Conservation and Restoration Ecology Flashcards

Which concept describes the minimum viable population size needed to ensure a species' long-term survival?

Answer: Minimum viable population

Minimum viable population (MVP) is the smallest population size at which a species can persist in the wild given demographic, genetic, and environmental stochasticity.

What is the primary goal of ex situ conservation?

Answer: Preserving species outside their natural habitat

Ex situ conservation preserves species in controlled environments such as zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens, away from their natural habitat.

The 'debt-for-nature swap' conservation financing mechanism involves:

Answer: Reducing a country's debt in exchange for conservation commitments

Debt-for-nature swaps reduce a developing nation's foreign debt in exchange for commitments to fund or protect natural areas domestically.

Which restoration technique involves introducing plant species to an area without active site preparation?

Answer: Passive restoration

Passive restoration removes stressors and allows natural succession to occur without direct planting or site manipulation.

What does the term 'genetic rescue' refer to in conservation biology?

Answer: Introducing new individuals to increase genetic diversity in inbred populations

Genetic rescue involves translocating individuals from other populations to increase genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding depression.

Which international framework sets global biodiversity targets for 2030 and beyond?

Answer: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, sets targets including protecting 30% of land and ocean by 2030 ('30x30').

In restoration ecology, what is a 'reference ecosystem'?

Answer: An intact or historical ecosystem used as a model for restoration goals

A reference ecosystem represents the target condition for restoration, based on historical records or nearby intact ecosystems of the same type.