BIO363 Conservation Biology Learning Outcomes

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts and vocabulary from the conservation biology course, crucial for understanding conservation efforts and challenges.

Conservation Biology

A field study focused on the preservation and management of biodiversity, including the analysis of ecological principles.

Intrinsic Value

Value that an entity has in itself, independent of its utility to others.

Instrumental Value

Value that something has as a means to a desired or valued end.

Relational Value

Value derived from relationships with others, including social and cultural contexts.

One Health

An interdisciplinary approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with a high number of endemic species that are experiencing significant habitat loss.

IUCN Red List

A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species, which aims to raise awareness and inform conservation efforts.

Effective Population Size (Ne)

An estimate of the size of a population that accounts for genetic diversity and reproductive variance, critical for understanding genetic drift.

Habitat Degradation

The process by which natural habitats are damaged or destroyed, leading to reduced biodiversity.

Overexploitation

The unsustainable use of resources, leading to depletion and potential extinction of species.

Invasive Alien Species

Non-native species that harm ecosystems, economies, or human health by outcompeting native species.

Ex Situ Conservation

Conservation strategies that involve the preservation of species outside their natural habitat.

Population Viability Analysis (PVA)

A method to assess the likelihood that a population will persist in the future under different environmental or management scenarios.

Demographic Stochasticity

Random variations in birth and death rates in a population that can significantly impact small populations.

Census Population Size

The total count of individuals in a population at a given time.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

U.S. legislation aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction and their habitats.

SLOSS Debate

Discussion regarding whether it is better to create a Single Large Or Several Small reserves for biodiversity conservation.

Ecological Resilience

The capacity of an ecosystem to respond to disturbances and maintain its essential functions and structures.

Trophic Cascades

Ecological phenomena triggered by the addition or removal of top predators, impacting multiple trophic levels.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.