ESS: Topic 3 - Biodiversity

Species Diversity

In communities is a product of two variables, Number of species (richness), Relative proportions (evenness)

Genetic Diversity

Range of genetic material present in gene pool/pop. of a species

Habitat Diversity

Range of different habitats per unit area in an ecosystem/Biome

Biodiversity hotspots

Place that we need to protect, Lots of biodiversity

Speciation

Gradual change of a species over a long time, when a pop. of the same species becomes separated they cannot interbreed and if the environment changes they may start to diverge and a new species forms

Extinction

Complete disappearance of a species forever, natural phenomenon

Background Extinction Rate

Natural rate at which species go extinct, typically measured in millions of years

Invasive Species

Plant/Fungus/Animal species that isn’t native to a specific location that might cause damage to the environ.

ICUN

International Union for Conservation of natures red list of threatened species, World’s most comprehensive info source on global conservation status

Flagship species

Cute, Recognizable, easily marketable, Not necessarily the most important or the most in need

In-situ

Conservation done in natural ecosystem or habitat

Ex-situ

Conservation in man made habitats or ecosystems

CITIES

The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

Conservation Biology

Sustainable use and management of natural resources

Preservation Biology

Attempts to exclude human activity in areas where humans have not yet encroached