ESS topic 3

species diversity

product of species richness and species evenness

genetic diversity

the range of genetic material present in a gene pool or population of species

habitat diversity

range of different habitats per unit area in a particular ecosystem

hotspots

a region with a high level of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities

speciation

the formation of new species when populations become isolated and evolve differently

IGOS

intergovernmental organizations

generally a part of multi-national organizations; especially the UN

ex. UNEP, IPCC

NGOS

non-governmental organizations

groups that work independently from governments to protect threatened species and areas

ex. greenpeace, WWF, sierra club

CITES

inter-governmental agreement designed to protect species threatened by international trade; voluntary; each country is responsible for its own laws, territory, and enforcement

captive breeding and zoos (ex-situ)

can keep and maintain species, can help them recover, then be released back into the wild

botanical gardens and seed banks

plants are identified, classified, grown, stored for research, education, and conservation

flagship species

instantly recognized or popular species

keystone species

play an intricate role in developing and maintaining the structure of their ecosystems

edge effect

when the edge creates an area where two habitats meet, which influences what may successfully live there