BIOL 117 CH 43 - Conservation Biology

genetic diversity

the variety of genetic traits within a species

species diversity

the variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the biosphere

ecosystem diversity

human activity is reducing ecosystem diversity, the variety of ecosystems in the biosphere

ecosystem servies

all the processes through which natural ecosystems sustain life (purification of air and water / crop pollination)

introduced species

those that humans move from native locations to new geographic regions

overharvesting

human harvesting of wild plants or animals at rates exceeding the ability of populations of those species to rebound

biological carrying capacity

the max number of organisms of a species that can survive in an environment indefinitely

cultural carrying capacity

the number and type of a given species that people will tolerate over time

sustainable development

development that meets the needs of people today without limiting the ability of future generation to meet theirs