It was requested of me to present to the council scientific evidence that could be used to either validate or refute the residents’ concerns regarding the recent plans to develop a shopping complex bordering the Wolverine Nature Preserve. My intention is not to discuss my own views on this matter, but rather state facts drawn from my expertise in the field of ecology. Although I will not be responding to the assertions made by the Chamber of Commerce, who sees and values this plan as an economical investment, I feel obligated to express the need for there to be biological proof supporting such claims. I will address each of the Salamanderville residents’ worries, including the effect of the new road intersecting the preserve, the introduction
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This model is used to describe the degree of species richness, or the number of different species in an area, at equilibrium that can be expected on two land masses based on their size and distance apart. In this case, since the nature preserve will be separated by the road into two separate “islands” and therefore close together, it is expected that some species, potentially non-native species, will occupy both areas at equilibrium. The Island Biogeography Theory can also be used to predict species richness of isolated areas, in this case, one that is affected by human development. It supports the idea that the separation of the preserve will have a minor effect on the genetic changes if the road does not completely segregate the two habitats. However, if the road proves to be a significant barrier, more genetic change is …show more content…
Currently, the species in the wetlands may be able to breed with those in the pond, however, after the construction of the road, species in the wetland on the upper side of the road will not be able to breed with those in the pond if they are not able to cross the road safely. Ecological speciation may occur, which is when divergent natural selection drives reproductive isolation causing speciation. Therefore, pond animals will experience their own divergent evolution, and may become phylogenetically different species. For example, The Illinois State Threatened Blue-Spotted Salamanders rely on the temporary ephemeral wetlands to breed since they are void of fish, allowing their larvae to develop
This model is used to describe the degree of species richness, or the number of different species in an area, at equilibrium that can be expected on two land masses based on their size and distance apart. In this case, since the nature preserve will be separated by the road into two separate “islands” and therefore close together, it is expected that some species, potentially non-native species, will occupy both areas at equilibrium. The Island Biogeography Theory can also be used to predict species richness of isolated areas, in this case, one that is affected by human development. It supports the idea that the separation of the preserve will have a minor effect on the genetic changes if the road does not completely segregate the two habitats. However, if the road proves to be a significant barrier, more genetic change is …show more content…
Currently, the species in the wetlands may be able to breed with those in the pond, however, after the construction of the road, species in the wetland on the upper side of the road will not be able to breed with those in the pond if they are not able to cross the road safely. Ecological speciation may occur, which is when divergent natural selection drives reproductive isolation causing speciation. Therefore, pond animals will experience their own divergent evolution, and may become phylogenetically different species. For example, The Illinois State Threatened Blue-Spotted Salamanders rely on the temporary ephemeral wetlands to breed since they are void of fish, allowing their larvae to develop