| A | B |
|---|
| extinct | when an animal or plants dies off |
| biodiversity | number and variety of different species in an area |
| unknown diversity | we don't know all the species in the world yet |
| known species | a species that has been collected and described scientifically |
| species diversity | differences between populations of species and different species |
| ecosystem diversity | variety of habitats, communities, ecological processes within and between ecosystems |
| genetic diversity | all different genes contained within all members of a population |
| gene | a piece of DNA that codes for a specific trait |
| keystone species | important, critical species of animal |
| genetic variation | this increases the chances for survival of a species |
| decreased genetic variation | less variety means population will shrink or have to inbreed to survive |
| hybrids | crops formed by combining genetic material, new plants sterile |
| ecotourism | supports the conservation and sustainable development of an area without injuring it |
| mass extinction | many species in an area die off in a short span of time |
| endangered species | species that is likely to become extinct if not protected |
| threatened species | species with declining population that could become endangered |
| human causes of extinction | habitat destruction, invasive species, harvesting, hunting, poaching, pollution |
| habitat destruction | people build homes and businesses and force animals out of area, kill plants |
| invasive exotic species | a non-native species that upsets eco-balance in an area |
| harvesting, hunting | taking too many plants/animals causing extinction |
| poaching | illegally hunting or taking animals from habitat |
| pollution | pesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, chemicals killing animals and plants |
| endemic species | native species found only in a particular area |
| tropical rain forest | covers 7% of Earth's surface, over 1/2 Earth's species live there |
| coral reefs/coastal ecosystem | provide food, tourism money but are threatened by humans |
| islands | these have distinct and limited numbers of species on them |
| biodiversity hotspots | the most threatened areas of high species diversity |
| biodiversity hotspots in US | 3 areas: Florida Everglades, CA coastal region, Pacific Northwest |
| captive-breeding program | breeding species in captivity to reintroduce into the wild |
| preserving genetic material | saving essence of species to grow new ones later |
| germ plasm | genetic material within reproductive or germ cells of plants and animals |
| zoos, aquariums, parks, gardens | areas of living biodiversity in world |
| more study needed to | help save endangered species, see if they will grow in captivity or in wild only |
| conservation strategies | need to protect entire ecosystems instead of just certain species |
| Endangered Species Act 1973 | US Congress act to protect plants and animals, fines if people harm or take these |
| Species Recovery Plan | USFWS plan for each endangered species to protect/preserve them |
| Habitat Conservation Plan | plan to protect one or more species in area through trade-offs/cooperative agreements |
| IUCN | International organization to protect endangered species |
| CITIES | international treaty to protect animals from illegal poaching or endangerment |
| Earth Summit | aka United Nations Conference on Environment & Development |
| Biodiversity Treaty | Earth Summit's agreement to preserve biodiversity in all countries |
| World Wildlife Fund | Private organization to protect wildlife |
| Nature Conservatory | organization purchased land in 29 countries for habitat preserves |
| Conservation International | group helps identify biodiversity hot spots and develop ecosystem conservation projects |
| Greenpeace International | group that works to counter environmental threats, sometimes very confrontationally |
