Biodiversity and Conservation

These flashcards cover important terms and concepts related to biodiversity and conservation as discussed in the lecture.

Biodiversity

The combined diversity at all levels of biological organization, including genetic, species, and ecological diversity.

Genetic diversity

The variability in genetic makeup among individuals within a species.

Species diversity

The variety of different species within a given area or ecosystem.

Ecological diversity

The variety of ecosystems and habitats in a given area.

Habitat loss

The destruction or alteration of natural environments, which leads to a decline in species.

Over-exploitation

The excessive use of resources, often leading to the extinction of species.

Invasive species

Non-native species that, when introduced to a new environment, disrupt the native ecosystem.

Endangered species

Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, over-exploitation, or other threats.

In situ conservation

Conservation methods that protect species in their natural habitats.

Ex situ conservation

Conservation methods that involve preserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or botanical gardens.

Biodiversity hotspots

Regions with significant levels of biodiversity that are under threat from human activities.

Latitudinal gradient in diversity

The pattern that species diversity tends to be higher at the equator and decreases towards the poles.

Rivet popper hypothesis

An analogy suggesting that each species in an ecosystem is crucial, like rivets in an airplane, and losing them can compromise the system.

The Evil Quartet

The four major causes of biodiversity loss: habitat loss, over-exploitation, invasive species, and co-extinctions.

Intrinsic value of species

The value of a species in its own right, regardless of its utility to humans.

Convention on Biological Diversity

An international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development.