Ecosystems

• What was the year when the biggest survey of British wildlife was published?

  2015
• What was the main focus of the survey conducted by researchers from the University of Reading and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology?

  They studied records of 4424 species collected between 1970 and 2009.
• How many species were analyzed in the UK's wildlife survey?

  4424 species
• What four functions were wildlife, trees, and plants analyzed for in the ecosystem?

  Pollination, pest control, decomposition, and carbon sequestration.
• What did the researchers conclude about the decline in wildlife in the UK countryside?

  It threatens core functions of the ecosystem vital for human wellbeing.
• Which groups of animals are mentioned as being in serious decline?

  Hedgehogs, hoverflies, moths, and birds.
• What are the main threats leading to a reduction in biodiversity?

  Climate change and habitat loss.
• How has biodiversity been described in relation to life on Earth?

  As "the foundation of all life on Earth."
• What does the term 'biodiversity' encompass according to the Convention on Biological Diversity?

  Variability among living organisms from all sources, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.
• When did the term "biodiversity" start to be used widely?

  Since the 1980s.
• What has been the impact of human actions on Earth's ecosystems since the development of human civilization?

  Almost all ecosystems have been dramatically transformed, leading to declines in many animal and plant populations.
• How has human activity affected the extinction rate of species?

  It has increased the extinction rate by at least 100 times compared to the natural rate.
• What are the indicators used to measure biodiversity?

  • Species richness
  • Population number
  • Genetic diversity
  • Species evenness
• What is species richness?

  It is the number of different species in a given area.
• What does population number refer to in biodiversity measurement?

  The number of genetically distinct populations of a particular species.
• What is genetic diversity?

  The variation in the amount of genetic information within and among individuals of a population, species, or community.
• What does species evenness measure?

  How evenly individuals are distributed among species.
• How has the decline in bee populations been linked to biodiversity decline?

  Bees are important pollinators, and their decline affects agricultural productivity.
• What did the INRA report find about bees fed pollen from a range of plants?

  They showed signs of having a healthier immune system.
• Why do bees need a fully functional immune system?

  To sterilize food for the colony.
• What is the Living Planet Index (LPI)?

  A widely accepted measure of the state of the world's biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species.
• How many terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species does the LPI currently incorporate data on?

  555 terrestrial species, 323 freshwater species, and 267 marine species.
• What was the percentage decline of the LPI from 1970 to 2000?

  About 40 percent.
• What percentage did the terrestrial index fall between 1970 and 2000?

  About 30 percent.
• What percentage did the freshwater index fall during the period 1970-2000?

  About 50 percent.
• What percentage did the marine index fall between 1970 and 2000?

  About 30 percent.
• What are the main causes of biodiversity decline?

  • Conversion of land to cropland
  • Quadrupling of reservoir storage capacity
  • Loss of 35% of mangroves
  • Destruction of 20% of coral reefs
• What has been the trend in biodiversity decline in recent years?

  It has started to show signs of slowing down.
• What actions are being taken to maintain and increase biodiversity?

  • Designation of protected areas
  • Recognition of indigenous community-managed areas
  • Policies for managing invasive species
  • Regulations for sustainable harvesting and habitat restoration
• How much has international financing for biodiversity conservation grown since 1992?

  About 38 percent in real terms.
• What is the estimated annual value of international financing for biodiversity conservation?

  Over US$3 billion per year.
• What are the potential impacts of declining biodiversity on human well-being?

  It can affect vulnerability to natural disasters, food security, and access to clean water.
• How can ecosystem modification lead to negative effects on human resources?

  Conversion to intensive farming can reduce water availability, leading to shortages.
• What are ecosystem services and their importance?

  • Functions offered by ecosystems
  • Provide sustenance, shelter, medicine, and energy
  • Interact complexly with human systems
• What is the relationship between ecosystems and human well-being?

  Ecosystems provide essential services that support human development and well-being.
• How do the Achuar people live sustainably within their ecosystem?

  • Maintain cultural identity
  • Hunt, fish, and gather sustainably
  • Respect the rainforest ecosystem
• What threats do the Achuar people face from development?

  Oil exploration has led to water contamination and land conflicts.
• What has been the impact of population growth on ecosystems over the last 500 years?

  It has led to pollution, deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity reduction.
• What is the relationship between agricultural productivity and population growth?

  Increased population requires higher agricultural productivity to avoid starvation.
• What did the study in Albemarle County and Charlottesville, Virginia, find about population increase and ecosystem services?

  Degradation of ecosystem services is contained up to a 125 percent population increase.