What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Extinction removes a species permanently; endangered species are at high risk

Threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, and climate change

Conservation strategies include protected areas, captive breeding, and habitat restoration

Key Vocabulary

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a given area, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity

Extinction

The permanent disappearance of a species from Earth

Invasive species

A non-native species that causes harm to native ecosystems after being introduced

Conservation

The protection and management of the natural environment and biodiversity

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which of the following best describes why biodiversity is important?

It ensures ecosystem stability, provides resources, and supports all life including humans It makes nature look attractive It prevents all species from evolving It is only important for scientists to study

Question 2

Cane toads were introduced to Australia to control beetles but became a major ecological problem. This is an example of:

Successful conservation An invasive species causing harm to native ecosystems A keystone species Habitat restoration

Question 3

Which conservation strategy directly addresses the problem of a species having too few individuals to breed naturally?

Pollution control Protected national parks Captive breeding programs Removing invasive species

Biodiversity and Conservation