Environmental Science UNIT 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained? Area of Study 1: Is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort? Importance of biodiversity Abiotic biodiversity biological resources Biotic community Ecosystem ecosystem diversity ecosystem services Gene genetic diversity Habitat Niche Organism population Resilience social benefits Species species diversity Variation 3.1.1 the definition and categories of biodiversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) 3.1.2 the importance of genetic diversity within a species or population in withstanding changes in environmental selection pressures that will either confer an advantage (adaptation) or disadvantage for a particular genetic trait (excluding mechanisms of gene function) 3.1.3 ecosystems as a source of renewable services that impact on human well-being including provisioning services (food, water, pharmaceuticals), regulating services (carbon sequestration, climate control), and supporting services (soil formation, nutrient and water recycling, air and water purification). Biodiversity change over time adaptation biodiversity hotspot biological diversity biological diversity continental drift diversification El Nino Sothern Oscillation ENSO endemic evolution extinction Fossil fossil record interbreed mass extinction natural selection numerical dating plate tectonics population isolation relative dating species Strata survival of the fittest theory of evolution 3.1.4 evidence of variation in rate and extent of change in biodiversity over time including significant mass extinctions and periods of rapid species diversification that can be inferred from the fossil record 3.1.5 the impact of humans on the present rate of species extinction 3.1.6 the isolation of populations over short (volcanic eruptions or fire), medium (El Nino) and long (tectonic plate movement and evolution) time scales that can produce different species that are unable to interbreed, are endemic to a location, form a diversity hotspot, or become extinct, including explanation of why some ecosystems are more diverse than others. Measuring changes in biodiversity endemism hypothesis number of species Simpson’s Diversity Index species diversity species richness statistical power belt transect beneficence edge effect indicator species indirect signs live trapping quadrat random sampling remnant vegetation sampling method spotlighting systematic sampling transect 3.1.7 sampling methods used for assessing species diversity including grids, transects, different shaped quadrats (including consideration of edge effects), and mark-recapture 3.1.8 assessment of genetic diversity through variations in morphology as an indicator of genetic make-up of individuals within a species measurement of species diversity, including species richness, endemism and species diversity, and the application of simple indices, including Simpson’s Index 3.1.9 the measures of ecosystem diversity including the number of different ecosystems in a biosphere and the variety of ecological processes that occur in different physical settings 3.1.10 conservation classification of species and how this depends on measures including changes in the geographic range and number of individuals within that range, the date the species was last recorded, and the extent of habitat. Threats to biodiversity accelerated extinction clearing commensal relationships conservation category critically endangered data deficient degradation demographic variation dispersal dominant exotic species extinct extinction genetic drift genetic mutation genetic swamping habitat degradation habitat destruction habitat fragmentation habitat modification host species inbreeding modelling mutation mutualism near threatened overexploitation parasitism pollination population variability analysis probability of extinction recessive risk risk assessment symbiont symbiotic relationships taxon threatened vulnerable 3.1.11 predictions of species population survival using probabilities including likelihood of extinction 3.1.12 human and non-human threats to biodiversity including: creation and isolation of small populations through habitat modification and over-exploitation; genetic swamping, inbreeding, and demographic variation due to small population size; loss of pollinators, dispersal agents, host species or symbionts that affect reproduction and persistence of species; bioaccumulation that concentrates environmental poisons in food chains; and exotic species that compete for habitat, shelter and food. 3.1.13 assessment of threat in defining conservation categories for a species and/or ecosystem, including extinct in the wild, conservation dependent, critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable Protection and restoration of biodiversity anthropocentrism bioregional captive breeding program CITES Conservation on Biological Diversity conservation reserve ecocentrism Environment Protection and Biodiversity Convention Act 1999 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 gene bank habitat restoration intergeneration equity intragenerational equity metapopulational national park recolonisation Red List of Threatened Species regeneration reintroduction remnant vegetation translocation World Heritage 3.1.14 strategies for maintaining and growing populations that also build species resilience to changes in the environment including: protected areas; retaining remnant vegetation; wildlife corridors or zones; translocation of animals; habitat regeneration, restoration or replacement; captive breeding and reintroduction programs; gene banks for the collection of specimens and genetic material; and reduction and improved targeting of pesticides in agricultural and urbanised areas. 3.1.15 the application of relevant international, national, state and local legal treaties, agreements and regulatory frameworks that apply to the protection of threatened species including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, World Heritage areas, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Australia), Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, and local government conservation covenants. 3.1.16 sustainability principles relevant to biodiversity conservation including: inter- and intragenerational equity including funding of selected species; the precautionary principle in relation to habitat change or introduction of species; ethical principles for managing biodiversity including justice and beneficence; and value systems including anthropocentrism, biocentrism and ecocentrism. Area of Study 2: Is development sustainable? Outcome 2 On completion of this unit, the student should be able to explain the principles of sustainability and environmental management and analyse and evaluate a selected environmental science case study. Sustainability Atmosphere Biosphere ecologically sustainable development (ESD) hydrosphere Lithosphere Sustainability ecological integrity Assessment environmental risk assessment Hazard harzard assessment hazard identification impact assessment life cycle anaylsis precautionary principle Risk risk assessment risk management 3.2.1 assessment of beneficial and harmful impacts on the four Earth systems (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere) of one selected environmental science project. 3.2.2 comparison of definitions of sustainability including distinction between sustainability and ecologically sustainable development. 3.2.3 sustainability principles: intergenerational equity, intragenerational equity; conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity; user pays principle; efficiency of resource use; precautionary principle. 3.2.4 challenges to sustainability: population, food, water, energy Environmental Management environmental effects statement (EES) environmental impact assessment (EIA) environmental management system (EMS) ISO 14001 Monitoring Stakeholder cleaner production efficient resource use user pays principle waste minimisation 3.2.5 management of the project: length of time for project, planned targets, regulatory frameworks that limit management plans. 3.2.6 stakeholder involvement: role of the community, media, environmental interest groups, non-government and government agencies in encouraging responsible environmental practices and identification of values systems that affect decision-making. 3.2.7 techniques for monitoring the project: historical and current data comparisons as measures of effectiveness of management strategies. 3.2.8 response to change: impact minimisation, risk management, and application of new technologies.
