Topic 3: Biodiversity and Conservation Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity = Variety of life.
What are the three levels of biodiversity?
Genetic: Within species.
Species: Between species.
Habitat: Range of ecosystems.
What does high biodiversity indicate?
High biodiversity = More stability and resilience.
What is evolution?
Evolution = Change in genetic makeup over time.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection = ‘Survival of the fittest.’
What is speciation?
Speciation = Formation of new species.
What leads to divergence in species?
Isolation (geographic or reproductive) leads to divergence.
How does plate tectonics affect biodiversity?
Plate tectonics: Movement causes isolation, creates new habitats.
What are the main threats to biodiversity?
Main threats: Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation, climate change.
What is the IUCN Red List?
IUCN Red List: Ranks species risk (e.g., extinct, endangered).
What does the IUCN Red List assess?
Assesses: population size, trend, range.
What are indicators of biodiversity?
Indicators: Keystone species, endemic species.
What is in-situ conservation?
In-situ: On-site (e.g., protected areas, reserves).
What is ex-situ conservation?
Ex-situ: Off-site (e.g., zoos, seed banks).
What does CITES stand for?
CITES: Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.
What is species-based conservation?
Species-based conservation: Focus on specific species.
What is habitat-based conservation?
Habitat-based: Protect whole ecosystems.
What is the difference between NGOs and IGOs?
NGOs vs IGOs:
NGO: Greenpeace, WWF (independent, often activist).
IGO: UN, governments (policy-based).
