Topic 3: Biodiversity and Conservation

genetic diversity

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

evolution

the gradual chnage in genetic character over many generations

natural selection

those how are the strongest, survive and pass on their genes

isolation

geographic barriers leads to new species ad can create biological barriers

different mass distinction events

5 major mass extinctions all associated with atmospheric changes, sea level rises, anoxic conditions, climate change

IUCN red list

International Union for the Conservation on Nature categorises species in how threatened they are of extinction based on niche, reproduction, trophic level, behaviour, degree of specialisation

endemic species

evolved n an area tand are restricted to that location

REDD agreement

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries. it is an international agreement

1. build development plan

2. national policies and measures that need construction

3. results of the implemented programme should be monitored and reported and pay according to the results

keystone species

an organism that helps hold the system together

flagship species

a species that gains the most traction for conversation in terms of public popularity

strategies

suggested legal framework that is not legally binding

international conventions

agreements that suggest targets and encourage government action

international protocols

legally binding targets which governments agree to uphold

alien species

invasive species that is accidently or deliberately introduced to where it is not naturally found

CITES

Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna is an international agreement signed by 150 countries to control the trade of endangered and vulnerable species and their associated products

classification and trade restrictions:

1. appendix 1 of greatest risk of extinction - trade is banned

2. appendix 2 not currently endangered but will be if trade is not controlled - only permitted if permit is issued by the involved country

   1. appendix 3 species that are wanting to be protected in trade by the country to prevent overexploitation - merits for regulated trade and are easier to acquire than appendix 2 permits

creating different types of nature reserves

wild life corridors

paths that link different habitats or conserved areas