IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL Topic 3: Biodiversity and Conservation

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to biodiversity and conservation from the lecture notes.

Biodiversity

The variety of life, encompassing genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat diversity.

Species Diversity

Looks at the number of species (richness) and the relative proportions of each species (evenness) in a community.

Genetic Diversity

The range of genetic material present in a particular gene pool or population of a species.

Habitat Diversity

The number of different habitats per unit area in an ecosystem or biome.

Diversity Indices

Tools used to describe and compare communities and ecosystems, indicating levels of biodiversity.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with high levels of biodiversity that are under threat from human activities.

Natural Selection

A process through which individuals that are more adapted to their environment survive and reproduce, contributing to evolution.

Speciation

The gradual change of a species over time, often due to environmental changes.

Background Extinction Rate

The natural extinction rate of all species without human impact.

IUCN Red List

An inventory of the global conservation status of biological species, assessing their risk of extinction.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna, aimed at ensuring international trade does not threaten species survival.

Keystone Species

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.

Umbrella Species

Species used to gain support for conservation efforts that also help protect other species in the same habitat.

Captive Breeding

The practice of breeding species in controlled environments, such as zoos, for conservation purposes.

Flagship Species

Charismatic species used to raise support and funds for conservation efforts.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that outcompete local species and disrupt ecosystems.

Overexploitation

The unsustainable harvesting of species, leading to population declines.