Which of the following statements about protected areas is not correct?a. We now protect 25% of the land areas of the planet.b. National parks are only one type of protected area.c. Most reserves are smaller in size than the ranges of some of the species they are meant to protect.d. Management of protected areas must coordinate with the management of lands outside the protected zone.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main topic of the question, which is about the characteristics and management of protected areas.
2. Understand the context of each statement: - Statement a discusses the percentage of land that is protected. - Statement b refers to the variety of protected area types. - Statement c addresses the size of reserves relative to the species they protect. - Statement d talks about the management coordination between protected and non-protected areas.
3. Evaluate the accuracy of each statement based on general knowledge about conservation and protected areas. For example, consider if the percentage mentioned in statement a sounds realistic and compare it with known global conservation statistics.
4. Consider the implications of each statement. For instance, the effectiveness of a protected area could be compromised if it is smaller than the range of the species it aims to protect, as mentioned in statement c.
5. Determine which statement is least accurate or not correct by comparing them against established facts in conservation biology.

Key Concepts

Protected Areas

Protected areas are designated regions aimed at conserving biodiversity and natural resources. They include various types of land management strategies, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine protected areas. The primary goal is to safeguard ecosystems and the species that inhabit them from human activities and environmental degradation.

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation refers to the practice of protecting and managing the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. Effective conservation strategies often involve creating protected areas that serve as refuges for wildlife, ensuring that ecosystems remain functional and resilient against threats like climate change and habitat loss.

Management of Protected Areas

The management of protected areas involves planning and implementing strategies to maintain their ecological integrity while allowing for sustainable use. This includes coordinating with surrounding land management to address issues such as habitat fragmentation and resource use, ensuring that both protected and adjacent lands contribute to overall conservation goals.