaminates water sources, harms aquatic organisms, and disrupts food chains, leading to population declines and ecosystem degradation.
What is the relationship between deforestation and species extinction?
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, fragmentation, and increased edge effects, resulting in species extinction.
How does urbanization contribute to habitat loss?
Urban development converts natural habitats into built environments, reducing available space for wildlife and disrupting ecological processes.
What are the consequences of reduced genetic diversity in a population?
Increased susceptibility to diseases, reduced ability to adapt to environmental changes, and higher risk of extinction.
How does the use of pesticides affect non-target species?
Pesticides can kill beneficial insects, harm wildlife through direct exposure or bioaccumulation, and disrupt ecosystem functions.
What is the main purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
To protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
What does the Lacey Act (US) regulate?
Prohibits interstate transport of illegally harvested plants and animals.
What is the goal of CITES?
International agreement to control trade in endangered species.
What are the key provisions of the ESA?
Listing species as 'endangered' or 'threatened,' designating 'critical habitat,' prohibiting harming listed species and trade, and authorizing habitat purchases and recovery plans.
How does the ESA impact land use?
It can restrict development and other activities in areas designated as critical habitat for listed species.
What is the role of recovery plans under the ESA?
To outline specific actions needed to help a listed species recover and eventually be removed from the endangered or threatened list.
What is the purpose of designating 'critical habitat' under the ESA?
To identify and protect the specific areas essential for the conservation of a listed species.
What is the 'take' provision under the ESA?
Prohibits harming, harassing, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, or collecting listed species.
What international agreements complement CITES in protecting endangered species?
Agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
How does the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) protect marine species?
Prohibits the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and regulates the import of marine mammals and marine mammal products.
