biodiversity and conservation

What is biodiversity

A study of all the variation that exists within and between all forms of life. It looks at the range and variety of habitats, species and genes within a particular region and is very important for the resilience of ecosystems

Why is biodiversity very important for the resilience of ecosystem

Biodiversity allows ecosystems to resist changes in the environment and avoid ecological tipping points

What is habitat diversity

The range of different habitats within a particular ecosystem or biome

What is natural selection

Where individuals that have the best adaptive features are the ones most likely to survive and reproduce

What is the process of natural selection

1. Individuals in a species show a range of variation caused by differences in genes

2. When organisms produce, they produce more offspring than the environment is able to support

3. This leads to competition for food and other resources, which results in a “struggle for survival”

4. Individuals with characteristics more suited to the environment have a higher chance of survival and more chances to reproduce

5. Therefore, the genes resulting in these characteristics are passed on to offspring at a higher rate

6. This means that in the next generation, there will be a greater number of individuals with the better adapted variations in characteristics

What is speciation

The generation of new species through evolution. Occurs when populations of a species become isolated and adapt to their environments in different ways. Over time, these populations become so different that they can no longer interbreed with each other to produce fertile offspring

What is simpson’s diversity index

A mathematical tool to quantify the diversity of species within a community

What are some reasons that support the importance of biodiversity management

Ecosystem stability, medicine and pharmaceutical, cultural and spiritual significance, economic benefits, climate regulation, pollination and food security

What are some ways to protect biodiversity

Protected areas, habitat restoration, sustainable practices

What are some direct threats to biodiversity

Overharvesting, poaching, illegal pet trade

What are some indirect threats to biodiversity

Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive alien species

What are the IUCN

The international union for the conservation of nature- global authority of the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it

What is an extinct species

Tasmanian tiger

What is the tragedy of the commons

Describes the overuse and depletion of a shared resource. It occurs when individuals act in their own self-interest rather than considering the common good

What are some economic reasons for preserving biodiversity

Ecotourism, natural capital, genetic resources

What are the three types of conservation strategies

Species-based, habitat-based, mixed approaches

What is species-based conservation

Focuses on protecting individual species, especially those that are endangered

What is an ex situ strategy

Often under species-based conservation- where actions are taken outside the natural habitat of the species such as botanic gardens, zoos, seed banks

What is habitat-based conservation

Focuses on protecting and restoring habitats to support the species that live there

What are in situ strategies

Often associated with habits-based conservation- actions are taken within the natural habitat of the species such as national parks or reserves and sanctuaries

What is a mixed conservation approach

Combined species-based and habitat-based strategies- often focussing on flagship or keystone species