47 Conservation of Biodiversity

Vocabulary terms covering conservation biology, biodiversity values, causes of extinction, and conservation techniques from Chapter 47.

Conservation Biology

A field of biology that studies biodiversity with the goal of conserving natural resources for this generation and all future generations.

Endangered species

Species in peril of immediate extinction throughout its range; there are more than $41,000$ such species identified.

Threatened species

Organisms that are likely to become endangered in the future.

Genetic Diversity

The genetic variations among the members of a population.

Community Diversity

The interactions between species in a community.

Landscape Diversity

The variety of habitat elements within an ecosystem.

Biodiversity hotspots

Regions of the world that contain a large concentration of species.

Medicinal Value

A direct value of biodiversity where medicines are derived from living organisms.

Agricultural Value

A direct value where crops and wild plants are used to increase yields.

Consumptive Use Value

A direct value of biodiversity as a source of food.

Sponge Effect

An indirect value where forests and other ecosystems soak up fresh water from rain to provide a provision of fresh water.

Regulation of Climate

An indirect value where trees provide shade and regulate $CO_2$ and oxygen.

Habitat Loss

The reduction or destruction of natural habitats due to construction, urbanization, agriculture, or deforestation, making them unsuitable for native species.

Nonnative Species (Invasive species)

Nonnative members of an ecosystem that can outcompete native species, damage property, or introduce health issues.

Pollution

Any contaminant introduced into the environment that adversely affects the lives and health of living organisms, including Acid Deposition and Eutrophication.

Overexploitation

The process of taking more individuals from a wild population than can be naturally replaced.

Habitat Preservation

The practice to conserve, protect, and restore habitats.

Metapopulation

A large population subdivided into several small, isolated populations due to habitat fragmentation.

Source population

A population within a metapopulation that supports its own growth and contributes to other populations.

Sink population

A group of organisms in an unfavorable environment that cannot sustain itself without immigration from a source population.

Flagship species

Species that evoke a strong emotional response in humans.

Edge effect

A phenomenon where the edges of a habitat provide a different environment than the favorable habitat in the interior.

Habitat Restoration

The purposeful rehabilitation of an area to recreate a functioning ecosystem.