Biology 518/EVPP 505 Conservation Biology Spring 2007 NAME:____________________________

Write your answers only in the space provided or designated.

1. Biodiversity is defined at several different levels. List the different levels and tell me which one is generally used and why?

2. Differentiate alpha from gamma diversity.

3. The keystone species concept is only relevant when referring to what kind of diversity?

4. The estimates of the total number of existing species varies greatly. In part this reflects the means by which the estimates have been determined. Give two different methods by which “quantitative” estimates have been made (questimates by experts are not one of these methods).

5. What is the discount rate and how is it relevant to making economic decisions affecting conservation?

6. Cost-benefit analysis is a standard methodology in making policy decisions. In conservation this methodology although commonly used has some weaknesses. Describe what you feel represents two major weaknesses of this approach when it comes to making conservation decisions.

7. In the conservation decision making process whether or not a species is given inherent value is very important. What is the importance of inherent value and why/how does it affect the decision process?

8. What is the background extinction rate and why is it important to conservation policy today?

9. List 7 factors which increase the vulnerability of a species to extinction.

10. (On the back of this page) What are the adverse effects of habitat fragmentation (be specific) which are of concern and why?

11. In exploiting some resources man is very different than other “predators”. In what way is the behavior of man different and why does this difference exist.

12. Describe the stages in the “invasion” process of a species and tell me at which stage(s) action against and invasive species is likely to be most effective and why?

13. Disease can act to both increase and decrease biodiversity. Explain how this can be.

14. (On the back of this page) Biodiversity, overexploitation, ecosystem services, indirect use value and habitat degradation. Interrelate these terms in the context of conservation biology and in so doing illustrate their meaning to me.