conservation biology

• Biodiversity


  The variety of all forms of life, from genes to species, up to the level of ecosystems
• Levels of Biodiversity


  • Genetic Diversity
  • Species Diversity
  • Ecosystem Diversity
• Genetic Diversity


  The variation of genes within species
• Species Diversity


  The variety of species within a habitat or a region
• Ecosystem Diversity


  The variety of ecosystems in a given place
• Conservation


  The practice of protecting Earth's natural resources and biodiversity through the management of the environment and wildlife
• Disciplines involved in Conservation

  • Biology
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Political science
• Mass Extinctions


  Rapid events where large numbers of species become extinct worldwide, typically due to catastrophic environmental changes
• Background Extinctions


  The standard rate of extinctions occurring as a normal part of evolution without massive external influences
• Factors making species vulnerable to extinction

  • Limited Geographic Range
  • Small Population Size
  • Specialized Habitat Needs
• Deforestation


  Primarily driven by agriculture, urban expansion, and resource extraction
• Deforestation


  Reduces habitat, leading to decreased species diversity and increased vulnerability of species to extinction
• Invasive Species


  Non-native species introduced to new environments, often by human activities
• Survival reasons of Invasive Species

  Typically lack natural predators in new environments, leading to unchecked population growth
• Impacts of Invasive Species on Native Populations

  • Competition
  • Predation
  • Disease
• Acid Rain


  Formed by burning fossil fuels, which releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that react with water vapor in the atmosphere
• Acid Rain


  Damages forests, harms aquatic life, and degrades infrastructure
• Greenhouse Gases


  Burning fossil fuels increases levels of carbon dioxide and methane
• Greenhouse Gases


  Enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming, altering climates and affecting weather patterns globally
• Impacts of Global Climate Change on Organisms

  • Temperature Shifts
  • Ocean Effects
• Ozone Layer Depletion


  Caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants
• Ozone Layer Depletion


  Increased UV radiation leading to higher skin cancer rates, damage to plants, and disruption of marine ecosystems