Conservation Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to Conservation Biology, including definitions of biodiversity, the importance of conservation, and classifications of species based on extinction risk.

Conservation Biology

A multidisciplinary science that seeks to address the loss of biodiversity by integrating fields such as ecology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology.

Biodiversity

A measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems, coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985.

Genetic Diversity

Variation in genetic characteristics within a population and between populations, indicating differences in DNA among individuals.

Species Diversity

The variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the biosphere, important for maintaining community structure and food webs.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems in the biosphere that provides life-sustaining services such as nutrient cycling and waste decomposition.

Consumptive Values

Benefits derived from biodiversity including food, medicine, fuel, crop varieties, and industrial materials.

Non-Consumptive Values

Benefits derived from biodiversity that do not involve direct extraction, such as recreation, education, research, and traditional values.

Anthropogenic Causes

Human-induced factors threatening biodiversity, including pollution, hunting, agriculture, introduced species, overharvesting, and habitat destruction.

IUCN Red List

A classification system that assesses the conservation status of species, including categories such as Extinct, Critically Endangered, and Vulnerable.

CITES

A treaty to control international trade of endangered species, categorized into Appendix I (Highly Endangered), II (May Become Endangered), and III (Under Protection).