Conservation Biology and Global Change

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to conservation biology and its relevance to biodiversity and global change.

Conservation biology

Integrates ecology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology to conserve biological diversity.

Genetic diversity

Comprises genetic variation within a population and between populations.

Species diversity

The number of species in an ecosystem or across the biosphere.

Ecosystem diversity

The variety of ecosystems in the biosphere, each with unique physical and biological characteristics.

Habitat loss

The primary threat to biodiversity, driven by human activities like agriculture and urban development.

Introduced species

Species that move from their native location to new geographic regions, often causing harm to the new ecosystem.

Overharvest

The harvesting of wild organisms at rates exceeding the ability of their populations to rebound.

Acid precipitation

Rain, snow, or fog that contains sulfuric or nitric acids causing a pH < 5.2, which can harm ecosystems.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for ecosystem functioning.

Ecosystem services

Processes by which natural ecosystems help sustain human life, including water purification, pest control, and soil creation.

Biophilia

The innate connection to nature, highlighting its intrinsic value beyond utilitarian benefits.

Extinction vortex

A phenomenon where small populations become more vulnerable to extinction due to inbreeding and loss of genetic variation.

Keystone species

Species whose role in an ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to their abundance.

What are the three main levels of biological diversity that conservation biologists focus on?

Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

What is considered the primary threat to biodiversity?

Habitat loss, driven by human activities like agriculture and urban development.

What are some examples of ecosystem services that help sustain human life?

These include water purification, pest control, and soil creation.

What is biophilia?

The innate connection to nature, highlighting its intrinsic value beyond utilitarian benefits.

What is an extinction vortex?

A phenomenon where small populations become more vulnerable to extinction due to inbreeding and loss of genetic variation.

What are introduced species?

Species that move from their native location to new geographic regions, often causing harm to the new ecosystem.

what is overharvest?

the harvesting of wild organisms at rates exceeding the ability of their population to rebound.