Biodiversity, Classification, and Conservation Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture notes including species diversity measurements, conservation strategies, phylogeny, and the biochemical properties of nucleic acids.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The most common species of native deer in the UK.

Species richness

A measurement of the number of different species present in a habitat.

Species evenness

A measurement of the relative abundance of individuals within each species in a habitat.

Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D)

A formula used to measure biodiversity by considering both richness and evenness, represented as $D = 1 - [\Sigma (n/N)^2]$.

Significance of a low Simpson’s Index of Diversity

Indicates a habitat is dominated by a few species, is less stable, and more susceptible to environmental change.

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

A large carnivore and natural predator of roe deer that became extinct in Britain approximately 1000 years ago.

Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

The world’s most endangered species of cat, currently critically endangered with around 100 individuals remaining in Spain.

Phylogeny

The study of evolutionary relationships between organisms, which serves as the basis for modern classification.

Thermal lily (Nymphaea thermarum)

The world’s smallest water lily, which grows naturally in hot water springs in central Africa and is conserved at Kew Gardens.

Ex situ conservation

The process of protecting an endangered species of plant or animal outside of its natural habitat.

Millennium Seed Bank

A conservation initiative managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens that aims to store seeds from 25% of all plant species.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A nucleic acid that contains the pentose sugar deoxyribose, the nitrogenous base thymine, and consists of two chains connected by hydrogen bonds.

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

A nucleic acid that contains ribose, is found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, and typically exists as a single chain.

Cytochrome C

A protein found in living organisms used by taxonomists to determine evolutionary relationships; closely related organisms have similar structures of this protein.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An evaluation carried out before major developments to consider the potential effects on the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Dichotomous key

A tool used by ecologists to identify species through a series of questions about observable features.

Genus

The first part of the binomial scientific name shared by closely related species, such as Nymphaea or Lynx.