Conservation of biodiversity

Nature of science:

Scientists collaborate with other agencies—the preservation of species involves international cooperation through intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. (4.3)

• An indicator species is an organism used to assess a specific environmental condition
• Relative numbers of indicator species can be used to calculate the value of a established to justify a hierarchy of value of one species over another? biotic index.
• In situ conservation may require active management of nature reserves or national parks.
• Ex situ conservation is the preservation of species outside their natural habitats.
• Biogeographic factors affect species diversity.
• Richness and evenness are components of biodiversity.

Applications and skills:

• Application: Case study of the captive breeding and reintroduction of an endangered animal species.
• Application: Analysis of the impact of biogeographic factors on diversity limited to island size and edge effects.
• Skill: Analysis of the biodiversity of two local communities using Simpson’s reciprocal index of diversity.

Guidance:

• The formula for Simpson’s reciprocal index of diversity is:  

D = diversity index, N = total number of organisms of all species found and n = number of individuals of a particular species.

• Aim 8: Scientists supported by governments are devoting relatively large amounts of effort to save particular animal species. Can criteria be established to justify a hierarchy of value of one species over another?