Conservation Biology and Global Change

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to conservation biology and its impact on global change, aiding in exam preparation.

Conservation Biology

The field of biology that seeks to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the negative effects of humans on ecosystems.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem; also known as biological diversity.

Anthropogenic

Caused or influenced by humans; refers to modifications to ecosystems or environments due to human activities.

Habitat Destruction

The process in which natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species, leading to loss of biodiversity.

Introduced/Exotic Species

Non-native species that, once introduced to a new habitat, can establish, expand their range, and impact native organisms and ecosystems.

Overexploitation

The excessive use of a resource, particularly in regard to fishing and large mammals, leading to species decline and potential extinction.

Biological Magnification

The process by which certain substances such as pesticides or heavy metals become more concentrated in the tissues of organisms at each successive trophic level.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Restoration Ecology

A subfield of ecology focused on recovering ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed.

Conservation Preserves

Protected areas designated to maintain biodiversity, where human activity is limited to preserve local ecosystems.