BIO363 Conservation Biology Key Concepts Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in conservation biology, designed for exam preparation.

Conservation Biology

A field study focused on understanding and preserving biodiversity.

Goals of Conservation Biology

To protect species, habitats, and ecosystems, ensuring their longevity and resilience.

Interdisciplinary Field

Conservation biology integrates various fields such as ecology, policy, and social sciences.

State of the Planet

A description of current global environmental issues including human impact, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Intrinsic Value

The inherent worth of a species, independent of its utility to humans.

Instrumental Value

The practical benefits provided by a species or ecosystem to humans.

Relational Value

Value derived from the relationships between humans and nature.

One Health

A collaborative approach recognizing the interconnection between human health, animal health, and ecosystem health.

Bushmeat Consumption Risks

Health and conservation threats linked to the hunting and consumption of wild animals.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as clean air, water, and pollination.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem or on Earth as a whole.

Genetic Diversity

The variation of genes within a species, critical for its adaptability and survival.

Species Diversity

The number of different species within a particular ecosystem.

Community Diversity

The range of different types of communities within an ecosystem.

Evenness Index

A measure of how equal the population sizes of different species are within a community.

Species Accumulation Curves

Graphical representations showing the number of species recorded as a function of sampling effort.

Endemic Species

Species that are native to and found only within a specific geographic area.

Latitudinal Gradients in Biodiversity

Patterns showing that biodiversity generally increases as one moves towards the equator.

IUCN Red List

A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Mass Extinctions

Events in Earth's history characterized by a rapid loss of a large number of species.

Background Extinctions

Normal extinction rates that occur between mass extinction events.

Extinction Vortex

A downward spiral where a small population is at risk due to genetic problems and other factors.

Census Population Size

The total number of individuals in a population counted at a specific time.

Effective Population Size (Ne)

An estimate of the number of breeding individuals in a population based on genetic diversity.

Demographic Stochasticity

Random variations in birth and death rates that can affect small populations.

Environmental Stochasticity

Environmental variations that can affect population dynamics and survival.

Bottlenecks

Events that significantly reduce population size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of a natural environment, negatively impacting species living there.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process where large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches.

Habitat Degradation

The decline in quality of a habitat, making it less suitable for the species that live there.

Metapopulation Model

A model describing groups of populations that are separated by space but interact.

Conservation Dilemmas

Conflicts that arise between human needs and species or habitat conservation.

Overexploitation

The unsustainable use of natural resources leading to population declines.

Maximum Sustainable Yield

The largest yield (or catch) that can be taken from a specific fish stock over an indefinite period under constant conditions.

Invasive Alien Species

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to ecosystems.

Flagship Species

Species that are used as a symbol to raise awareness and conservation efforts.

Umbrella Species

Species whose conservation indirectly helps protect many other species in the same habitat.

Endangered Species Act

U.S. legislation aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction.

Population Viability Analysis (PVA)

A method used to assess the likelihood that a species will persist in a given habitat.

Protected Areas

Geographic spaces that are recognized, dedicated, and managed for long-term conservation.

Indigenous Protected Areas

Land conserved by Indigenous communities that maintain their cultural connections to the land.

Ex Situ Conservation

Conservation methods used to protect species outside their natural habitat.

De-extinction

The process of bringing extinct species back to life through various scientific methods.

Rewilding

Restoring ecosystems to their natural state and allowing wildlife to thrive.

Climate Change

Significant and lasting changes in global or regional climate patterns.

Anthropogenic Climate Change

Climate change that's caused by human activity, particularly through greenhouse gas emissions.

Species-Range Shifts

Changes in the geographic distribution of species in response to climate change.

Ecological Consequences of Climate Change

Impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and species interactions due to changing climates.

Forest Loss

The reduction of forest area due to logging, agriculture, and other human activities.

Ecosystem Debt

The backlog of ecosystem services that are forfeited due to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.

SLOSS Debate

Discussion on whether single large or several small protected areas are better for conservation.

Social Dilemmas in Conservation

Situations where individual interests conflict with collective conservation goals.