#AP Environmental Science: Biodiversity & Conservation - The Night Before 🌃

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science whiz! Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to rock this exam. This guide is designed to be your ultimate last-minute resource, focusing on the most critical concepts and test-taking strategies. Let's dive in!

#Biodiversity & Conservation: Why It Matters

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Key Concept

Classification of Species by IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes species based on their risk of extinction. Think of it like a spectrum from 'doing great' to 'gone'.

Memory Aid

Remember the acronym: Every Elephant Can Vomit Nicely, Leaving Everyone.

EX: Extinct
EW: Extinct in the Wild
CR: Critically Endangered
EN: Endangered
VU: Vulnerable
NT: Near Threatened
LC: Least Concern

IUCN Categories

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

#IUCN Criteria for Classification

IUCN uses five key criteria to determine a species' conservation status. These are:

A) Population Reduction: Significant decline over time.
B) Geographic Range: Limited habitat or range.
C) Small Population Size: Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals and declining.
D) Extremely Small Population Size: Fewer than 250 mature individuals.
E) Probability of Extinction: High likelihood (at least 20% in 20 years) of extinction.

Exam Tip

Pay attention to how these criteria link to the different IUCN categories. You might get a question asking you to classify a species based on population data.

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Key Concept

Risk Factors: What Makes a Species Vulnerable?

Not all species are equally vulnerable. Here's what makes some more at risk than others:

R-selected species: High reproductive rate, many offspring, low survival rate (e.g., mice). They can bounce back quickly from losses.
K-selected species: Low reproductive rate, few offspring, high survival rate (e.g., elephants). They recover slowly from losses.
Specialist species: Very specific niche, vulnerable to environmental changes (e.g., orangutans).
Generalist species: Can adapt to various conditions, more resilient (e.g., pigeons). 💡

Memory Aid

Remember R for Rapid reproduction and K for Kind of slow reproduction.

#Human Impacts: The Major Threats

#Overharvesting

Occurs when individuals are removed faster than the population can replenish itself. 🎣
Examples: Dodo bird, American bison (historically), passenger pigeon.
Regulations (hunting/fishing limits) help, but illegal poaching is a huge problem.

Common Mistake

Don't confuse overharvesting with habitat destruction. They're both bad, but different!

#Plant/Animal Trade

Legal and illegal trade can threaten species. 💸
Lacey Act (US): Prohibits interstate transport of illegally harvested plants/animals.
CITES: International agreement to control trade in endangered species.
Illegal trade is driven by demand for fur, medicinal parts, and exotic pets.

Quick Fact

Illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry. That's a lot of pressure on vulnerable species.

#Conservation Strategies: What Can We Do?

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Key Concept

Legislation

Endangered Species Act (ESA) 1973 (US): Protects endangered/threatened species and their habitats.
- Lists species as 'endangered' or 'threatened'.
- Designates 'critical habitat'.
- Prohibits harming listed species and trade.
- Authorizes habitat purchases and recovery plans.

Exam Tip

Understand the ESA's key provisions and its impact on land use. It's a frequent topic in FRQs.

#Education

Raises public awareness about extinction and human impact. 📢
Encourages support for conservation efforts.

#Breeding Programs

Zoos and aquariums can help rebuild populations of critically endangered species. 🐾
Examples: Black-footed ferret, red panda, clouded leopard.

#Organizations

Collaborate with governments for research, monitoring, and conservation actions.
Create protected areas, corridors, and reintroduction programs.

Memory Aid

Think of LEBO for Legislation, Education, Breeding programs, and Organizations. These are the main pillars of conservation.

#Final Exam Focus

#Top Priority Topics

IUCN classification and criteria. Be able to apply them to scenarios.
R-selected vs. K-selected species and their vulnerability.
Human impacts: overharvesting and trade.
Endangered Species Act (ESA): Key provisions and controversies.
Conservation strategies: education, breeding programs, and organizations.

#Common Question Types

Multiple Choice: Definitions, classifications, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Free Response (FRQ): Analyzing data, evaluating conservation strategies, and proposing solutions.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed.
Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of questions and the data provided.
Show Your Work: In FRQs, clearly explain your reasoning and calculations.
Stay Calm: You've got this! Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. 💪

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following best describes a species that is classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN? (a) A species that is no longer found in the wild (b) A species that is at extremely high risk of extinction (c) A species that is at high risk of unnatural extinction without intervention (d) A species that is not considered endangered or at risk
Which of the following is a primary goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)? (a) To promote the trade of endangered species for economic gain (b) To protect and recover species that are in danger of extinction (c) To allow for unlimited development in critical habitats (d) To reduce the role of international organizations in conservation
Which of the following best describes a K-selected species? (a) High reproductive rate, many offspring, low survival rate (b) Low reproductive rate, few offspring, high survival rate (c) Adapted to a very specific niche, vulnerable to environmental change (d) Able to adapt to a variety of different climates and food sources

Free Response Question

A population of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans is being impacted by habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations. The orangutan population is estimated to have decreased by 50% in the last 10 years. The current population is estimated to be around 1000 individuals. The orangutans are a K-selected species and are also specialist species.

(a) Identify the IUCN conservation status of the Sumatran orangutan based on the information provided. Justify your answer. (2 points)

(b) Describe TWO characteristics of K-selected species that make them particularly vulnerable to extinction. (2 points)

(d) Propose TWO specific conservation strategies that could be used to help protect the Sumatran orangutan. Explain how each strategy would help the species recover. (4 points)

Scoring Breakdown

(a) (2 points) - 1 point for identifying the status as Critically Endangered. - 1 point for justification: The population has declined by 50% in 10 years and is estimated to be around 1000 individuals, which aligns with the criteria for Critically Endangered.

(b) (2 points) - 1 point for each correct characteristic: - Low reproductive rate: K-selected species reproduce slowly, making it difficult for populations to recover quickly from losses. - Long generation time: K-selected species have long generation times, meaning it takes longer for the population to rebound.

(c) (2 points) - 1 point for each correct explanation: - Limited Diet: Specialist species have very specific dietary needs and may not be able to adapt to new food sources if their habitat is lost. - Specific Habitat Needs: Specialist species are adapted to specific environmental conditions and may not be able to survive in altered habitats.

(d) (4 points) - 1 point for each proposed strategy and 1 point for each explanation: - Strategy 1: Habitat protection and restoration: Creating protected areas and restoring degraded habitats will provide orangutans with safe spaces to live and reproduce. - Strategy 2: Anti-poaching measures and wildlife monitoring: Implementing strict anti-poaching measures and monitoring orangutan populations will reduce the risk of illegal hunting and allow for better tracking of population trends.

Alright, you've got this! Go get 'em! 🚀