Final Exam
Please respond to each question in 100-200 words. Make sure they are your own words (i.e. you cannot use direct quotes! I want to know your understanding of a topic). Do not copy directly from the book or any other source. Each question is worth 1.5 points, for a total of 15 points. You should be able to answer all questions with the textbook. If you use your textbook as a source, please reference the book and use in text citations where possible.
1. What is a species? How do we place value on species? Analyze from your own perspective what values should be considered when placing priority for conservation efforts.
A species by definition is difficult to explain, primarily because many scientists can’t agree on exactly what a species is. However, the most common explanation is a specific group of individuals that have the ability to interbreed. Although this explanation is always accurate as many groups are asexual.
We place value in species by evaluating its instrumental and intrinsic value. A species instrumental value is determined by its ability to provide the means for acquiring something else of value. It’s intrinsic value is determined by the understanding that each species has value, in and of itself but also determining how rare or endangered a species is. We should determine both values of a species when placing priority on conservation efforts. Such as, how many “like” species there are, would supporting the endangered species habitat benefit more than one threatened species. Will the species extinction greatly modify the food chain or have other long term effects etc.
2. What is biodiversity? What is conservation biology? How are these two terms related?
Biodiversity is several different species located in one ecosystem. Conservative Biology is the scientific study of biodiversity that’s main focus is protecting species and biodiversity. These two terms are related because one explains what biodiversity is and the other is the
1. What is a species? How do we place value on species? Analyze from your own perspective what values should be considered when placing priority for conservation efforts.
A species by definition is difficult to explain, primarily because many scientists can’t agree on exactly what a species is. However, the most common explanation is a specific group of individuals that have the ability to interbreed. Although this explanation is always accurate as many groups are asexual.
We place value in species by evaluating its instrumental and intrinsic value. A species instrumental value is determined by its ability to provide the means for acquiring something else of value. It’s intrinsic value is determined by the understanding that each species has value, in and of itself but also determining how rare or endangered a species is. We should determine both values of a species when placing priority on conservation efforts. Such as, how many “like” species there are, would supporting the endangered species habitat benefit more than one threatened species. Will the species extinction greatly modify the food chain or have other long term effects etc.
2. What is biodiversity? What is conservation biology? How are these two terms related?
Biodiversity is several different species located in one ecosystem. Conservative Biology is the scientific study of biodiversity that’s main focus is protecting species and biodiversity. These two terms are related because one explains what biodiversity is and the other is the