All Flashcards
Define 'Endangered Species'.
A species at risk of extinction because of a significant decline in its population or habitat.
Define 'Threatened Species'.
A species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
What is 'Overharvesting'?
Removing individuals from a population faster than the population can reproduce.
Define 'Specialist Species'.
A species with a very specific niche, vulnerable to environmental changes.
Define 'Generalist Species'.
A species that can adapt to various conditions and has a broad niche.
What is 'Critical Habitat'?
Specific geographic areas that are essential for the conservation of a listed species.
Define 'R-selected species'.
Species with high reproductive rates, many offspring, and low survival rates.
Define 'K-selected species'.
Species with low reproductive rates, few offspring, and high survival rates.
Define 'Poaching'.
Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, often for trade.
What does 'Extinct in the Wild' mean?
A species that only survives in captivity or other human-controlled environments.
What is the main goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
To protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
What does the Lacey Act regulate?
Prohibits interstate transport of illegally harvested plants and animals.
What is CITES?
An international agreement to control trade in endangered species.
What are key provisions of the ESA?
Listing species, designating critical habitat, prohibiting harm, and authorizing recovery plans.
What impact does ESA have on land use?
It can restrict development in critical habitats to protect listed species.
What does the ESA do?
Lists species as 'endangered' or 'threatened', designates 'critical habitat', prohibits harming listed species and trade, and authorizes habitat purchases and recovery plans.
What does CITES do?
It establishes international controls over trade in endangered species, requiring permits for import/export.
What does the Lacey Act do?
It prevents the spread of invasive species and protects native plants and wildlife by prohibiting illegal trade.
What is the purpose of designating 'critical habitat' under the ESA?
To identify and protect areas essential for the survival and recovery of listed species.
What is the role of international agreements like CITES?
To ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of endangered species.
Define 'Endangered Species'.
A species at risk of extinction because of a significant decrease in its population or a loss of its critical habitat.
Define 'Threatened Species'.
Any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Define 'Overharvesting'.
Removing individuals from a population faster than the population can reproduce, leading to population decline.
Define 'Critical Habitat'.
Specific geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection.
Define 'Specialist Species'.
A species that can thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or has a limited diet.
Define 'Generalist Species'.
A species that is able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources.
Define 'R-selected species'.
Species that produce many offspring, have a high reproductive rate, and a low survival rate.
Define 'K-selected species'.
Species that produce few offspring, have a low reproductive rate, and a high survival rate.
Define 'Poaching'.
The illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wild animals or plants, typically associated with land use rights.
Define 'Habitat Loss'.
The destruction or degradation of natural habitats, rendering them unable to support the species that once lived there.