56 Chapter

Question 1

Conservation biology

Answer 1

The integrated study of ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, molecular biology, and genetics to sustain biological diversity at all levels.

Question 2

Three levels of biodiversity

Answer 2

Genetic diversity
Species diversity
Ecosystem diversity

Question 3

Endangered species

Answer 3

A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Question 4

Threatened species

Answer 4

Are those considered likely to become endangered in the near future.

Question 5

Ecosystem diversity

Answer 5

The variety of the biosphere’s ecosystems

Question 6

Biophilia

Answer 6

Our sense of connection to nature and all life

Question 7

Ecosystem services

Answer 7

A function performed by an ecosystem that directly or indirectly benefits humans.

Question 8

Four major types of threats to biodiversity:

Answer 8

Habitat loss, introduced species, overharvesting, and global change

Question 9

Introduced species, or exotic species

Answer 9

Are those that humans move intentionally or accidentally from the species’ native locations to new geographic regions.

Question 10

Overharvesting

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Global change alters…

Answer 11

The fabric of earth’s ecosystems at regional to global scales.

Question 12

Acid precipitation

Answer 12

A type of global change which includes rain, snow, sleet, or fog with a pH less than 5.2

Question 13

Population conservation focuses on…

Answer 13

Population size, genetic diversity, and critical habitat

Question 14

Extinction vortex

Answer 14

A downward population spiral in which inbreeding and genetic drift combine to cause a small population to shrink and, unless the spiral is reversed, become extinct.

Question 15

Minimum viable population (MVP)

Answer 15

The smallest population size at which a species is able to sustain its numbers and survive.

Question 16

Effective population size

Answer 16

An estimate of the size of a population based on the numbers of females and males that successfully breed; generally smaller than the total population.

Question 17

Movement corridor

Answer 17

A series of small clumps of a narrow strip of quality habitat (usable by organisms) that connects otherwise isolated patches of quality habitat.

Question 18

Biodiversity hot spot

Answer 18

A relatively small area with numerous endemic species and a large number of endangered and threatened species.

Question 19

Zoned reserve

Answer 19

An extensive region that includes areas relatively undisturbed by humans surrounded by areas that have been changed by human activity and are used for economic gain.

Question 20

Urban ecology

Answer 20

Examines organisms and their environment in urban settings.

Question 21

Critical load

Answer 21

The amount of added nutrient, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, that can be absorbed by plants without damaging ecosystem integrity.

Question 22

Biological magnification

Answer 22

A process in which retained substances become more concentrated at each higher trophic level in a food chain.

Question 23

Greenhouse effect

Answer 23

The warming of earth due to the atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide and certain other gases, which absorb reflected infrared radiation and reradiate some of it back toward earth.

Question 24

Assisted migration

Answer 24

The translocation of a species to a favorable habitat beyond its native range to protect the species from human-caused threats.

Question 25

Sustainable development

Answer 25

Development that meets the needs of people today without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs.