Conservation Biology Exam 1 Notes

conservation biology

An interdisciplinary discipline that studies the negative impacts humans have on species.

hypothesis

An explanation or answer to a research question that makes testable predictions.

biodiversity

The diversity of and within species over some defined area, including species and their genetic variation.

species richness

The total number of species in an area.

speciation

The formation of new species.

incipient species

Species that are close to becoming separate species from related groups.

allopatric speciation

A process where isolation leads to unique populations via mutations and differential selection due to physical barriers preventing populations from interacting.

biological species concept (BSC)

A concept stating that species are groups of actually or potentially interbreeding populations which are reproductively isolated from other groups.

inherent (intrinsic) value

The value assigned to species because they exist, often linked to charismatic species.

utilitarian value

The value derived from direct or indirect benefits that species provide to people.

mass extinctions

Rapid major reductions in global biodiversity.

Ordovician extinction

A mass extinction event that occurred 443 million years ago.

Permian extinction

The most intense mass extinction event that occurred 251 million years ago.

Cretaceous extinction

The least intense mass extinction event that occurred 65 million years ago.

Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG)

The pattern where the highest diversity is found near the equator, declining as one moves toward the poles.

climate change hypothesis

The theory that climate change leads to habitat change, which results in extinctions.

human overkill hypothesis

The theory suggesting that human hunting led to the extinction of megafauna shortly after humans arrived.

eutrophication

The fertilization of aquatic habitats, which leads to habitat degradation.

maximum sustainable yield model

A method to maximize harvest at a population size that allows for sustainable yield without causing extinctions.

exotic species

Species that evolved in one place and moved to another place due to human activities.

invasive species

Exotic species that achieve high abundance and cause negative effects on native species and economic harm.

biotic resistance hypothesis

A hypothesis suggesting that native species/diversity regulate exotic invasions.

Cretaceous extinction

65 MYA

Ordovician extinction

443 MYA extinction

Devonian extinction

359 MYA

Permian extinction

251 MYA; most intense

Triassic extinction

200 MYA