Mechanisms of Biodiversity Decline and Strategies for Protection

Native Species

Species that live in their historical range and have evolved relevant adaptations.

Exotic Species

Species living outside their historical range, many of which are harmless.

Invasive Species

A non-native species that spreads rapidly and causes harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.

r-selected traits

Traits that allow species to reproduce rapidly and thrive in unpredictable environments.

Generalist

A species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can utilize a variety of food sources.

Biotic Potential

The maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimal environmental conditions.

High Dispersal Rate

Efficiency of spreading seeds or larvae easily by wind, water, or animals.

Accidental Transport

Unintended movement of species, such as through ballast water or wood packing material.

Intentional Introduction

Deliberate introduction of species, often for agriculture or biological control.

Background Extinction Rate

The standard rate of extinction that occurs naturally, estimated at 1 to 5 species per year.

Mass Extinction

A significant rise in extinction rates above the background level.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

US Law passed in 1973 prohibiting harm to listed species and allowing purchase of critical habitat.

CITES

International treaty focusing on banning the trade of endangered species and their parts.

HIPPCO

A mnemonic for the primary drivers of biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, and Overexploitation.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process of breaking up large ecosystems into smaller patches, impacting species survival.

Edge Effect

Changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats.

Wildlife Corridors

Protected land strips connecting isolated habitats to enable gene flow and migration.

Metapopulation Management

Managing groups of spatially distinct populations connected by occasional individual movements.

Restoration Ecology

The practice of repairing damaged ecosystems.

Specialized Niche

A niche requiring specific habitat or food source that makes a species more vulnerable to extinction.

K-selected species

Species characterized by lower reproduction rates, longer gestation, and slow maturation.

Biological Magnification

The process whereby pollutants increase in concentration as they move up the food chain.

Commercial Value

The demand for species due to their fur, tusks, or other valuable body parts.

Edge habitats

Areas where two ecosystems meet, often characterized as windier, drier, and more accessible.

Species Richness vs. Evenness

Biodiversity consideration involving not just the number of species but their relative abundance.