1. Ecology - Conservation F Chapter 55 ~ Conservation Biology

2. Gemsbok – Oryx gazella

3. Biodiversity crisis F Extinction ~ natural phenomenon, however, rate is of concern….. F Major Threats: F Habitat destruction ~ single greatest threat; cause of 73% of species designation as extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare; 93% of coral reefs F Competition by exotic (non- native) species ~ cause of 68% of species designation as extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare; travel F Overexploitation ~ commercial harvest or sport fishing; illegal trade

4. Biodiversity: Human welfare F 25% of all medical prescriptions F Genetic variability F Aesthetic and ethical reasons F Species survival

5. Conservation biology focus F Preservationism : setting side select areas as natural and underdeveloped F Resource conservation : public lands to meet the needs of agriculture and extractive industries, i.e., ”multiple use” F Evolutionary / ecological view : natural systems result from millions of years of evolution and ecosystem processes are necessary to maintain the biosphere

6. Population & species level conservation F Biodiversity hot spot: small area with an exceptional concentration of species F Endemic species: species found nowhere else F Endangered species: organism “in danger of extinction” F Threatened species: likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future F Bioremediation: use of living organisms to detoxify polluted systems