BIO: Biodiversity

habitat fragmentation

splitting of ecosystems into pieces

ecological hotspot

small geographic area where significant numbers of habitats and species are in an immediate danger of extinction

ecosystem diversity

variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere

To conserve biodiversity, we must protect individual species, preserve habitats and ecosystems, and make certain that human neighbors of protected areas benefit from participating in conservation efforts.

How do we preserve biodiversity?

Humans reduce biodiversity by altering habitats, hunting, introducing invasive species, releasing pollution into food webs, and contributing to climate change.

What are the most significant threats to biodiversity?

Biodiversity's benefits to society include contributions to medicine and agriculture, and the provision of ecosystem goods and services.

Why is biodiversity important?

species diversity

number of different species that makes up a particular area

genetic diversity

sum total of all different forms of genetic information carries by a particular species, or by all organisms on earth

biodiversity

the total of the variety of organisms in the biosphere; also called biological diversity