Exploration question answers: harnessing science and education for biodiversity conservation

If you are wondering where the suggested answers came from, you can review the videos and articles in this tutorial.

1.     In your own words, explain how education is the essential counterpart of scientific research and how they can increase our ability to protect biodiversity on Earth.

Answer: A complete explanation would mention that the greatest impact comes from educational efforts and scientific research working together to support biodiversity conservation. Scientific research, whether in the field on expeditions or in the lab, makes the discoveries that advance our understanding of life on Earth. Education is the tool by which scientific findings are shared with larger audiences; education helps people understand how biodiversity is related to ecosystem function and ecosystem services. If education helps students, teachers, policy-makers, and the general public connect with nature, and understand that humans are part of a global ecosystem, and that we depend on biodiversity and the healthy functioning of natural ecosystems, then more people will be engaged in efforts to protect biodiversity. Education and the opportunity to participate in scientific research have the power to inspire the next generation of conservation biologists, government officials and active citizens. Education and research also provide governments and decision-makers with the scientific data and interpretations of those data that are needed to make the most effective conservation decisions.

2.     After watching the videos in this tutorial, your friend is confused about the various techniques that are used to help protect endangered species. In your own words, describe three approaches that are used to protect endangered species, and give examples of each.

Answer: A complete explanation would mention that there are several ways in which endangered species can be protected. First, captive-breeding programs house healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered animals in accredited zoos, aquaria and research facilities around the world. These captive breeding programs follow specific guidelines outlined by Species Survival Plans (SSPs). These programs help prevent especially endangered animal species from going extinct, even if they disappear in the wild. One example of an endangered species with an SSP is the African penguin.

Another approach to protecting endangered species is by legislation or laws. One example of this is the United States’ Endangered Species Act of 1973. This comprehensive piece of legislation was designed to protect endangered organisms from extinction. Under the act, federal agencies classify species as endangered or threatened. Once a species is classified, federal law prohibits activities that might harm the species (e.g., cutting down trees, draining wetlands, constructing buildings or hunting). Classifying species depends on having rigorous scientific data, which underscores the importance of biodiversity research and the dissemination of the findings.

In addition, there is place-based conservation. Rather than protecting a single species, this method sets aside entire ecosystems for protection. The reasoning behind this approach is the simple but undeniable reality that a species needs a healthy habitat in which to live and reproduce. You cannot save a species without saving its habitat and all the other species in that habitat on which it depends. By protecting a piece of ecosystem, you are protecting all the species that live there. The United States’ National Parks system and marine protected areas (MPAs) are both examples of place-based conservation efforts.