Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Students completing this subject should be aware of the dramatic rate of species extinctions and the role of human activities; understand the reasons for and consequences of these extinctions; have a sound knowledge of conservation methods used to prevent further loss of species; understand the special problems involved in trying to conserve endangered species.
Synopsis This subject, which does not assume any biological background, deals with the environmental problems caused by humans and solutions that can be used to redress them. After a review of species extinction rates on evolutionary and historical time scales, the magnitude and effects of the factors responsible for the recent dramatic loss of plant and animal species are examined. These are habitat destruction and degradation; pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere; the introduction of exotic species; overexploitation of natural resources. Conservation measures to reduce or eliminate the cause of species extinctions are discussed. The subject deals with topics as diverse as woodchipping, the Greenhouse Effect, rabbit plagues and wildlife ecotourism. The role of conservation methods, such as captive breeding and reintroduction of endangered species and the storage of genetic material in seed and clone banks, is reviewed. The special problems involved in trying to assess the viability of and conserve endangered species are examined. Practical work complements, illustrates and extends lecture topics and includes a small project and a design exercise.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 50% + Practical work - projects and tests: 50%