Ecology and Environmental Biology

1. Biodiversity
   1. Definition and Importance
      1. Definition of biodiversity
      2. Importance of biodiversity to ecosystems
         1. Role in ecosystem stability and resilience
         2. Contribution to ecosystem services
         3. Source of genetic resources
         4. Economic and cultural importance
   2. Genetic Diversity
      1. Definition and significance
      2. Genetic variation within species
      3. Role in adaptation and evolution
      4. Preservation of genetic resources
         1. Gene banks and seed vaults
   3. Species Diversity
      1. Definition of species diversity
      2. Importance to ecosystem health
      3. Measurement of species diversity
         1. Species richness
         2. Species evenness
      4. Keystone species and their impact
      5. Endangered and threatened species
         1. Criteria for classification
         2. Importance of biodiversity hotspots
   4. Ecosystem Diversity
      1. Definition and examples
      2. Variability among different ecosystems
      3. Relationship between ecosystems and species diversity
      4. Importance in maintaining ecological processes
      5. Biomes as large-scale examples of ecosystem diversity
   5. Threats to Biodiversity
      1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
      2. Overexploitation of resources
      3. Pollution and its impact on biodiversity
      4. Climate change and its effects on species distribution
      5. Invasive species and their impact
      6. Disease outbreaks among wildlife
   6. Conservation of Biodiversity
      1. Strategies for biodiversity conservation
         1. Protected areas and reserves
            1. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries
            2. Marine protected areas
         2. Community conservation initiatives
         3. Biodiversity action plans
         4. Integration of conservation into agriculture and forestry
      2. In situ Conservation
         1. Conservation within natural habitats
         2. Examples of successful initiatives
         3. Role of local communities and indigenous practices
      3. Ex situ Conservation
         1. Zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens
         2. Role of captive breeding and reintroduction programs
         3. Seed banks and their significance
      4. International cooperation and policy
         1. Convention on Biological Diversity
         2. CITES and regulation of trade in endangered species
         3. Role of intergovernmental organizations
         4. Sustainable development goals related to biodiversity
      5. Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
         1. Advocacy and awareness initiatives
         2. Funding and support for local conservation efforts
         3. Research and data collection on biodiversity trends