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What is genetic diversity?

Variation within a species.

What does species diversity refer to?

Different organisms within a community.

What is ecological diversity?

Refers to the richness and complexity of a biological community.

How many species are currently cataloged?

About 1.7 million.

What is the estimated number of species in existence?

Estimated 3-50 million species.

What percentage of all species are invertebrates?

About 65%.

Where are the majority of threatened species concentrated?

In the tropics (biodiversity hotspots).

What are some benefits of biodiversity?

Food sources, drugs & medicines, ecological cycles & processes, aesthetic & cultural richness.

What is extinction?

The elimination of a species.

What does H.I.P.P.O. stand for as threats to biodiversity?

Habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, population (of humans), overharvesting.

What is the single greatest human-caused reduction of biodiversity?

Habitat destruction.

What does the Endangered Species Act define as 'endangered'?

In imminent danger of extinction.

What is a 'threatened' species?

A species likely to become endangered.

What are primary forests?

Forests composed primarily of native species with little human activity.

What two main resources do forests provide?

Construction material and fuel wood.

What is desertification?

The severe reduction of land productivity often due to overuse.

What is the role of the U.S. National Park Service?

To educate the public, protect the environment, and preserve our natural heritage.

What is landscape ecology?

The science that examines relationships between spatial patterns and ecological processes.

What distinguishes specialist species?

They can only survive in a narrow range of conditions and often have limited diets.

What characterizes generalist species?

They can live in many different environments and eat a variety of foods.

What is phylogenetics?

The study of how organisms are related to each other through evolution.