Topic 3 ESS

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

The level of different traits within life, including habitat, species, and genetic diversity.

Habitat Diversity

The variety of habitats and niches per area used by many species, which supports a greater number of different species.

Species Diversity

The number of species (richness) and number of organisms per species (evenness) per unit area, leading to a greater variety of genes.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes and combinations within a population.

Endemic

Native to only one area, and particularly concerning when an endemic species goes extinct as they do not exist anywhere else in the world.

Biotic Index

A measure of biodiversity, such as Simpson's index, which uses species richness and evenness to quantify biodiversity and stability.

Reasons to Protect Diversity

Aesthetic, economic, health, cultural, moral, etc. reasons, as we rely on goods and services provided by the Earth.

Biodiversity Hotspot

An area with particularly high levels of biodiversity that is under threat, often located near industrialized areas.

Natural Selection

The natural process by which a species evolves over time based on genetic traits and reproductive success.

Fitness

The likelihood of an organism reproducing or its ability to do so.

Directional Selection

Pressure on a species to shift in only one direction, leading to a change in a specific trait.

Stabilizing Selection

Extremes are no longer useful for survival and individuals are pushed toward the middle.

Disruptive Selection

Middle traits are no longer useful for survival, resulting in a split within the curve to the extremes.

Microevolution

The change in the genetic makeup of a species over a relatively short period of time.

Genetic Drift

Gradual changes in a population's genetic makeup over time due to random changes.

Speciation

The process by which new species develop, often through isolation or changing circumstances.

Background Extinction Rate

The natural rate at which 10-100 species go extinct per year.

Mass Extinction

A catastrophic increase in the extinction rate, often caused by human activities.

Red List (IUCN)

A list detailing the conservation status of species, including categories such as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, threatened, and vulnerable.

Anthropogenic Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overconsumption, and other factors summarized by the acronym HIPPO.

Edge Effect

The increased predation and invasion of species in the transition area between two habitats.

Rainforest Destruction

Cattle ranching, logging, slash and burn agriculture, and plantations are major causes of rainforest destruction.

Pollution

Intentional and unintentional release of pollutants, including climate change, which alters the composition of soil, water, etc.

Overconsumption

The excessive use of resources due to increasing standards of living and technological advancements.

Exploitation of Animals

Illegal animal trade and the demand for animal parts, leading to the decimation of species.

Invasive Species

Small, fast-reproducing species without native predators that cause significant harm to invaded environments.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Reasons to protect biodiversity include economic, moral, cultural/social, aesthetic, and ecological factors.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which aims to regulate trade and protect specific species.

Endangered Species Act

Legislation in the US that protects endangered species and their habitats.

GOs vs NGOs

Government organizations have more financial resources and enforceability, while non-governmental organizations can be more inflammatory and appeal to emotion.

Habitat Conservation vs Species Conservation

Habitat conservation ensures the availability of land and aquatic areas, while species conservation focuses on bringing endangered species into captivity and selectively breeding them.

Zoos

Facilities that bring endangered species into captivity, ensure their safety, and raise awareness through educational outreach.