APES - 2.1: Introduction to Biodiversity

Convention on Biological Diversity

A 1992 international treaty formed to help protect biodiversity.

Species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Edge Habit

A habitat that occurs where two different communities come together, typically forming an abrupt transition

Speciation

Formation of new species

Bottleneck Effect

Genetic drift resulting from the reduction of a population, typically by a natural disaster, such that the surviving population is no longer genetically representative of the original population.

Biosphere Reserve

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

Species Diversity

The number and relative abundance of species in a biological community.

Genetic Diversity

The range of genetic material present in a gene pool or population of a species.

Niche Generalist

a species that can live under a wide range of abiotic or biotic conditions

Biodiversity Hotspot

is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans

Species Evenness

relative abundance of each species

Niche Specialist

species that live only in specific habitats

Species Richness

the number of different species in a community

Biodiversity

the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.