Question

3 conserving biodiversity (continued)
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1. describe three approaches used to slow down the rate of extinction or to preserve biodiversity.
2. define the two classes of natural resources.
3. choose a human - caused disaster from figure 21. discuss the methods that could be used to restore biodiversity.
4. if earth has 150,100,000 km² of land area, how much land area is included in the biodiversity hot spots?

Explanation:

1. Approaches to slow - down extinction or preserve biodiversity:

• Habitat protection: Protecting natural habitats like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs helps species survive. For example, national parks and nature reserves are set - aside areas for conservation.
• Captive breeding: Breeding endangered species in controlled environments (zoos, botanical gardens) and then re - introducing them into the wild. This has been used for species like the California condor.
• Sustainable use: Using natural resources in a way that does not deplete them. For example, sustainable forestry and fishing practices.

1. Two classes of natural resources:

• Renewable resources: These can be replenished over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and forests (if managed properly).
• Non - renewable resources: These are finite and cannot be replenished once used up, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals (gold, silver).

1. Restoring biodiversity after human - caused disaster (example: deforestation):

• Reforestation: Planting trees to recreate the forest ecosystem. This can be done through natural regeneration or by actively planting tree seedlings.
• Controlling invasive species: Invasive species can out - compete native species after a disaster. Removing them helps native species recover.
• Soil restoration: Improving soil quality through techniques like adding organic matter, which is important for plant growth and the overall ecosystem.

1. Without information on the percentage of land area in biodiversity hotspots, we cannot calculate the exact area. However, biodiversity hotspots cover about 2.3% of the Earth's land surface. So if the Earth has 150,100,000 km² of land area, the area of biodiversity hotspots would be \(150100000\times0.023 = 3452300\) km².

Answer:

1. Habitat protection: Preserves natural living spaces. Captive breeding: Breeds endangered species in captivity. Sustainable use: Ensures long - term availability of resources.
2. Renewable resources: Can be replenished. Non - renewable resources: Finite and non - replenishable.
3. Reforestation: Replant trees. Control invasive species: Remove non - native threats. Soil restoration: Improve soil quality.
4. 3452300 km² (assuming 2.3% of land area is in biodiversity hotspots)