Environmental

What is biodiversity?

The diversity of organisms in a given area.

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

Species diversity, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity.

What is a keystone species?

A species that is critical to the environment and other organisms rely on it.

What is a gene?

A segment of DNA in the chromosome that codes for hereditary traits.

Where are some areas in the U.S. with high levels of biodiversity?

California, Florida, and Hawaii.

What is an endangered species?

A species that is in danger of becoming extinct.

What is a threatened species?

A species that is in danger of becoming endangered.

What is an exotic species?

A species that is not native to a particular region.

What is poaching?

The illegal harvesting of an animal.

What characteristics make a species more prone to extinction?

Low genetic variation and small population size.

What are the causes of extinctions today?

Habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and invasive species.

What percent of species are expected to become extinct between 1800 and 2100?

25%.

What is a biodiversity hotspot?

The most threatened areas of high species diversity on Earth.

What are the four provisions of the Endangered Species Act?

List species, create laws, government prevention from building, recovery plan.

What is germ plasm?

Hereditary material.

What is a benefit of protecting ecosystems instead of single species?

Protecting the ecosystem also protects the spaces within it.

What is a success story of captive breeding?

The California condor.