FOR201H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 16: Pioneer Species, Edge Effects, Germination
Document Summary
Chapter 16 - biodiversity in a changing world: Biodiversity hotspots: are vulnerable regions of high biological uniqueness. Widespread declines of taxa have been attributed to: Habitat clearance, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Threatened species have a very high probability of going extinct within 100 years. Species that are highly specialized are vulnerable due to their reliance on relatively narrow geographic ranges. Local vulnerability is correlated with species range. Extinctions can have cascading effects, which lead to associated extinctions among mutualists, predators, and parasites. A a species" ability to use and colonize secondary forest/ regrowth areas provides them with protection from forest losses. 32% of known species are threatened with extinction. Habitat loss, over-exploitation, acid precipitation, increased uv-radiation due to ozone depletion, increased all pollution, disease, and changes in global climate. Main cause is a specific fungal disease. Rural to urban population shifts could slow deforestation and allow for regeneration.
