Endangered Species - AP Environmental Science
- Identify one key goal of the Endangered Species Act.
- Recover endangered species to healthy populations. Mandates recovery plans and critical habitat designation for listed species.
- What is one way to measure the success of a conservation program?
- Population increase of target species. Population growth indicates improved survival and reproductive success.
- What is the definition of an endangered species?
- A species at risk of extinction due to declining numbers. Legal classification based on population decline and extinction risk assessment.
- Identify one impact of pollution on endangered species.
- Contaminated habitats. Toxic substances poison species directly or accumulate in food chains.
- Identify one method to raise public awareness about endangered species.
- Education campaigns. Public education increases support for conservation policies and funding.
- Which organization maintains the Red List of Threatened Species?
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Global authority that assesses species' conservation status worldwide.
- What is one effect of poaching on endangered species?
- Population decline. Illegal hunting reduces breeding individuals and disrupts population structure.
- Which species is NOT endangered: blue whale, house sparrow, Javan rhinoceros?
- House sparrow. Common urban species with stable, widespread populations globally.
- What is the role of wildlife corridors in conservation?
- Connect fragmented habitats. Allows species movement and gene flow between isolated habitat patches.
- What is one criterion for a species to be classified as 'endangered'?
- Population decline of 50% over 10 years. IUCN criteria based on population trends and habitat loss rates.
- Which conservation status indicates the highest risk of extinction?
- Critically Endangered. IUCN's highest risk category before extinction in the wild.
- What is meant by 'species recovery plan'?
- Plan to restore species to sustainable levels. Detailed strategy outlining specific actions needed for population recovery.
- What is 'keystone species' in an ecosystem?
- Species with a critical role affecting many others. Disproportionate ecological impact relative to their abundance in ecosystems.
- Identify the term: species found only in one geographic location.
- Endemic species. High vulnerability due to limited geographic range and habitat specificity.
- List one example of an endangered species.
- Amur Leopard. Critically endangered with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild.
- What term describes the legal protection of species through legislation?
- Species protection laws. Legal frameworks providing formal protection from exploitation and habitat loss.
- What role do zoos play in conservation of endangered species?
- Breeding programs and education. Ex situ conservation maintaining genetic diversity for potential reintroduction.
- What does the term 'biodiversity' encompass?
- Variety of life on Earth. Includes species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
- What role do NGOs play in species conservation?
- Advocacy, research, and funding. Non-governmental organizations mobilize resources and expertise for conservation.
- What is 'in situ' conservation?
- Conservation within natural habitats. Protected areas and reserves preserving species within their natural ecosystems.
- Which factor is most likely to contribute to a species' recovery?
- Habitat restoration. Provides suitable habitat necessary for species survival and reproduction.
- What is the primary legislation for protecting endangered species in the USA?
- Endangered Species Act of 1973. Federal law providing legal protection for threatened and endangered species.
- What is 'biodiversity hotspot' in conservation terms?
- Area with high endemic species and significant threats. Priority regions for conservation due to exceptional species richness.
- Which human activity is a significant threat to marine species?
- Overfishing. Depletes fish populations faster than they can naturally reproduce.
- Name one international agreement aimed at protecting biodiversity.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Global treaty promoting conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
- What is one impact of climate change on endangered species?
- Loss of habitat. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns destroy suitable habitats.
- Identify one effect of invasive species on endangered species.
- Competition for resources. Invasive species outcompete natives for food, space, and other resources.
- What does 'extinct in the wild' mean?
- Species survives only in captivity. No wild populations exist; species maintained only in zoos or breeding facilities.
- What does the acronym CITES stand for?
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. International treaty regulating trade in wildlife and wildlife products.
- What is genetic diversity and why is it important?
- Variation within species; crucial for adaptation. Low genetic diversity reduces species' ability to survive environmental changes.
- What is 'ex situ' conservation?
- Conservation outside natural habitats. Zoos, aquariums, and seed banks maintaining species outside natural environments.
- What percentage of species are currently threatened with extinction?
- Approximately 28%. Global assessment showing accelerating biodiversity loss across all ecosystems.
- Identify the main purpose of captive breeding programs.
- Increase population of endangered species. Controlled breeding to maintain genetic diversity and boost wild populations.
- Name one method used to protect endangered species' habitats.
- Creating protected areas. Provides secure habitat free from human disturbance and exploitation.
- What is one consequence of habitat fragmentation?
- Isolated populations. Prevents gene flow and increases extinction risk for small populations.
- Identify one major challenge in enforcing international wildlife trade laws.
- Lack of resources and coordination. Limited enforcement capacity across international borders and jurisdictions.
- What is a flagship species in conservation?
- Species that represents an environmental cause. Charismatic species that generates public support for conservation efforts.
- Identify one key factor leading to species endangerment.
- Habitat destruction. Primary cause of species loss, accounting for over 80% of threats globally.