Biology module 2

• Purpose of the Red List

  1. Evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies

  2. Convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public, policy makers, and international community to try to reduce species extinction
• Criteria that will result in an organism being placed on the red data list

  • Population reduction
  • Limited area where they are found
  • Small population size
• Endangered species are species that are very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction
• Endangered species usually have a small or declining population size, or a very limited range
• Some endangered species could disappear completely within our lifetimes
• Top 5 threats to species (H.I.P.P.O.)

  • Habitat Loss
  • Invasive Species
  • Pollution
  • Human Population
  • Over-harvesting
• Habitat

  Where an organism lives
• Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation occur as the human population expands and requires more space and resources
• Indigenous species

  Organisms found naturally in a particular place
• Invasive species

  Organisms not found naturally in an area, often introduced by humans either intentionally or accidentally
• Invasive species may be highly adaptable and outcompete indigenous species for resources, and introduced predators can wipe out indigenous species not adapted to avoid predation
• Pollution


  Introducing harmful substances into the environment, such as acid rain, heavy metals, pesticides, and oil spills
• The rapidly increasing human population puts greater demands on the environment
• Over-consumption means taking too many organisms from the environment before they have reproduced, at an unsustainable rate
• Climate change, droughts, ocean acidification, loss of sea ice, and extreme weather events can all threaten species' survival, especially sedentary or specialist species
• Collection and the pet trade have threatened many animals and plants by removing them from the wild beyond sustainable levels