Biological Diversity - Section 4 Flashcards
What is artificial selection?
The process of humans selecting and breeding individuals with desirable traits to produce offspring with the desired traits
What are biotechnologies?
The process whereby we use living things to make our lives easier or safer by making agricultural, industrial, or medicinal products
What are common biotechnologies in use today?
Cloning
Artificial reproductive technology
Genetic engineering
What is cloning?
A clone is a genetically identical copy of an entire organism, created from the cells or genes of the original organism
What are artificial reproductive technologies?
Includes the processes of artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization
What is genetic engineering?
This is technology that directly alters the DNA of an organism. It often involves inserting a gene from one species into another species
What are some risks of using biotechnologies?
Narrowing the genetic base and therefore reducing variation. This can make the species more vulnerable to natural selection
There are still many problems with cloning and genetic engineering
What is extinction?
Occurs when an organism has disappeared from the entire planet
What is extirpated?
Occurs when an organism has disappeared from a specific region, but still exists in other regions
What are some natural causes of extinction and extirpation?
Catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions, floods, and/or fires
Lack of food due to overpopulation
Disease
What are some human causes of extinction and extirpation?
Habitant destruction
Introduction of non-native species
Over-hunting
How can we reduce the negative impact that we have on biological diversity?
We need to provide more linked protected areas to allow for the movement of animals between large areas of wilderness
What is In-situ conversation?
Means maintaining diversity of species within their own functioning ecosystems
What is Ex-situ conservation?
Means conservation outside a species’ natural habitat
