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Chapter 20: Problem 20

What is the relationship between island biogeography and biosphere reserves? Describe a biosphere reserve. What are the goals?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The theory of Island Biogeography is fundamentally connected to Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves are seen as isolated natural communities, just like islands, and species richness in these reserves is influenced by the same factors affecting islands. Furthermore, understanding these concepts can help in reserve design and management for the conservation of species diversity. A Biosphere Reserve achieves goals of conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable economic and human development, facilitating dialogue on environmental issues, and enabling research and education.

Step by step solution

01

Define 'Island Biogeography'

Island Biogeography is a study within biogeography that attempts to establish and explain the factors that affect the species richness of isolated natural communities. The theory is also called 'Insular Biogeography.'
02

Define 'Biosphere Reserves'

Biosphere Reserves are protected areas consisting of terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. The main goal of these reserves is to reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable use of natural resources. They are ideal places for testing and demonstrating approaches to conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale.
03

Relationship Between Island Biogeography and Biosphere Reserves

The concept of Biosphere Reserves is intrinsically linked to Island Biogeography. As islands, these reserves can be seen as isolated natural communities, where species richness is influenced by immigration, extinction, and the size of the reserve. This understanding can help in the design and management of these reserves, ensuring the conservation of species diversity.
04

Describe a Biosphere Reserve

A Biosphere Reserve is a unique concept which includes one or more protected areas and surrounding lands that combine both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. These reserves are mainly used for three purposes: Conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation; development, fostering economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable; and logistic support, which is meant for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
05

Goals of Biosphere Reserves

The primary goals of Biosphere Reserves are: 1. Conserving biodiversity, including genetic resources, species and ecosystems; 2. Promoting economic and human development that is culturally and ecologically sustainable; 3. Providing a neutral platform for dialogue and conflict resolution on environment and development issues; 4. Facilitating research and education on conservation and ecosystem management, as well as providing areas for ecological and environmental research.

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