Biodiversity and Conservation

Flashcards covering essential concepts related to biodiversity, its threats, conservation methods, and the benefits it provides.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

6th mass extinction

A current ongoing extinction event caused by human activities threatening biodiversity.

Habitat destruction

The process in which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present.

Introduced species

Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem that can disrupt local ecosystems.

Over-harvesting

The removal of plants or animals from their natural habitat at a rate faster than they can reproduce.

Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change.

Climate change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, affecting biodiversity.

Resource use efficiency

The extent to which a given resource is used effectively and sustainably.

Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances or changes.

Resistance

The ability of an ecosystem to remain largely unchanged despite disturbances.

Provisioning services

Products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, fresh water, and raw materials.

Regulation services

Benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, such as climate regulation.

Cultural services

Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems, such as recreation and spiritual enrichment.

Pollination

The process by which pollen is transferred from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma.

Pest control

Management of pest populations to prevent damage to crops and ecosystems.

Ex situ conservation

Conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or seed banks.

Genetic intervention

Techniques used to change or manipulate the genes of organisms for conservation purposes.

Corridors

Routes that connect fragmented habitats, allowing movement and migration of species.

Seed banks

Conservation strategies that store seeds to preserve genetic diversity of plants.

Restoration

The process of returning an ecosystem to its original structure and function.

Reserves

Protected areas established to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Citizen science

Public participation in scientific research, aiding in biodiversity conservation.

DDT regulation

The banning or regulating of DDT to reduce its harmful environmental impact.

Ozone hole

A region of the stratosphere where the ozone layer is significantly depleted, primarily due to human activities.

Lead in gasoline regulation

Phasing out leaded gasoline to reduce toxic exposure and environmental pollution.

Acid rain

Precipitation that has been acidified due to pollutants, damaging ecosystems.