Chapter 47: Conservation Biology and Biodiversity

These flashcards focus on key terms and definitions related to conservation biology and biodiversity, extracted from lecture notes for effective studying.

Conservation Biology

A field of biology that studies biodiversity to conserve natural resources for current and future generations.

Biodiversity

The variety of species on Earth; encompasses genetic, community, and landscape diversity.

Extinction Crisis

A situation where a significant number of species are threatened with extinction due to various factors.

Biodiversity Hotspot

Areas that have a large concentration of species and are threatened by human activities.

Genetic Diversity

Variations in genetic composition among individuals within a population.

Community Diversity

The variety of species interactions in a community that affect ecosystem health.

Landscape Diversity

The variability in ecosystems across a landscape; impacts ecosystem interactions.

Endangered Species

Species that are at risk of immediate extinction throughout all or most of their range.

Threatened Species

Species that are likely to become endangered in the near future.

Bioinformatics

The use of computer technology to collect and analyze biological information.

Medicinal Value

Economic value derived from species used in the development of drugs.

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time.

Nonnative Species

Species introduced to a new ecosystem that can disrupt local species and habitats.

Pollution

Environmental contaminants that negatively affect wildlife and human health.

Eutrophication

An excess of nutrients in water bodies leading to harmful algal blooms.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of ozone in the stratosphere, increasing UV exposure on Earth.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns due to human activity.

Overexploitation

Taking more individuals from a wild population than can be naturally replaced.

Metapopulation

A population subdivided into smaller, isolated populations due to habitat fragmentation.

Keystone Species

Species whose presence and roles in an ecosystem significantly affect the stability of the community.

Flagship Species

Charismatic species that garner public support for biodiversity conservation.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of a natural habitat, primarily due to human activity.

Restoration Ecology

A subdiscipline of conservation biology focused on returning ecosystems to their original state.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The cycling of elements and nutrients through living organisms and the environment.

Direct Value of Biodiversity

The economic value derived from species that provide services directly to humans.

Indirect Value of Biodiversity

The ecological services provided by ecosystems that do not have a direct economic measure.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, aimed at ensuring trading does not threaten survival.

Acid Deposition

The deposition of acids from the atmosphere that adversely affects ecosystems.

Colony Collapse Disorder

A phenomenon leading to the decline of bee populations, impacting agricultural production.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

Edge Effect

The different ecological conditions in transition zones between habitat types.

Biological Diversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or the entire Earth.

Public Education

The process of informing citizens about biodiversity and conservation efforts.