#22-Consevation Biology Flashcards
How do we measure extinction rates?
The use of fossils as background rates
What is the current extinction rate?
1 species per year
What happens when you declare a species extinct?
People go out an look for it
What is an extinction vortex?
Small population declines even further and becomes even more vulnerable to processes that lead to extinction
When one species goes extinct, it can cause ______?
Secondary extinctions
Who are the greatest losers among native species?
Those that are specialists
-winners are generalists
What is taxonomic homogenization?
The spread of introduced species and native generalists and the declining of native species
How does genetic homogenization occur?
Through hybridization between native and non native specie s
- seeing less pure specie
What are some threats to biodiversity?
Habitat loss
Invasive species
Exploitation
Pollution
What is habitat fragmentation?
Breaking up continuous habitat into patches
What is habitat degradation?
Changes that reduce the quality of the habitat
What happens when a resource has market value?
It’s overharvested
What factors increase the risk of extinction
Genetic drift Inbreeding Genetic variability loss Small populations - ruin efforts to save species
What’s the only way to same a small population from extinction?
To restore the population, have to remove the species from its habitat
What are the evolutionary significantly units?
Appropriate targets for management within species
Can species be naturally rare?
Yes
Why do we prioritize species ?
Help max the biodiversity that can be protected with limited resources
What are focal species ?
Selected for their different ecological requirements of susceptibility to different threats
What are surrogate species ?
Protecting one species can result in the protection of other species
What are umbrella species?
Protection of its habitat will serve as an umbrella to protect many other specie with similar habitat requirements
What is a flagship species ?
Charismatic organism the people will want to help protect
What is conservation biology?
Study of phenomena that affect maintenance loss and extortion of biodiversity
