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[Maximum mark: 10] The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) has been described as a s...

Oct 11, 2024

Answer

The reintroduction of beavers can increase biodiversity by creating new habitats, enhancing water quality, and promoting a variety of plant and animal species.

Solution

Habitat creation: Beavers build dams that create ponds, which provide new habitats for various aquatic and terrestrial species. This leads to increased species richness in the area

Water quality improvement: The ponds created by beavers can filter pollutants and sediments, leading to healthier ecosystems that support diverse life forms

Plant diversity: The foraging behavior of beavers can promote the growth of different plant species, which in turn supports a wider range of herbivores and predators

Answer

Two necessary measurements to calculate Simpson's reciprocal index of diversity are the total number of individuals of each species and the total number of species present in the area.

Solution

Total number of individuals: This is the sum of all individuals counted in the sample, which is essential for determining species dominance

Total number of species: This is the count of different species present in the sample, which is necessary for calculating diversity

Answer

The percentage increase in the species diversity of bats in the pond after the introduction of the beaver can be calculated using the formula:

\text{Percentage Increase} = \frac{\text{New Diversity} - \text{Old Diversity}}{\text{Old Diversity}} \times 100

Solution

Let’s assume the old diversity of bats in the pond was

D_1

and the new diversity after beaver introduction is

D_2

. The percentage increase is calculated as follows:

\text{Percentage Increase} = \frac{D_2 - D_1}{D_1} \times 100

Answer

Three anthropogenic activities that could have led to the extinction of beavers in the UK include habitat destruction, overhunting, and pollution.

Solution

Habitat destruction: Urbanization and agricultural expansion can lead to the loss of wetlands and riverbanks, which are essential for beaver habitats

Overhunting: Beavers were hunted for their fur and meat, leading to significant population declines

Pollution: Contamination of water bodies can make habitats unsuitable for beavers and their food sources

Key Concept

Beavers play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity through their ecological engineering activities.

Explanation

The activities of beavers, such as dam building, create new habitats and improve ecosystem health, which supports a diverse range of species.