3.1 Biodiversity and Conservation

Biodiversity

The total diversity of living systems, existing at several levels (habitat, species, and genetic).

Habitat Diversity

The variety of different ecosystems or habitats (abiotic and biotic environments) within a specific area.

Species Diversity

A product of species richness (number of species) and species evenness (relative abundance).

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genetic traits within a population; crucial for allowing species to adapt and evolve.

Ecosystem Resilience

An ecosystem's ability to recover when disturbed and maintain stability over time.

Tipping Point

A critical threshold that, if crossed, can cause an ecosystem to lose stability and change states.

Systems Approach (Biodiversity)

Exploring connections between habitat, genetic, and species diversity to understand how they strengthen the functional whole.

Amazon Rainforest Example

A biodiversity-rich area called the "lungs of the Earth," currently threatened by illegal logging and agriculture.

Amazonian Manatee

An ancient aquatic mammal facing extinction due to habitat shrinkage and water pollution.

Citizen Science

Involvement of community members in collecting biodiversity data to inform scientific decision-making.

Parabiologists

Individuals (often Indigenous) with specialized training who support professional biologists in conservation.

Indigenous Knowledge

Ancient local knowledge vital for interpreting environmental data and supporting conservation efforts.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)

Groups that collect data, coordinate projects, and raise awareness for regional/international biodiversity.

Simpson's Reciprocal Index (D)

A quantitative measure of species diversity; allows for comparison between ecosystems or monitoring change over time.

Simpson's Index Formula

D = N(N-1) / [sum of n(n-1)]

N (Simpson's Index)

The total number of individuals across all species in a sample.

n (Simpson's Index)

The number of individuals of one specific species.

High "D" Value Significance

Indicates high biodiversity, meaning the ecosystem is likely more stable and resilient.

30x30 Goal

A goal of the Convention on Biological Diversity to protect 30% of Earth's land and oceans by 2030.

Biodiversity Hotspot (HL)

A region with high species richness/endemics that is under significant threat from human impact and habitat loss.

Endemic Species (HL)

Species that are unique to a specific geographic area and found nowhere else.

Hotspot Statistics (HL)

Hotspots cover 2.5% of Earth's land surface but host over 50% of the world’s endemic plant species.

Hotspot Designation Criteria (HL)

High richness, threatened species, varied vegetation, high habitat loss, high human impact, and irreplaceability.