Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is essential to the functioning of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies. However, the loss of biodiversity is a growing concern, with species extinction rates accelerating at an alarming rate due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources. To better understand the issues surrounding biodiversity loss and the measures that can be taken to protect and restore it, it is important to be familiar with the key terms and concepts related to this field. Here is an alphabetically organized glossary of biodiversity terms to help deepen your understanding.
Adaptation: The process by which an organism or ecosystem changes in response to environmental pressures, such as climate change, to better survive and thrive.
Alien species: A species that has been introduced to an area outside of its natural range, often as a result of human activities, and can cause negative impacts on native species and ecosystems.
Biodiversity hotspot: A region that contains a large number of endemic species and is threatened by human activities, making it a priority for conservation efforts.
Biogeography: The study of the distribution of organisms and their interactions with their environment, including the historical and ecological factors that shape their ranges.
Biomimicry: The practice of designing solutions to human problems by emulating nature's patterns and strategies.
Biosphere: The sum total of all living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
Carbon sink: A natural or managed ecosystem, such as forests, wetlands, or soils, that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, helping to mitigate climate change.
Conservation biology: The study of the preservation and management of biodiversity and natural resources, with the goal of maintaining ecosystem services and promoting sustainability.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): An international treaty adopted in 1992 that aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
Deforestation: The clearing of forests, often for the purpose of converting land for agricultural or urban use, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity, climate, and local communities.
Ecosystem: A community of organisms and their physical environment, including the biotic and abiotic components and the interactions between them.
Endangered species: A species that is at risk of extinction in the near future, often due to human activities, and is listed as such under national or international laws and agreements.
Extinction: The irreversible loss of a species or other taxonomic group, often as a result of human activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.
Genetic diversity: The variety of genes and genetic traits within and among populations of the same or different species, which can affect the resilience and adaptability of organisms to changing environments.
Habitat: The natural environment where an organism or population lives and reproduces, including the physical and biological features that provide food, shelter, and other resources.
Invasive species: A non-native species that has been introduced to an area outside of its natural range and can cause negative impacts on native species and ecosystems.
Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionately large impact on the structure and functioning of an ecosystem, often by exerting a strong influence on other species or ecosystem processes.
Land use change: The alteration of the natural landscape, often for the purpose of converting land for agricultural or urban use, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity, climate, and local communities.
Migration: The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, often in response to changes in resource availability, climate, or other environmental factors.
Natural selection: The process by which certain traits or characteristics that increase an organism's survival or reproductive success become more common in a population over time, while other traits become less common or disappear.
Overexploitation: The unsustainable use of natural resources, such as fishing, hunting, or harvesting, beyond their capacity to regenerate or maintain ecosystem functions, leading to declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Phylogenetics: The study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms, based on similarities and differences in their genetic and morphological traits.
Restoration ecology: The practice of restoring degraded or damaged ecosystems to their former ecological functions.
Species richness: The number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem, which can vary depending on factors such as geography, climate, and disturbance regimes.
Symbiosis: A close and long-term interaction between two or more different species, often resulting in mutual benefits such as increased fitness or resource acquisition.
Taxonomy: The science of classifying and naming organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.
Threatened species: A species that is likely to become endangered in the near future, often due to human activities, and is listed as such under national or international laws and agreements.
Trophic level: The position of an organism or group of organisms in a food chain or web, determined by their source of nutrition and the transfer of energy and nutrients through the ecosystem.
Vulnerable species: A species that is at risk of becoming endangered in the future, often due to human activities, and is listed as such under national or international laws and agreements.
Wilderness: A natural or undeveloped area that is largely free from human influence and provides important habitat for many species of plants and animals.
Xeriscaping: A landscaping technique that uses drought-resistant plants and other water-saving practices to reduce the use of water in gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Zooplankton: Small aquatic animals, such as krill, copepods, and jellyfish, that drift in the water column and form an important part of the food chain for many marine organisms.
Zoos: Institutions that keep and care for animals in captivity, often for the purpose of education, research, or conservation, but also subject to criticism and debate about animal welfare and ethical concerns.