Biodiversity and conservation biology

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, consisting of three main types: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic Diversity

Variety of genes and traits available within a species.

Species Diversity

Variety of species within an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Diversity

Variety of ecosystem and habitat types in a given area of land and water.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Areas with significant levels of biodiversity that are also threatened by human activities.

Island Biogeography Theory

The idea that larger and closer islands to the mainland tend to have greater biodiversity.

Immigration (in)

The act of species moving into a new area, affecting biodiversity.

Emigration (out)

The act of species moving out of a population, impacting genetic and species diversity.

Intrinsic Value

The inherent worth of biodiversity for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting evolution.

Instrumental Value

The usefulness of biodiversity to humans, including food, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Bottleneck Effect

A drastic reduction in population size leading to a decrease in genetic variability.

Inbreeding Depression

Reduced biological fitness in a population due to inbreeding, resulting in negative genetic outcomes.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in the genetic makeup of a population, particularly significant in small populations.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations through migration and breeding.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process of dividing a habitat into smaller, isolated patches, impacting species survival and fossil flow.

Invasive Species

Species that rapidly spread in new environments, often harming native species and ecosystems.

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, negatively affecting biodiversity.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, threatening habitats.

Range of Tolerance

The range of environmental conditions that a species can endure before experiencing negative effects.

Overharvesting

Harvesting species at rates faster than their populations can recover, leading to decline or extinction.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction, often tracked by the IUCN Red List.

Endemic Species

Species that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.

Commercially Valuable Species

Species that are harvested for economic purposes, often putting them at risk.

Protected Areas

Regions designated for the protection of biodiversity, such as national parks and reserves.

Ecosystem Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and return to its original state.

Ecosystem Resistance

The ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged when subjected to disturbances.

Captive Breeding Programs

Conservation efforts aimed at breeding endangered species in controlled environments.

Habitat Corridors

Zones that connect fragmented habitats, facilitating wildlife movement and gene flow.

Landscape Connectivity

The degree to which the landscape facilitates or impedes movement among resource patches.

HIPCO

An acronym for the major threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, climate change, and overharvesting.

Forest Removal

The process of clearing forests for urbanization, agriculture, or other uses, leading to habitat loss.

Urbanization

Expansion of urban areas that often leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Agricultural Expansion

The conversion of land for agricultural use, impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Species at High Trophic Levels

Species that occupy the top ranks in a food chain, often requiring large territories and specific habitats.

Fixed Migratory Patterns

Consistent routes taken by certain species when migrating, making them vulnerable to habitat disruption.

Chemical Tolerance

The ability of organisms to endure specific chemicals in their environment.

ABIOTIC Factors

Non-living physical and chemical elements in an environment that affect living organisms.

Species Extinction

The end of an organism or group of organisms, often due to drastic environmental changes or human impacts.

Conservation Biology

The scientific study focused on preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources.

Ecological Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

Wildlife Protection

Regulatory measures aimed at conserving wildlife and their habitats.

Resilience Mechanisms

Natural strategies within ecosystems that enable recovery after disturbances.

Fragmented Habitats

Habitat areas that are divided and isolated from one another, affecting biodiversity.

Trophic Level

A position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism gains its energy.

Biological Resilience

The capability of a biological community to withstand disturbances while maintaining ecosystem functions.

Ecological Niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Habitat Loss

The reduction in the area or quality of habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process where larger habitats are divided into smaller, isolated segments, negatively affecting species movement and survival.

Invasive Species Impact

Invasive species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, resulting in their decline or extinction.

Types of Pollution

Pollution can include chemical, plastic, and noise pollution, all of which pose risks to wildlife and ecosystems.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change alters habitats, threatens species adaptation, and disrupts ecological relationships.

Overharvesting Consequences

Overharvesting can lead to population declines, loss of genetic diversity, and increased extinction risk.

Species Protection Measures

Strategies such as habitat preservation, legal protections, and breeding programs aimed at preventing species extinction.

Role of Protected Areas

Protected areas help conserve biodiversity by preserving key habitats and providing refuge for endangered species.

Restoration Ecology

Field focused on repairing damaged ecosystems to restore biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Conservation Strategies

Integrated approaches that include habitat rehabilitation, legal protections, and community engagement to conserve biodiversity