Lesson 4: Conservation of biodiversity Flashcards
What are the three levels of biodiversity?
Ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.
How does current biodiversity compare to past levels?
More biodiversity today
What are the main causes of anthropogenic species extinction?
Overexploitation, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
What caused the extinction of the moas?
Overhunting by Polynesian settlers who colonized New Zealand.
What are the threats to coral reefs?
Pollution, destructive fishing, habitat loss, unsustainable tourism, and climate change.
What are some methods of conserving biodiversity?
In situ conservation, ex situ conservation, captive breeding, rewilding, and ecosystem restoration.
What is the EDGE of Existence program?
A conservation program that prioritizes evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species.
What is in situ conservation?
Conservation of species in their natural habitats, such as national parks and wildlife reserves.
What is ex situ conservation?
Conservation outside natural habitats, including zoos, botanical gardens, and seed banks.
What is captive breeding?
Breeding endangered species in controlled environments like zoos
What is rewilding?
Restoring ecosystems by reintroducing native species and restoring ecological processes.
What is ecosystem restoration?
Recovering degraded ecosystems through reforestation, habitat restoration, and water management.
What is genetic diversity, and why is it important?
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. It is important because it increases the chances of species adapting to environmental changes.
What is species diversity?
The variety of species in a particular habitat, measured by species richness and evenness.
What is ecosystem diversity?
The variety of ecosystems in a geographical area, such as forests, deserts, and coral reefs.
What are invasive species?
Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species and spreading aggressively.
What is the significance of keystone species?
big impact on ecosystem, helps define it.
