Conservation Biology and Global Change

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to conservation biology and the impact of human activities on global biodiversity.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Conservation Biology

Integrates several fields of biology in an effort to conserve the diversity of life.

Habitat Loss

The greatest threat to biodiversity, often due to factors such as agriculture, urban development, and pollution.

Genetic Diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Endangered Species

A species whose population is declining and is at risk of extinction.

Overharvesting

The act of harvesting an organism at rates exceeding the population's ability to rebound.

Introduced Species

Species that are moved by humans from their native locations to new geographic regions.

Ecosystem Services

Natural processes provided by ecosystems that sustain human life, such as air purification and water detoxification.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Critical Habitat

A specific geographic area that contains features essential to the conservation of a threatened or endangered species.

Extinction Vortex

A downward spiral of small populations in which genetic diversity is lost and extinction becomes increasingly likely.

Biophilia

The innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

Nutrient Enrichment

The addition of nutrients to an ecosystem, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and dead zones.

Biological Magnification

The process by which toxins accumulate in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Ecological Footprint

The measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems, expressed as the amount of natural capital used.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.