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Conservation Biology Flashcards

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  1. Which term describes the process by which a species' population becomes so small that it loses genetic diversity and faces increased extinction risk?

    Answer: Genetic bottleneck

    A genetic bottleneck occurs when a population is drastically reduced, causing loss of allelic diversity and increasing vulnerability to extinction.

  2. What is the primary goal of an Endangered Species Recovery Plan in the US?

    Answer: Restore species populations to sustainable levels so ESA protections can be removed

    Recovery plans aim to restore wild populations to the point where they no longer need the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act.

  3. Which landscape feature most effectively connects isolated habitat patches to reduce extinction risk from fragmentation?

    Answer: Wildlife corridors

    Wildlife corridors link fragmented habitats, allowing animals to move between patches, find mates, and maintain gene flow.

  4. The concept of 'ecosystem services' in conservation biology refers to:

    Answer: Benefits that ecosystems provide to humans such as clean water and pollination

    Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect benefits humans receive from functioning ecosystems, including clean air, water filtration, and crop pollination.

  5. Which measurement best captures the overall health and productivity of a conservation area?

    Answer: Biological integrity index based on native species composition and function

    Biological integrity indices assess how closely an ecosystem resembles its undisturbed natural state based on native species and ecological processes.

  6. In conservation genetics, what is 'outbreeding depression'?

    Answer: Reduced fitness from mating between distantly related or locally adapted populations

    Outbreeding depression occurs when crosses between genetically divergent populations disrupt locally adapted gene complexes, reducing offspring fitness.

  7. Which IUCN criterion classifies a species as Critically Endangered based on population size?

    Answer: Fewer than 250 mature individuals

    Under IUCN criteria, a population of fewer than 250 mature individuals qualifies a species for Critically Endangered status.