Selection of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species for conservation (EDGE)
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All 12 Flashcards — Selection of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species for conservation (EDGE)
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Question
What does EDGE stand for?
Answer
**Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered**.
Question
What is the purpose of the EDGE programme?
Answer
To **prioritise** which species to conserve — choosing those that are both distinct and endangered when resources are limited.
Question
Define 'evolutionarily distinct'.
Answer
Having **very few close living relatives** — a unique, long branch on the tree of life carrying unique evolutionary history.
Question
Define 'globally endangered'.
Answer
At **high risk of extinction worldwide** (e.g. a very small or fast-falling population).
Question
What is an EDGE species?
Answer
A species that is **both** highly evolutionarily distinct **and** globally endangered — so it is high priority for conservation.
Question
Why must conservationists prioritise species?
Answer
There are **more endangered species than money, land and time** to save them all, so choices must be made.
Question
A species is distinct but common. Is it a high EDGE priority?
Answer
**No** — it is distinct but not at risk, so it is not urgent.
Question
A species is endangered but has many close relatives. High EDGE priority?
Answer
**No (lower)** — its loss is a smaller loss to the tree of life because similar species remain.
Question
Why is losing an evolutionarily distinct species so costly?
Answer
It removes a **unique branch of the tree of life and unique genes** that **no other species can replace**.
Question
Define biodiversity.
Answer
The **variety of life** — the range of different species (and genes and ecosystems) in an area.
Question
Define conservation.
Answer
**Protecting species and habitats** so that biodiversity is maintained for the future.
Question
Which TWO criteria must a top EDGE species meet?
Answer
It must be **evolutionarily distinct AND globally endangered** — high on both, not just one.
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Topic 1.9 hub
Conservation of biodiversity
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