Biodiversity and Conservation

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary from the topics of biodiversity and conservation.

Biodiversity

The total diversity of living systems, including species diversity, habitat diversity, and genetic diversity.

Species Diversity

A product of two variables: the number of species (richness) and their relative proportions (evenness).

Habitat Diversity

The range of different habitats within an ecosystem or biome.

Genetic Diversity

The range of genetic material present in a population of a species.

Diversity Index

A numerical representation that combines measures of species richness and evenness to describe community diversity.

Natural Selection

An evolutionary mechanism where the fittest individuals have a higher chance of reproduction and their advantageous traits are passed to offspring.

Speciation

The process by which new species are formed when populations become isolated and evolve differently.

Conservation Status

Classification of a species that reflects its risk of extinction based on various factors like population size and habitat quality.

Mass Extinction

A significant and widespread decrease in the number of species on Earth, often due to catastrophic environmental changes.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which aims to ensure international trade does not threaten the survival of species.

Ecotourism

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, promotes sustainability, and improves the well-being of local people.

Flagship Species

A charismatic species chosen to promote conservation in a specific area.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment, influencing the structure of the ecosystem.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that, when introduced to new environments, can disrupt local ecosystems and harm native species.

Extinction Rates

The rates at which species disappear, which are currently estimated to be between 100 and 10,000 times greater than background rates.