Reference no: EM132872863
Understanding the Principles of Wildlife Populations, Ecology and Conservation
Population Biology / Home-based Assessment
Assignment - Populations and Conservation
2.1 - Discuss how changes in population parameters influence abundance of named populations
1. Describe how changes in basic population parameters may influence the abundance of Phlox drummondi
2.2 - Describe the use of demographic techniques to predict changes in population abundance
2. Size or age distribution of the trees, measured by recording the diameter at breast height (DBH) or the number of tree rings respectively, can be used to provide an indication of the age distribution of trees in a population.
By referring to Figure 2, describe how these measures may be used to predict how the populations of pines and hardwoods trees will change with time.
2.3 - Identify different types of population growth curves and/or evolutionary strategies
3. (a) List the main characteristics of populations with r and k evolutionary strategies.
(b) Identify two examples for each of these evolutionary strategies.
2.4 - Analyse the factors influencing the numbers and demographics of named populations
4. The single predator-prey relationship between wolves (Canis lupus) and moose (Alces alces) on Isle Royale off the coast of Lake Superior, is unique and has been the subject of detailed study for over 55 years. Figure 3 shows different aspects of the predator-prey relationships between the Isle Royale moose and wolves.
(a) Predation has two perspectives, the predator's perspective and the prey's perspective. The kill rate represents the predator's perspective on predation, while the prey's perspective is represented by another important statistic, the predation rate. Distinguish between the terms kill rate and predation rate, in the context of the moose-wolves predator-prey relationships.
(b) Analyse how the kill rate and the predation rate vary with an increasing abundance of moose, and give valid reasons.
(c) Analyse how the kill rate and the predation rate vary with an increasing abundance of wolves, and give valid reasons.
3.1 - Discuss the value of biodiversity
5. Give three reasons why we should ensure the conservation of biodiversity.
6. "Biodiversity has instrumental and intrinsic value." Explain this phrase and describe the different types of value biodiversity has.
3.2 - Review legislation relevant to protection of species or habitats
7. Briefly review the following legislation of the European Community:
(a) the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC)
(b) the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC)
Your explanation should give an overview of the conservation measures required by these two Directives.
3.3 - Differentiate between different approaches to conservation and/or conservation strategies
8. Figure 4 presents two initiatives for the conservation of biodiversity: gene banks and protected areas. Differentiate between these two different approaches to biodiversity conservation.
9. Assess the advantages and disadvantages associated with in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies.
3.4 - Devise appropriate strategies for conservation of named species
10. The Maltese Freshwater Crab (Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi) and the Mediterranean Painted Frog (Discoglossus pictus) are two species from the freshwater habitats of the Maltese Islands. Both are increasingly subject to high levels of human disturbances of the aquatic habitats. Devise a conservation strategy for these two species. The strategy should include the following sections:
(a) a description of the ecology and their current distribution;
(b) the identification of specific threats; and
(c) a detailed explanation of conservation actions that may be required to protect P. fluviatile lanfrancoi and D. pictus.
Attachment:- Populations and Conservation.rar