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The Isolation of Species

California Education and the Environment Initiative

Biology Standard B.8.d.

BVisual Aids

California Education and the Environment InitiativeApproved by the California State Board of Education, 2010

The Education and the Environment Initiative Curriculum is a cooperative endeavor of the following entities:California Environmental Protection Agency

California Natural Resources Agency

California State Board of Education

California Department of Education

Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

Key Partners:Special thanks to Heal the Bay, sponsor of the EEI law, for their partnership

and participation in reviewing portions of the EEI curriculum.

Valuable assistance with maps, photos, videos and design was provided by the

National Geographic Society under a contract with the State of California.

Office of Education and the Environment1001 I Street • Sacramento, California 95814 • (916) 341-6769

http://www.CaliforniaEEI.org

© Copyright 2011 by the California Environmental Protection Agency© 2013 Second Edition

All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be used or reproduced without

permission from the Office of Education and the Environment.

These materials may be reproduced by teachers for educational purposes.

Lesson 1 Geographic Isolation

1 California’s Channel Islands 3

2 Depiction of Prehistoric Channel Islands 4

3 Getting to the Islands 5

4 Dispersing to Islands 6

5 Distribution of Abert’s and Kaibab Squirrels 7

6 Kaibab Squirrel 8

7 Abert’s Squirrel 9

Lesson 2 Mechanisms of Isolation

8 Island Fox versus Gray Fox 10

9 Island Scrub-Jay versus Western Scrub-Jay 11

10 Island Redberry versus Redberry (Mainland) 12

11 Galápagos Islands 13

12 Giant Tortoise Subspecies Morphology 14

13 Cheetah and Lion 15

14 Galápagos Finch Species 16

Lesson 3 The Influence of Human Activities on Animal Species’ Population Structure

15 Tiger Species Information 17

16 Tiger Distribution 18

17 Rice Paddy Distribution in Southeast Asia 19

18 Forest Cover of Southeast Asia 20

Contents

Lesson 4 Effects of Introduced Species

19 Nonnative Species 1 21

20 Nonnative Species 2 22

21 Changes in Populations 23

22 Consequences of Introductions 24

Lesson 5 Island Species’ Vulnerability

23 Overview of El Niño Phenomenon 25

24 Rainfall Data 26

25 Land Iguana 27

26 Marine Iguana 28

27 Flightless Cormorant 29

28 Galápagos Penguin 30

29 Population Changes and El Niño 31

30 Island Species and Environmental Change 32

CALIFORNIA EDUCATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE I Unit B.8.d. I The Isolation of Species I Visual Aids 3

VA #1 California’s Channel Islands

California’s Channel Islands

Visual Aid 1

0 5025

Miles

CA

L I F OR

NI A

PACIFIC OCEAN

San Miguel

Santa Rosa Santa CruzAnacapa

Santa Barbara

San NicolasSanta Catalina

San Clemente

Devils Peak2,450 ft (747 m)

4 CALIFORNIA EDUCATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE I Unit B.8.d. I The Isolation of Species I Visual Aids

VA #2 Depiction of Prehistoric Channel Islands

0 5025

Miles

CA

L I F OR

NI A

PACIFIC OCEAN

Present-daySanta Rosa

Present-daySan Miguel

Present-daySanta Cruz

Present-dayAnacapa

Santa Barbara

San NicolasSanta Catalina

San Clemente

Devils Peak2,450 ft (747 m)

Sea level around islands at last ice age (1.8 million years ago ending about 2,000 BCE)

Deepest point in the Channel 2,010 feet

Santarosae

Depiction of Prehistoric Channel Islands

Visual Aid 2


VA #3 Getting to the Islands

Getting to the Islands

Visual Aid 3

Vegetation Mat

Swimming to an Island


VA #4 Dispersing to Islands

Organism Probability of arriving on the Islands (High or Low)

Rationale Mechanism of Arrival

Large land mammal

Small land mammal

Marine mammal

Bird

Reptile

Amphibian

Plants

Any organism introduced by humans

Dispersing to Islands

Visual Aid 4


VA #5 Distribution of Abert’s and Kaibab Squirrels

Distribution of Abert’s and Kaibab Squirrels

Visual Aid 5

0 100 200 400

Miles

C A L I F O R N I A

N E V A D A

O R E G O N I D A H O

W Y O M I N G

U T A H

C O L O R A D O

N E W M E X I C O

Kaibab squirrelSciurus aberti kaibabensis

Abert’s squirrelSciurus aberti

GRAND CANYON

A R I Z O N A

Colorado River Aqueduct

Gila

Verd e

Litt le Colorado

Virgin

Colora do

San Juan

Gre

en

Colorado

Yampa

Dirty Devil

Gunnison

Co

lora

do

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona


VA #6 Kaibab Squirrel

Kaibab Squirrel

Visual Aid 6


VA #7 Abert’s Squirrel

Abert’s Squirrel

Visual Aid 7


VA #8 Island Fox versus Gray Fox

Island Fox versus Gray Fox

Visual Aid 8

Gray Fox

Island Fox


VA #9 Island Scrub-Jay versus Western Scrub-Jay

Island Scrub-Jay versus Western Scrub-Jay

Visual Aid 9

Western Scrub-Jay

Island Scrub-Jay


VA #10 Island Redberry versus Redberry (Mainland)

Island Redberry versus Redberry (Mainland)

Visual Aid 10

Island Redberry

Redberry (Mainland)


VA #11 Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands

Visual Aid 11

Culpepper

WENMAN

PINTA

MARCHENAGENOVESA

FERNANDINA

SANTIAGOBARTOLOMÉ

SEYMOUR NORTE

BALTRA

TORTUGA

PINZÓN

RÁBIDA

SANTA CRUZ

SANCRISTÓBAL

ESPAÑOLA

SANTA FE

ISABELA

FLOREANA

Equator

0

MILES

50

N

S

EW

P A C I F I CO C E A N

Culpepper

WENMAN

PINTA

MARCHENAGENOVESA

FERNANDINA

SANTIAGOBARTOLOMÉ

SEYMOUR NORTE

BALTRA

TORTUGA

PINZÓN

RÁBIDA

SANTA CRUZ

SANCRISTÓBAL

ESPAÑOLA

SANTA FE

ISABELA

FLOREANA

Equator

0

MILES

50

N

S

EW

P A C I F I CO C E A N


VA #12 Giant Tortoise Subspecies Morphology

Giant Tortoise Subspecies Morphology

Visual Aid 12

Saddleback Shell

Domed Shell


VA #13 Cheetah and Lion

Cheetah and Lion

Visual Aid 13

Lion

Cheetah


VA #14 Galápagos Finch Species

Galápagos Finch Species

Visual Aid 14


VA #15 Tiger Species Information

Tiger Species Information

Visual Aid 15

Species Information■ ■■ Eight documented subspecies of tiger existed historically.

■ ■■ As of 2007, only six subspecies remain, and all are listed as endangered.

■ ■■ Length: average 3 meters.■ ■■ Weight: 300 kilograms.■ ■■ Lifespan: 15 years in the wild.■ ■■ Reproduction: gestation of 16 weeks, three to four cubs in a litter.

Habitat■ ■■ Dense vegetation found in forested areas and a regular water source.

■ ■■ Currently, they occupy only 7% of their historical range.

Status■ ■■ Endangered status is the result of many types of human activities, including hunting for trophies, use of their body parts for medicinal purposes, deforestation of habitat, and loss of food sources.

■ ■■ Expanding human populations in the region have altered land use practices, increasing habitat loss:

■ ■● Forested regions have been converted to agricultural uses.

■ ■● Commercially valuable tropical woods have been heavily harvested.

■ ■● Expansion of urban areas, including new roads and industrial expansion, has fragmented forest habitats.

■ ■● Hydroelectric dams have altered water sources, decreasing suitable habitat.


VA #16 Tiger Distribution

Tiger Distribution

Visual Aid 16

BAY OF BENGAL

PHILAPPINE SEA

EAST CHINA

SEA

SOUTH CHINA

SEA INDIAN OCEAN

ANDAMANSEA

SEA OF JAPAN

0 500 1,000200

Miles

Tiger’s present range

Tiger’s historic range

Terai ArcLandscape

INDIA

INDONESIA

CHINA

INDIANSUBCONTINENT

INDOCHINA

SOUTHEASTASIA


VA #17 Rice Paddy Distribution in Southeast Asia

Rice Paddy Distribution in Southeast Asia

Visual Aid 17

Rice Paddy


VA #18 Forest Cover of Southeast Asia

Forest Cover of Southeast Asia

Visual Aid18


VA #19 Nonnative Species 1

Nonnative Species(Original Location)

Organism Characteristics

Invaded Region

How Introduction Occurred/Date of Arrival

Former Barrier

Predictions: Influence on Native Species(Plants and Animals)

Consequences: Effects on Geographic Isolation of Native Populations

Blackberry(South America)

Thorny bush that grows in thick hedges up to 4 meters (13 feet) high.Produces thousands of seeds per bush that are viable for many years in the soil. Can reproduce within 3 months after germination.

Galápagos, Ecuador

Unknown

1900s

Feral Goats(South America)

Strong grazers of vegetation, generalist feeders.Digs in the soil. Reproduces quickly.

Galápagos, Ecuador

Intentional—Ranching

1800s

Nonnative Species 1

Visual Aid 19


VA #20 Nonnative Species 2

Nonnative Species 2

Visual Aid 20

Nonnative Species(Original Location)

Organism Characteristics

Invaded Region

How Introduction Occurred/Date of Arrival

Former Barrier

Predictions: Influence on Native Species(Plants and Animals)

Consequences: Effects on Geographic Isolation of Native Populations

Black Rats(Asia)

Adapts quickly to harsh environments and conditions.

Over 80% of the world’s islands, including Channel IslandsCalifornia, U.S.

Accidental—Explorationships(invadedevery islandvisited byships)

Unknown

Red Fire Ant(South America)

Aggressive predators that can sting; territorial.

Galápagos, Ecuador

Hitchhiked on plants and in soil, rafting

Early 1900s


Group Increases in Population Numbers Decreases in Population Numbers

General Animals(applies to all animal groups)

Protected areasBreeding programsHabitat regenerationProtection status

DiseasePollutionDecrease in food resourcesOver-exploitation (hunting/fishing)Increase in predatorsLoss of suitable habitat

Mammals Protected areasBreeding programsHabitat regenerationProtection status

Same as “General Animals” plus:Disruption of migratory routesIllegal wildlife trafficking

Birds Protected areasBreeding programsHabitat regenerationProtection status

Same as “General Animals” plus:Loss of nesting sites is part of loss of suitable habitatEggs being preyed uponCollection for pet trade

Amphibians Same as “General Animals” plus:Pollution regulation (very sensitive to pollution due to strong association with water)

Same as “General Animals” plus:Collection for pet trade

Reptiles Protected areasBreeding programsHabitat regenerationProtection status

Same as “General Animals” plus:Loss of nesting sitesPredation on eggs and juvenilesCollection for pet trade

Fish Same as “General Animals” plus:Protected status mainly applies to sharks

Same as “General Animals” plus:Loss of spawning sitesHabitat degradation due to algal overgrowthPredation of eggs and larvaeCollection for pet trade

Plants IrrigationPesticidesRestorationErosion prevention

Diversion of water sourcesIncreased grazingOvergrowth by other plantsLoss of habitatCompetition for sunlight, water, or nutrients with other plants

VA #21 Changes in Populations

Changes in Populations

Visual Aid 21


VA #22 Consequences of Introductions

Consequences of Introductions

Visual Aid 22

Blackberry The blackberry is at the top of the list for introduced plants that threaten native plant species in the Galápagos Islands. This species often overgrows native species and outcompetes them for space, light, and water. Its seeds are easily dispersed by birds that consume their fruit, allowing the plants to colonize vast areas rapidly. Blackberries also form thick, thorny hedges that cannot be crossed by some animals.

Feral Goats Goats are strong grazers, so they compete with native species, especially in isolated parts of the Galápagos Islands where vegetation is sparse. They have completely altered natural habitats, changing forested areas into grasslands. The removal of vegetation has increased erosion, further altering the landscape. Additionally, giant tortoises cannot survive where the goats have removed the vegetation because the tortoises no longer have available food or shade critical to their survival in the intense equatorial Sun.

Black Rats Black rats are a known stowaway on ships since humans began exploring the world. They have been introduced to over 80% of the world’s islands. Their introduction is estimated

to be responsible for 40–60% of all bird and reptile extinctions in the world. Because the main part of their diet is eggs, black rats can dramatically affect populations of ground-nesting birds. They also eat vegetation, resulting in reduced populations of native plant species. In addition, black rats carry many diseases that can ravage native animal populations. They affect native species by competing with them for similar food resources and preying on them directly.

Red Fire Ants Red fire ants are one of the most aggressive species that has been introduced into the Galápagos Archipelago. They are believed to have caused a decrease in reptile populations by eating tortoise hatchlings and attacking the eyes of the adult tortoises. They have also caused a reduction of scorpions, spiders, and native ant species. They were probably transported between islands on plants and in soil and on floating vegetation and debris. These ants are very territorial, especially around their nests. As part of their defense, they will attack and sting organisms as large as a juvenile deer. Red fire ants have also reduced populations of native insects that protect plants from insects that eat them. In addition, fire ants consume large amounts of vegetation.


VA #23 Overview of El Niño Phenomenon

Overview of El Niño Phenomenon

Visual Aid 23

El Niño is a cyclic phenomenon that has a great influence on life in the Pacific Ocean and worldwide effects on climate. It occurs about every 2 to 7 years. The last major El Niño was in 1997–1998; however, several “minor” El Niños have occurred since then. The main indicator of El Niño is warming of ocean surface waters in June and July in the equatorial Pacific. This warm water moves eastward along the Equator toward the Galápagos Islands.

El Niño events have major effects on the usually arid Galápagos Islands. During El Niño years, the islands receive substantially higher amounts of rainfall, leading to a significant increase in plant growth.

Summary of Effects of El Niño:■ ■■ increased rain■ ■■ increase in fresh water in tidepools■ ■■ increased water temperature■ ■■ decrease in ocean upwellings that bring nutrients to the surface

■ ■■ decrease in phytoplankton■ ■■ decrease in zooplankton■ ■■ decrease in green and red algae■ ■■ increase in brown algae■ ■■ increase in vegetation growth on land■ ■■ increased erosion of rocky surfaces■ ■■ increased wave action


VA #24 Rainfall Data

Rainfall Data

Visual Aid 24

As recorded at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador. Note the increased rainfall during 1983 and 1987, two of the recognized El Niño years.

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

1979

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

Rai

nfal

l (m

m)

Year


VA #25 Land Iguana

Land Iguana

Visual Aid 25


VA #26 Marine Iguana

Marine Iguana

Visual Aid 26


VA #27 Flightless Cormorant

Flightless Cormorant

Visual Aid 27

Fernandina, Galápagos, Ecuador


VA #28 Galápagos Penguin

Galápagos Penguin

Visual Aid 28

Galápagos Penguin and its Rocky HabitatBartolomé, Galápagos, Ecuador


VA #29 Population Changes and El Niño

An

imal

s

Species Changes in the Population Influential Parameter

Marine iguana

30% decrease in body size50% decline in numbers

Decline in available food resources (red/green algae)

Flightless cormorant

45% decrease in numbers Decline in available food resources (fish)

Galápagos penguin

78% decrease in numbers (1982–1983) Downward population trend

Decline in available food resources (fish)

Population Changes and El Niño

Visual Aid 29


VA #30 Island Species and Environmental Change

Animal Species

Habitat Food Source

Behavior Potential Effects of El Niño on Island-Dwelling Organisms

Marine iguana

Rocky coastal areas, shallow reefs

Red or green algae

Lays eggs in sandy, terrestrial burrows

Flightless cormorant

Near-shore coastal areas, rocky coastal areas on Fernandina and Western Isabela

Small fish and octopus

Builds seaweed nests in near-shore coastal areas above the high-tide line

Galápagos penguin

Rocky coastal areas and open ocean

Small fish and crustaceans

Nests in rocky crevices

Island Species and Environmental Change

Visual Aid 30

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