Biodiversity, Conservation and Human Impacts Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential concepts and questions regarding biodiversity, conservation, and human impacts on ecosystems as discussed in the lecture.

What is biodiversity most commonly defined as?

The number of distinct species in a habitat.

Why is the current rate of extinction considered a biodiversity crisis?

Human-induced changes in climate change, deforestation, and habitat degradation are accelerating extinction rates, impacting thousands of species in a very short time.

What are biodiversity hotspots?

Areas that are particularly rich in species diversity, typically located in regions with significant habitat loss.

What is overexploitation?

The excessive use or harvesting of species, which can lead to their extinction.

What are two human-related causes for the loss of biodiversity?

Deforestation and climate change.

How does deforestation influence carbon dioxide levels?

It reduces the number of trees that take up CO2, increasing greenhouse gas levels.

What are the byproducts of burning fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can have negative impacts on ecosystems.

What are key characteristics that make an invasive species harmful?

High reproductive rates and the ability to thrive in new environments.

What is global climate change and how is it caused by human activities?

A long-term change in Earth's climate, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

How does disturbance and succession influence biodiversity?

Disturbances can create opportunities for new species to establish and can change the composition of an ecosystem, thus influencing biodiversity.