Question

One method used to calculate contemporary extinction rates is based on the recorded extinction of species in the last 500 years. A second method is a calculation based on the rate of habitat destruction. The construction of a new dam is being projected. A team of conservation biologists is preparing a report on the environmental impact of the dam. Decide which of the two methods should be adopted to estimate the effect of the construction of the extinction rate in the area and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

a. The extinction rates calculation method should be adopted. It is based on a large number of observations and measurements but overestimates rates of extinction. The rate of habitat destruction calculation method uses species-area curves, but underestimates the rate of extinction.
b. The extinction rates calculation method should be adopted. It is based on a large number of observations and measurements, but overestimates rates of extinction. The rate of habitat destruction calculation method uses species-area curves, but underestimates the rate of extinction.
c. The rate of habitat destruction calculation method should be adopted. The extinction rates calculation method is based on a large number of observations and measurements but overestimates rates of extinction. The rate of habitat destruction calculation method uses species-area curves, but underestimates the rate of extinction.
d. Extinction rates are calculated based on the recorded extinction of species in the past 500 years using data from a large number of observations and measurements. They do not take into account unobserved extinctions and undiscovered species. In this way, the method underestimates rates of extinction. The second method based on the amount of habitat destruction and on species-area curves is more adapted to this situation, although it is not based on existing data and is likely to overestimate the rate of extinction.

Answer 1

To estimate the impact of dam construction on extinction rates, the habitat destruction method using species-area relationships may be more suitable than relying on historically recorded extinctions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the construction of a new dam, conservation biologists must estimate the potential impact on species extinction rates within the area. One common method is based on historically recorded extinction data from the past 500 years, which tends to overlook unobserved and potential future extinctions, potentially underestimating the true rate. On the other hand, the method involving the rate of habitat destruction employs species-area curves, which suggest a direct correlation between the loss of habitat and the loss of species diversity. This approach can help predict future extinctions based on current habitat destruction, but may overestimate extinctions as it doesn't account for the potential for species to adapt or migrate.

When evaluating the construction of a dam, using the habitat destruction method may be more suited, as it directly assesses the impact of the development on the local environment. This method relies on species-area relationships, a well-established ecological principle that correlates the size of an area to the number of species it can support. However, it's crucial to recognize that this method may assume imminent extinction following habitat loss, which may not occur immediately—termed 'extinction debt.'

Ultimately, the choice between these methods should be informed by the specific conditions of the area in question. The conservationists should consider using both methods to provide a range of possible outcomes and incorporate this into a holistic environmental impact assessment.