Complete the following map, which organizes some of the key concepts of conservation biology.

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations is that

a. It is a rare, top-level predator

b. Its effective population size is lower than its total population size

c. Its genetic diversity is very low

d. It is not well adapted to edge conditions

What does species richness refer to? Select True or False for each statement.

T/Fthe number of species in an area

T/Fthe evenness of species in an area

T/Fthe functional diversity of a species in an area

T/Fthe phylogenetic diversity of species in an area

Carbon dioxide functions as a greenhouse gas by ________.

a. Interfering with water's ability to absorb heat.

b. Increasing the random molecular motions of oxygen.

c. Allowing radiation from the sun to reach Earth and absorbing the re-radiated heat.

d. Splitting into carbon and oxygen and increasing the rate of cellular respiration.

The main cause of the increase in the amount of CO₂ in Earth's atmosphere over the past 150 years is

a. Increased worldwide primary production

b. Increased worldwide standing crop

c. An increase in the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by the atmosphere

d. The burning of larger amounts of wood and fossil fuels

Which of these statements best describes what conservation biologists mean by 'the rapid loss of biodiversity'?

a. Introduced species, such as starlings and zebra mussels, have rapidly expanded their ranges.

b. Harvests of marine fishes, such as cod and bluefin tuna, are declining.

c. The current species extinction rate is as much as 100 times greater than at any time in the past 100,000 years.

d. Many potential medicines are being lost as plant species become extinct.