54 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Genetic Diversity

The total genetic information within all individuals of a population, species, or group of species.

Species Richness

A count of how many species are present in a defined area.

Species Diversity

A weighted measure that incorporates both species richness and evenness, indicating the relative abundance of each species.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a particular area, including differences in physical structures and the number of species across trophic levels.

Phylogenetic Diversity

An evolutionary measure that reflects the distinctiveness of species based on their evolutionary relationships.

Functional Diversity

Diversity defined by the functional roles species play in an ecosystem.

Endemism

Species that are found in a particular area and nowhere else.

Invasive Species

Nonnative species that, when introduced to a new area, can disrupt native ecosystems, often outcompeting local species.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living.

Conservation Strategy

Methods and practices employed to protect and preserve biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Ecosystem Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

Ex Situ Conservation

The preservation of species outside their natural habitats, often in settings such as zoos or seed banks.

Population Viability Analysis (PVA)

A model that estimates the likelihood that a population will avoid extinction for a certain time period.

Bioclimate Envelope Models

Models used to predict a species' distribution in response to climate change based on current environmental conditions.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process of breaking up larger habitats into smaller, isolated patches, which can harm species and biodiversity.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

The rate at which all the autotrophs in an ecosystem produce organic substance; a measure of ecosystem productivity.

Trophic Cascades

Ecological occurrences in which changes at one trophic level bring about changes to other trophic levels.

Restoration Ecology

A subfield of ecology focused on the recovery of ecosystems.

Biodiversity Hotspot

Regions that are both rich in endemic species and experiencing significant habitat loss.

Functional Traits

Characteristics of organisms that influence their performance and roles in ecosystems.

Nature Positive Future

A vision for environmental sustainability where conservation and natural systems are prioritized.