3.3 Conservation and Regeneration

Question 1

Stewardship

Answer 1

a form of collaborative planning and responsible management of the environment through sustainable natural resource management practices that respect ecosystem functions

Question 2

Seed bank

Answer 2

a place where seeds are stored to preserve genetic diversity for the future

Question 3

In situ

Answer 3

focuses on conserving the species in their natural habitat

Question 4

Conservation biology

Answer 4

an applied science that focuses on protecting the Earth’s biodiversity and maintaining natural ecosystems

Question 5

Ecotones

Answer 5

a transitional area of vegetation between two different plant communities, such as forest and grassland

Question 6

CBD

Answer 6

Convention on Biological Diversity - first global agreement to cover all aspects of biological diversity

Question 7

Rewilding

Answer 7

conservation effort focused on restoring sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem health by protecting core wild/wilderness areas, providing connectivity between such areas, and protecting or reintroducing apex predators and keystone species

Question 8

CITES

Answer 8

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - international agreement aimed at regulating trade in wild animals and plants, especially those that are at risk of extinction

Question 9

Preservation biology

Answer 9

focuses on maintaining natural habitats and ecosystems in their current state, minimizing human impact

Question 10

Botanical garden

Answer 10

a garden with a documented collection of living plants for the purpose of scientific research, conservation, display, and education

Question 11

Ex situ

Answer 11

improve the probability of survival of the species by taking them out of their habitat and breeding them in captivity; with the intention of reintroducing them back into the wild in the future (eg. Captive breeding and zoos, Botanical gardens and seed banks )

Question 12

Protected areas

Answer 12

clearly defined geographical boundaries within the United States set aside to maintain, manage, and preserve for recreational purposes or biological diversity

Question 13

Bioreserves

Answer 13

(AKA Biosphere reserves) protected areas designed to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development

Question 14

Ecosanctuary

Answer 14

create safe environments for endangered species

Question 15

Captive breeding

Answer 15

conservation strategy aimed at preserving endangered or threatened species by breeding them in controlled environments (eg. zoos or aquariums)

Question 16

Reserve

Answer 16

an area set aside for the purpose of protecting and preserving natural habitats, ecosystems, and species

Question 17

Zoo

Answer 17

a place where live animals are kept, studied, bred, and exhibited to the public

Question 18

Buffer zones

Answer 18

designated areas used to protect sensitive landscape patches (e.g., wetlands, wildlife reserves) from negative external pressures

Question 19

Gradual edge

Answer 19

a transition zone between two different habitat types where the change in vegetation or other characteristics is gradual rather than abrupt

Question 20

Reintroduction

Answer 20

the translocation of an organism inside its natural range, to areas from which it has been lost

Question 21

Flagship species

Answer 21

Charismatic species selected to appeal to the public and thereby help to protect other species in an area

Question 22

Habitat-based approach

Answer 22

focuses on protecting and restoring entire ecosystems and habitats to ensure the survival of multiple species rather than focusing on individual species

Question 23

Mixed approach

Answer 23

Combining both in situ (protected areas) and ex situ (zoos) methods

Question 24

SLOSS

Answer 24

“Single Large or Several Small” debate as to which sizes of protected areas would be more effective

Question 25

Scale

Answer 25

the spatial and temporal dimensions of an ecological study, encompassing both the area or time period covered (extent) and the size of the individual units of observation (grain or resolution)

Question 26

Edge effect

Answer 26

A change in species composition, physical conditions or ecological factors at the boundary between two or more habitats or ecotones

Question 27

Corridors

Answer 27

A geographically defined area which allows species to move between landscapes, ecosystems and habitats, natural or modified, and ensures the maintenance of biodiversity and ecological and evolutionary processes

Question 28

UNEP

Answer 28

United Nations Environment Programme - leading environmental authority in the United Nations system

Question 29

NGOs

Answer 29

Non-Governmental Organization - independent, typically nonprofit organization that operates outside government control

Question 30

WWF

Answer 30

World Wildlife Fund

Question 31

Greenpeace

Answer 31

global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions

Question 32

IUCN

Answer 32

International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Question 33

Ecotourism

Answer 33

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people