Biodiversity - Section 4

What is extinction?

The disappearance of a species from Earth

What does extirpated mean?

Extinct in one particular area but not globally

What does endangered mean?

A species in immediate danger of extinction

What does threatened mean?

A species likely to become endangered

What does special concern mean?

A species vulnerable to natural events or human activities

What are some natural causes of extinction?

Natural disasters, lack of food, disease

Why is the extinction rate rising?

Human activities are accelerating it

List four human causes of extinction.

Habitat destruction, pollution, non-native species, overhunting

What is natural selection controlled by?

The environment

What is artificial selection controlled by?

Humans

What is artificial selection?

Humans selecting organisms to breed for specific traits

What is biotechnology?

The use of living things to create products

What is a clone?

A genetically identical copy of an organism or its cells

What is artificial insemination?

The artificial collection and injection of sperm into a female

What is in vitro fertilization?

Fertilization that occurs outside the body (e.g. in a petri dish)

What is genetic engineering?

Altering the DNA of an organism

What is in-situ conservation?

Protecting organisms in their natural ecosystem

What is ex-situ conservation?

Protecting organisms outside their ecosystem (e.g. zoos)

What are four ways to conserve biological diversity?

Protected areas, ecosystem restoration, resource policies, controlling exotic species

What is conservation of genetic resources?

Preserving the variety of genes in living organisms