Inbreeding Depression
genetically similar parents mate and produce inferior offspring
Endangered
in danger of becoming extinct
Extinction
no longer in existence
Native Species
species that have naturally evolved in an area
Alien Species
species that do not naturally occur within an area and that have usually arrived in the area as a result of human intervention
Invasive Species
plants and animals that have migrated to places where they are not native
Lacey Act
prohibits interstate transport of wild animals dead or alive without federal permit.
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 1975 it is a step toward worldwide protection of endangered flora and fauna.
Red List
a record of current species facing unusually high risks of extinction
Convention of Biological Diversity
conserve biodiversity, use biodiversity in a sustainable manner, and ensure fair distribution of its benefits.
Edge Habitat
the transition zone between two different habitat types
Biosphere Reserves
protected areas divided into zones with different purposes
exotic species
species that live outside their historical range
Marine Mammal Protection Act
prohibits the killing of all marine mammals in the U.S. and the import or export of any marine mammal body parts
Endangered Species Act
a 1973 act that implements CITES, designed to protect species from extinction