Key Concepts from Conservation Biology Lecture

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and mechanisms discussed in the lecture notes on conservation biology.

What is demographic stochasticity?

Random variation in sex ratios, birth rates, and death rates within a population.

What is environmental stochasticity?

Unpredictable variation in environmental factors that affects population growth rates.

How can a large population recover from bad years?

Some individuals survive to reproduce in future years.

What is genetic variation?

Differences in genetic makeup within a population that help it adapt to changing environments.

What is inbreeding depression?

Reduced fitness in a population due to breeding with closely related individuals.

What happens to small populations over time?

They lose genetic variation and become more susceptible to extinction.

What is an extinction vortex?

A process where small populations become increasingly unable to recover, leading towards extinction.

Define Allee effect.

At low population densities, individuals may struggle to find mates, lowering reproductive rates.

What is a minimum viable population (MVP)?

The smallest population size needed to avoid extinction.

What is a population viability analysis (PVA)?

A model used to predict a population's likelihood of surviving and to guide conservation efforts.

What indicates a critically endangered species?

A very high risk of extinction in the near future.

Consequently, what is the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?

A law aimed at protecting endangered or threatened species in the United States.

What is a flagship species?

Attractive species that garner public support for conservation efforts.

Name an example of a keystone species.

Sea otters, which help maintain the balance of their ecosystem by controlling sea urchin populations.

What is the main purpose of umbrella species?

Protecting them also conserves habitat for other species sharing the same environment.

How does habitat fragmentation threaten species?

It separates populations and reduces their genetic diversity, leading to a higher risk of extinction.

What does the term 'stochasticity' refer to?

Random variability in population dynamics, including environmental and demographic factors.

What is population density?

The number of individuals within a given area.

What factor may contribute to increased extinction risk in small populations?

Low genetic variation and demographic or environmental stochasticity.

Why are amphibians considered good indicators of ecological health?

They are sensitive to environmental changes, reflecting the overall health of both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

What is the significance of genetic variation for a population's survival?

It allows populations to adapt to environmental changes and reduces extinction risk.

What can inbreeding lead to in small populations?

Increased prevalence of harmful genetics and lower overall fitness.

Why is a large area important for certain species?

They require larger territories for food, mates, and to sustain a healthy population.

Name a factor that makes some species particularly vulnerable to extinction.

Specific habitat requirements or low reproductive rates.

What does it mean for a species to be endemic?

It is found only in a specific geographical area.

What are two major threats to endangered species?

Habitat loss and overexploitation.

How does the introduction of non-native species affect local ecosystems?

They may out-compete native species or introduce diseases, disrupting the ecosystem balance.

What defined the characteristics of endangered species?

Large body size, specialized resource requirements, low reproductive rates, low population density.

What is the relationship between habitat size and population stability?

Larger habitats can support larger populations, reducing extinction risk.

What role does the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) play?

Develops criteria to assess the extinction risk of different species.

What is the consequence of overexploitation?

Removal of individuals faster than a population can replace them, potentially leading to extinction.

How does human activity exacerbate the threats to endangered species?

Increased resource consumption and habitat destruction through development and urbanization.

What is the maximum sustainable yield (MSY)?

The largest number of individuals that can be removed from a population without causing decline.

What are conservation strategies focused on?

Maximizing the survival of threatened populations through targeted management and protection.

What is a common conservation strategy involving age classes?

Conducting a sensitivity analysis to identify the most critical age classes for population growth.

What importance do conservation organizations place on maintaining genetic variation?

To ensure long-term population viability and adaptability to environmental changes.

How might conservation efforts use population modeling?

To predict the effects of various management actions and identify the best strategies for recovery.