Conservation (Notes)

Conservation Biology

A goal-oriented, protective biological field focused on preserving species, habitats, and ecosystems to prevent undue harm.

Population Fragmentation

The splitting of continuous populations into smaller, isolated subpopulations due to human activities or natural events.

Ecological Consequences of Fragmentation

Includes restricted gene flow, altered breeding dynamics, decreased population fitness, and increased extinction risks.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Geographic areas containing exceptional concentrations of species and high rates of habitat loss.

Endemic Species

Species natively restricted to a specific, narrow geographic region.

Zoned Reserves

Protected areas combining core parklands with surrounding buffer zones to permit regulated human activity.

Restoration Ecology

The practice of renewing and restoring degraded ecosystems through active human intervention.

Bioremediation

Using biological organisms to remove pollutants and hazardous materials from contaminated environments.

Wildlife Overpasses

Soil-covered bridges that guide animals safely over roadways to connect fragmented habitats.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge in Western New York supporting diverse species, established in 1986.