Unit 4 - Biodiversity & Conservation

Biodiversity

The variety of life in an ecosystem, including species, genetic, and habitat diversity

Species diversity

The number of different species in an ecosystem

Genetic diversity

The variation of genes within a species

Habitat diversity

The variety of habitats in an ecosystem

Endemic species

A species only found in a specific location

Invasive species

A non-native species that negatively impacts an ecosystem

Red list

A global list of threatened species maintained by the IUCN

Keystone species

A species that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure

Evolution

The gradual change in the genetic composition of a species over time due to natural selection

Natural selection

The process where individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce, passing on their genes

Speciation

The formation of new species due to genetic divergence and isolation

Adaptive radiation

The rapid evolution of different species from a common ancestor due to varying ecological niches

Fragmentation

When large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches

CITES

An international agreement regulating the trade of endangered species to prevent exploitation

Flagship species

Charismatic species used to promote conservation efforts

Umbrella species

A species who protection benefits many other species in its ecosystem