Environmentally Sensitive Ecosystems

• What are some examples of environmentally sensitive ecosystems mentioned in the study material?

  The Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, the Lake District, and Snowdonia National Park
• How are human activities such as tourism and development controlled in sensitive ecosystems?

  Through designations like national parks and world heritage sites
• What does AONB stand for?

  Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• What are some human impacts on ecosystems listed in the study material?

  Habitat destruction, competition for resources, pollution, and hunting
• What is the significance of the Galapagos Islands' isolation?

  It has resulted in over 1,300 unique species of flora and fauna
• What is the greatest threat to the Galapagos Islands?

  Introduced species
• Name two famous native species of the Galapagos Islands.

  Darwin’s finches and giant tortoises
• How has human population growth affected the Galapagos Islands?

  It has led to increased land use, habitat disturbance, and pollution
• How many tortoises were killed by fur traders in less than 50 years?

  Over 200,000 tortoises
• What legal framework was enacted by the Ecuadorian government in 1998 for the Galapagos?

  The Galápagos Special Law
• What is one major consequence of introducing alien species to the Galapagos Islands?

  Soil erosion and competition for food with native species
• What is the focus of the conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station?

  Conservation of native species, particularly endangered ones
• What role does the research station play in education and outreach?

  It educates the public about conservation and promotes sustainable practices
• What is the significance of Antarctic krill in the ecosystem?

  They are a keystone species and primary food source for many marine animals
• How do krill contribute to climate change mitigation?

  By feeding on phytoplankton that absorb carbon dioxide
• What is the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary?

  An area where all types of commercial whaling are banned
• What are some threats to albatrosses and petrels?

  Pollution, hunting, poaching for eggs, and habitat destruction
• What is the size of the Lake District National Park?

  2362 square kilometres
• What is the highest mountain in England located in the Lake District?

  Scafell Pike
• What are the two world heritage sites in the Lake District?

  'The English Lake District' and 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire'
• What is one of the main threats to biodiversity in the Lake District?

  Conifer plantations that reduce biodiversity
• How do farmers contribute to maintaining biodiversity in the Lake District?

  By being offered incentives to reduce chemical use and maintain habitats
• What is one solution to the decline of hay meadows in the Lake District?

  Incentives for farmers to maintain hay meadows
• What is the area covered by Snowdonia National Park?

  823 square miles
• What is a significant human impact on Snowdonia National Park?

  Trampling of plants and erosion of footpaths due to tourism
• What is one method to improve water quality in Snowdonia?

  Blocking drainage ditches with hay bales
• How can controlled burning benefit biodiversity in Snowdonia?

  By preventing heather from getting too old and dry
• What is the impact of conifer plantations on Snowdonia's moorland?

  They dry out the moorland
• What happens when moorland is burnt to provide habitat for grouse?

  Sheep move in, leading to habitat degradation
• What is one of the consequences of accidental fires in Snowdonia?

  Loss of large areas of habitat
• What is the role of conservation workers in the Lake District?

  Physical removal of invasive species
• What is the purpose of managed burning in the Lake District?

  To maintain different ages of habitat and increase biodiversity