Biology Lecture Notes - Threats to Biodiversity

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary, concepts, and threats to biodiversity as covered in the lecture notes.

Background extinction

The gradual process of species becoming extinct.

Mass extinction

An event in which a large percentage of all living species become extinct in a relatively short period of time.

Anthropogenic changes

Changes induced by human activity.

Natural resources

All materials and organisms found in the biosphere, including minerals, fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, plants, animals, soil, clean water, clean air, and solar energy.

Overexploitation

Excessive use of species that have economic value.

Habitat fragmentation

The separation of an ecosystem into small areas.

Edge effect

Different environmental conditions that occur along the boundaries of an ecosystem.

Biological magnification

When pollutants build up to high levels in body tissues of carnivores.

Acid precipitation

Occurs after sulfur and nitrogen compounds react with water and other substances in the air to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Eutrophication

Occurs when fertilizers, animal waste, sewage, or other substances that are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus flow into waterways, causing extensive algae growth.

Introduced species

Organisms that have been moved to a new habitat.

Opening Question

How can the decline of a single species affect an entire ecosystem?

Food web

A model representing the many interconnected food chains and pathways in which energy and matter flow through a group of organisms

Question about Threats to biodiversity

What are the main factors that threaten biodiversity?

How can non-native species harm native species?

Non-native species also harm native species by bringing disease.

What are some negative effects of invasive species?

They out-compete our native species for limited resources such as food and habitat