Enviro Unit 3 Area of Study 1

Biodiversity

Variability among living things on Earth, as well as ecological systems and genetic diversity (species, ecosystems, genetic).

Genetic Diversity

Variety of genes in a population of a single species. Includes diff genetic characteristics among individuals of a species. Crucial for adaptability/resilience of a population.

Species Diversity

The variety of different species on earth/specific area, includes species richness, species abundance and relative abundance.

Ecosystem diversity

Variety of habitats, natural communities and ecological processes in biosphere

Grid Sampling

Area divided into squares. Squares are selected and sampled to estimated species distribution/abundance

Transect/Line Sampling

Straight line lain across environment. Species touching the line/transect are recorded. Useful for observing changes across a gradient.

Quadrat Sampling

Square/rectangle frame placed randomly in an area, species counted in the frame. Useful for plants/non-moving organisms.

Edge effects

Refer to challenges/uncertainty encountered when sampling organisms on the boundary of a plot/quadrat. Can cause overestimation of population size. To avoid, circle quadrats can be used.

Mark-recapture

Portion of population captured, marked and released. Later, another portion is captured and marked individuals counted. Number of marked individuals in 2nd sample should be proportionate to whole population. Divide number of marked individuals by proportion of marked individuals in 2nd sample.

Species richness

Number of different species in a location.

Species abundance

Number of individuals per species/population

Relative abundance

Proportion/% of individuals belonging to a specific species compared to the number of individuals in all species in that ecosystem/area.

Simpson’s Index of Diversity

Measures the diversity oof a community, ecosystem or study site. 0-1, closer to 1 indicates high diversity whereas closer to 0 indicates low diversity.

Endemism

Being native/restricted to a specific area.

Conservation categories

Extinct in wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, least concern.

Small populations

Habitat loss/over-exploitation

Inbreeding

Bioaccumulation

Biomagnification

Climate change

Disease

Protected areas

Translocation of animals

Captive breeding/reintroduction programs

Reduction/improved targeting of pesticides

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act

MPAs

Sustainability principles

Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity

Efficiency of resource use

Intergenerational equity

Intragenerational equity

Precautionary principle

User pays principle