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| Biological diversity; the variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations. Includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. |
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| Comprised of the individual genetic variation within a population and the genetic variation between populations that is often associated with adaptations to local conditions. |
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| The variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the entire biosphere; aka species richness. |
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| Endangered Species Act (United States) |
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| A species that is "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." |
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| Species that are considered likely to become endangered in the forseeable future. |
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| The variety of the biosphere's ecosystems. |
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| Our sense of connection to nature and other forms of life. |
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| Encompasses all the processes through which natural ecosystems and the species they contain help sustain human life on Earth. |
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| Four Major Threats to Biodiversity |
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| Habitat destruction; introduced species; overexploitation; disruption of "interaction networks" |
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| Single greatest threat to biodiversity; brought about by agriculture, urban development, forestry, mining and pollution. Accountable for 73% of extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare species. |
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| Species that humans move, either intentionally or accidentally, from the species' native locations to new geographic regions; aka invasive, nonnative or exotic species. Accountable for 40% of extinctions since 1750. |
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| Refers generally to the human harvesting of wild plants or animals at rates exceeding the ability of populations of those species to rebound; often refers to commercial fishing, hunting, collecting and trading of animals. |
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