The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a part to play in conserving species such as bears. Outline the role of the IUCN in species conservation.
Using three different species concepts, discuss whether grizzly bears and polar bears ought to be treated as separate species.
Refer to three different species concepts and discuss whether grizzly bears and polar bears ought to be treated as separate species.
Human activity has disrupted the habitat of many spectacled bear, \emph{Tremarctos ornatus}, populations. The spectacled bear eats many different plant and animal species. Scientists compared the diversity of foods eaten by two spectacled bear populations by examining their faeces. One population came from an undisturbed habitat, while the other lived in a habitat altered by road building. The scientists studied faeces from 60 bears in each population. They identified the species present and counted the individuals of each species in the faeces. Using Simpson’s Index of Diversity, they calculated the diversity of species in the faeces from the two populations. The formula for Simpson’s Index of Diversity is: $D = 1 - \sum \left(\frac{n}{N}\right)^2$, where $n$ is the number of individuals of each species present in the sample and $N$ is the total number of all individuals of all species. Complete Table 8.1 in the spaces provided to calculate Simpson’s Index of Diversity. Write the value for Simpson’s Index of Diversity on the dotted line: Simpson’s Index of Diversity $(D) =$ __________.
The scientists found $D=0.833$ for the undisturbed population. Explain what the difference between the two bear populations’ $D$ values indicates.