Q’S AND A’S
Conservation Biology - answer- Using knowledge of ecology, physiology, molecular
biology, genetics, evolution, etc to conserve biodiversity
3 Levels of Biodiversity - answer- Genetic, Species and Ecosystem Diversity
Genetic Variation - answer- comprises variation within a population and between
populations
Species Diversity - answer- variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the
biosphere
Ecosystem Diversity - answer- Human activity is reducing ecosystem diversity, the
variety of ecosystems in the biosphere
Endangered Species - answer- Species in danger of extinction through all or most of
its range
Threatened Species - answer- Species likely to be endangered in the near future
Ecosystem Services - answer- Processes that ecosystems carry out like air and
water purification, pollination, soil preservation, etc that help sustain human life
4 main threats to biodiversity - answer- 1. Habitat Loss
2. Introduced Species
3. Overharvesting
4. Global Change
Introduced Species - answer- Non-native species humans move intentionally or
unintentionally to a new area via ships and airplanes, etc (Ex. Zebra mussels)
Habitat Loss - answer- human alteration of habitat is the greatest threat to
biodiversity throughout the biosphere
Overharvesting - answer- human harvesting of wild plants or animals a rates
exceeding the ability of population of the species to rebound
Biodiversity Hot Spot - answer- Small area with many species found nowhere else in
the world (aka endemic species) and lots of endangered species
Greenhouse Effect - answer- CO2 and water vapor absorb infrared radiation and
reflect it back towards earth
Global Warming - answer- The warming of the earth due to increases carbon dioxide
levels