Characteristics of Species that are Prone to Ecological and Biological Extinction:
Characteristic
Examples
Low reproductive rate
blue whale, giant panda, rhinoceros
Specialized niche
blue whale, giant panda, koala bear
Narrow distribution
many island species, elephant seal, desert pupfish
Feeds at high trophic levels
Bengal tiger, bald eagle, polar bear
Fixed migratory patterns
blue whale, many bird species, dolphins*
Rare
many island species, some orchids, mountain gorilla
Commercially valuable
tiger, elephant, rare plants and birds
Large territories
CA condor, grizzly bear, FL panther
Behavioral patterns
Carolina parakeet (one bird is shot, rest of flock hovers
over body)
Reasons why we should pay attention to species extinctions:
Instrumental Value: Valuable as a means of acquiring something else.
Examples:
Bees pollinate crops which provide us with food.
Wolves (or any other top predator) keep ecosystems in balance which maintains biodiversity.
Higher biodiversity ensures a more stable biosphere; a stable climate and atmosphere make
peoples’ lives easier and more comfortable = happier.
Intrinsic Value: Valuable “in and of itself”; ethically or morally right
Examples:
Everything???