ch.7 Biodiversity

Biodiversity

variety of organisms in an area

species diversity

number or variety of species in the world or particular region

genetic diversity

differences in DNA among individuals within a species or population

ecosystem diversity

number and variety of ecosystems within a particular area

endangered species

species that is at risk of extinction

threatened species

species that is likely to become endangered soon

habitat fragmentation

division of a habitat into smaller patches

poaching

illegal capture of killing of an organism

Extinction

the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming completely removed

Mass Extinction

when 50% or more of the total living organisms go extinct forever

Habitat Loss

Type of biodiversity loss in which actions reduce the livable area for organisms. Most detrimental

Pollution

Type of biodiversity loss in which land, air, and water is poisoned to become unsuitable for life.

Invasive species

type of biodiversity loss in which a foreign introduced species out competes native species for resources

Overharvesting

Type of biodiversity loss in which human organisms take more resources that are able to be reproduced

climate change

Type of biodiversity loss in which increased global temperatures are causing major changes in ecosystems

Extirpation

The disappearance of a particular population from a particular area

Endangered Species Act

The major law in the U.S. that protects biodiversity

captive breeding

the process of breeding and raising organisms under controlled conditions

Species Survival Plan

a plan carried out by zoos and aquariums to protect a species

biodiversity hotspots

Relatively small areas of land that contain an exceptional number of endemic species and are at high risk from human activities

endemic

native or confined to only a particular region