Conservation Biology

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What is Conservation Biology?

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Conservation Biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, aiming to protect species, their habitats, and ecosystems from extinction and degradation.

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What is the significance of population density in conservation?

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Population density refers to the number of individuals of a species per unit area. It is significant in conservation as it helps assess the viability of populations; lower densities can indicate higher risks of extinction due to factors like inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.

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Define 'extinction vortex'.

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An extinction vortex is a downward spiral in which a population becomes increasingly small and isolated, leading to a loss of genetic diversity and an increased risk of extinction.

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What factors contribute to a species' risk of extinction?

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Factors include habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and disease.

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Explain the concept of 'habitat fragmentation'.

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Habitat fragmentation occurs when large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities, which can lead to decreased biodiversity and increased extinction risk.

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What is the 'edge effect' in conservation biology?

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The edge effect refers to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats, often leading to increased predation and competition in fragmented habitats.

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Define 'keystone species'.

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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

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What is the role of protected areas in conservation?

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Protected areas are designated regions that are legally protected to conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural resources, providing safe habitats for species and helping to maintain ecological processes.

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Explain the term 'biodiversity hotspot'.

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A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened by human activities, requiring urgent conservation efforts.

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What is 'genetic diversity' and why is it important?

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Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. It is important for the adaptability and resilience of populations to environmental changes and diseases.