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