AP Environmental Science | Chapter 18: Conservation of Biodiversity

Red List

A list of worldwide threatened species.

Least concern species

Species that are widespread and abundant.

Marine Mammal Protection Act

A 1972 U.S. act to protect declining populations of marine mammals.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

A 1973 treaty formed to control the international trade of threatened plants and animals.

Lacey Act

A U.S. act that prohibits interstate shipping of all illegally harvested plants and animals.

Provision

A good that humans can use directly.

Alien species

A species living outside its historical range. Also known as Exotic species.

Exotic species

A species living outside its historical range. Also known as alien species.

Endangered species

A species that is in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Invasive species

A species that spreads rapidly across large areas.

Threatened species (U.S.)

According to U.S. legislation, any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Threatened species (IUCN)

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), species that have a high risk of extinction in the future.

Convention on Biological Diversity

An international treaty to help protect biodiversity.

Edge habitat

Habitat that occurs where two different communities come together, typically forming an abrupt transition, such as where a grassy field meets a forest.

Biosphere reserve

Protected area consisting of zones that vary in the amount of permissible human impact.

Near-threatened species

Species that are very likely to become threatened in the future.

Native species

Species that live in their historical range, typically where they have lived for thousands or millions of years.

Intrinsic value

Value independent of any benefit to humans.

Instrumental value

Worth as an instrument or a tool that can be used to accomplish a goal.