Define Desert.
A hostile, barren landscape where less than 250 mm of precipitation occurs annually, and biodiversity if low.
Define Grassland.
A biome with grassy plains and few trees, in the tropics and subtropics, typically referred to as a savanna.
What are Climographs?
Graphs used to show the average temperature and precipitation of a region over a period of time, usually 1 year.
What does CITES do?
Makes poaching and animal trafficking illegal.
What does the IWC do?
Makes whaling illegal.
Define Permafrost.
Areas of permanently frozen ground.
Define Pioneer Species.
A hardy species which is capable of being the first to colonize disturbed or newly formed environments.
How are Biomes determined?
The average precipitation and temperature of the region.
What does the ESA state?
Collection or killing of species on the endangered species list illegal and prosecutable.
How does the EDGE program measure their species?
ED- Evolutionary Distinctiveness.
GE- Globally Endangered.
Define Primary Succession.
The gradual process by which an ecosystem develops and change in a region that has not previously been colonized.
Define Secondary Succession.
The gradual process by which an ecosystem develops and changes in a region that has previously been colonized, however, it has been disturbed, damaged, or removed.
What are Biomes?
Zones characterized by soil, climate, vegetation, and wildfire.
Name ONE benefit of conserving biodiversity.
Food Security, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, Combatting Climate Change, Medical Resources, Genetic Diversity, Resources, Ecological Security, Cultural and Recreational Value.
Name ONE protocol of conserving biodiversity.
Protecting Species, ESA, Habitat Conservation, Reproductive Material Harvesting, CITES, IWC, EU CFP, ITTO, IUCN, EDGE.
Define Gross Primary Productivity.
The rate at which producers convert solar energy into biomass.
Define Net Primary Productivity.
The rate at which producers convert solar energy into biomass minus the loss of energy through respiration.
What is Humus?
Nutrient rich organic material from plants and animals in soil.
What is the goal of Captive Breeding?
Breed species in captivity with the goal of releasing them back into protected wild areas in the future.
What is the goal of Habitat Conservation and Creation?
Seeks to conserve, create, and protect habitats in order to prevent the extinction of species.
Define Native Species.
A species that originated and developed in a specific ecosystem or region and has adapted to living in that area.
Define Invasive Species.
A species that is able to outcompete other species, causing changes to an ecosystem’s balance.
What are Ecosystems?
All the biotic and abiotic factors of a physical environment.
What happens if a species is fragmented?
They are spread far apart and rarely interact with one another, decreasing biodiversity.
Define Rewilding.
Restoring an area of land to its natural undisturbed state, specifically through the reintroduction of species of wild animals that have been driven out or hunted to extinction in the area.