A presentation case study originally authored using Apple Keynote. Svalbard Reindeer follwing 10000 years of isolation have developed into a unique subspecies

1. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
The Svalbard Reindeer
4.1.3: Isolation and Evolution

2. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Svalbard
• Svalbard is an ancient island within the
Arctic circle
• At its Northern most point Svalbard is
only 1100 km from the North Pole
Norway
• During the last Ice Age it was connected
to the mainland
Finland
Sweden

3. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Svalbard
• Following the end of the Ice Age about
10000 B.P., Organism on Svalbard became
isolated from their mainland counterparts
• This has led to evolutionary development
in many of the species on the island Norway
Finland
Sweden

4. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Conditions on Svalbard
• Permanent ice covers much of
Svalbard
• Only on coastal lowlands does
snow melt in the summer
• Short growing period from late
June to early October
Source: Google Maps

5. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Conditions on Svalbard
• Snow melt causes erosion of
limited soil cover
• Some enrichment around
seabird nesting areas
• There are no trees on the
island
• Despite this a wide variety of
plants exist but in low numbers
Source: Google Maps

6. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Conditions on Svalbard
• Wind and frost also make it
difficult for plants
• Few animals other than the
Svaldbard Reindeer have
colonised the island
• There are no large predators
Source: Google Maps

7. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Mainland Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
• Live in herds
• Thick fur insulates against the winter
• Lot of social interaction within herds
• Dig through snow with large feet for
food in Winter
© 2004 Peter Nijenhuis

8. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Mainland Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
• In winter survive eating lichen, in
particular Cadonia rangiferina
(Reindeer moss)
• In the summer eat a wide variety of
plants
• Long heads with eyes set far back
allow mainland Reindeer to spot
predators even when grazing
© 2004 Peter Nijenhuis

9. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Mainland Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
• Living in herds give protection
• But increases competition for food
• In summer Reindeer starve
• Also parasitic warble fly larvae hatch
out and get passed on within the
herd
• Both male and Females have antlers © 2004 Peter Nijenhuis

10. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)
• Smaller and more squat than
mainland cousins
• Live singly or in small groups because
of lack of predators
• Less competition for food
• Smaller antlers that both sexes lose
in winter © 2006 Amanda Graham

11. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)
• Feed on tough vascular plants even
in winter mainly Dryas octipatina
• Large adapted stomachs with unique
micro-organisms to help digest poor
diet
• Svalbard Reindeer put on fat stores
during the summer to help survive
the harsh winters © 2006 Amanda Graham

12. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.1: Biodiversity in ecosystems
Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)
• Calves supplement their diet by
suckling into the winter following
their birth
• Few parasites because of living in
small numbers
• Squat body form means that
galloping is inefficient
© 2006 Amanda Graham