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Conservation Biology

A relatively new discipline of biology that studies all aspects of biodiversity with the goal of conserving natural resources for the current and future generations, focusing on the development and application of scientific concepts to everyday life.

Ethical Principles of Conservation Biology

1. Biodiversity is desirable for the biosphere and humans.
2. Extinctions from human acts are undesirable.
3. Complex interactions in ecosystems support biodiversity and are desirable.
4. Biodiversity from evolutionary change has intrinsic value, regardless of practical benefits.

Acid Deposition

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted in one area cause tree weakening and harm small invertebrates and insects due to deposition across boundaries.

Eutrophication

Over enrichment of nutrients leads to algae die-off, which consumes oxygen and causes massive fish kills.

Organic Chemicals

Nonylphenols mimic hormones, harming wildlife adaptation; 20-30% of salmon struggle to adapt to salt water.

Persienne Fishing

A fishing method where a large net surrounds a school of fish and the net is closed.

Trawling

A fishing technique where nets are dragged along the sea floor to catch bottom-dwelling fish.

Keystone species

Species that influence the viability of a community, potentially leading to other extinctions and loss of biodiversity. Examples include bats, grizzly bears, beavers, bison, alligators, and elephants.

Flagship species

Species that evoke an emotional response from humans, often seen as cute, which can motivate public efforts to preserve biodiversity. Examples include lions, tigers, dolphins, and giant pandas.

Metapopulation

A population subdivided into several small isolated populations due to habitat fragmentation.

Source Population

A population that lives in a favorable area with a birth rate likely higher than its death rate.

Sink Population

A population whose environment isn’t as favorable, where birth rates equal death rates at best.

Edge effect

An edge reduces the amount of habitat typical of an ecosystem due to a change in habitat at the boundaries, which can be detrimental to wildlife, as seen in cowbirds benefiting from feeding at edges while songbirds are

Gap analysis

A method used to find gaps in preservation, identifying areas where biodiversity is high but outside of protected zones.

Population Viability Analysis

A method to determine the habitat needs of a species for maintaining population sizes, helping to protect them from extinction and ensuring sufficient breeding capacity.

Principles of Restoration Ecology

1) Start as soon as possible to prevent loss of habitat fragments; 2) Use biological techniques that mimic natural processes after understanding habitat history; 3) Ensure sustainable development, allowing ecosystems to maintain themselves while serving humans.