Conservation
Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 18.3.2
Human Needs vs Conservation
The conservation of species and habitats can be controversial. There can be conflicting evidence with regards to the benefits that some conservation management policies have.
Need for conservation
- Humans pose a huge threat to biodiversity on the planet.
- The two main threats from humans are:
- Population growth.
- Resource exploitation.
- Conservation helps oppose the effects from humans.
- Conservation protects ecosystems and the species within them to help prevent decreasing biodiversity.
Methods of conservation
- There are a number of ways that species and ecosystems can be conserved:
- Protected areas (e.g. national parks) - protect habitats.
- Seedbanks - store seeds to avoid extinction.
- Protected species - avoid extinction.
- Fishing quotas - prevent overfishing.
Conflict - needs and conservation
- Conflict exists between human needs and conservation.
- Conservation can be expensive.
- Human population growth means there is high demand for food, space and other resources. Conservation can sometimes make meeting these demands difficult.
Test yourself on Conservation
Which of these is NOT a way to conserve species and ecosystems?