BIO 182 Corridors Case Study- Do Corridors Have Value in Conservation? Why is it more difficult for top carnivores to obtain sufficient energy resources than it is for animals lower on the food chain?

Do Corridors Have Value in Conservation? (Note* this is the worksheet you should turn in for class participation points – the questions have been transferred from the Case Study pdf by Andrea Bixl er, Clarke University. (10 points total) Part I – Introduction and Review of Relevant Biology 1. Why is it more difficult for top carnivores to obtain sufficient energy resources than it is for animals lower on the food chain? (0.5 points) It is more difficult for top carnivores to obtain sufficient energy because they are the top trophic level and they just eat meat. Animals at lower trophic levels may have more energy sources than carnivores. 2. What sorts of genetic changes are more common in smaller populations than large ones? Are these problematic and, if so, how? (0.5 points) Some genetic changes that happen in small populations are lack of gene variability. Thus meaning inbreeding may begin. 3. What term or concept is used to describe the population size of breeding animals (not the total population size)? What factors discussed above might reduce the number of breeding jaguars below the total number? (0.5 points) Limited population size. Some factors discussed above that might reduce the number of breeding jaguars are the barrier that could stop them from breeding and not enough land to have sufficient food sources. 4. Is it important for people to try to protect endangered species? (0.5 points) It is important for people to protect endangered species because other organisms are still dependent on them and we may be the reason they are endangered in the first place. Part II 1. What does island biogeography theory suggest about the ideal design of a nature preserve? (0.5 points) The island biogeography theory suggest that nature preserves may boost the rate of survival of organisms by having greater habitat availability.