GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
of terms related to the biodiversity

backcross

The cross of a hybrid with either of its parents (or a genetically equivalent individual).

bacteria

Members of a group of diverse single-celled organisms; organisms lacking a nucleus.

bacteriophages

A group of viruses(virus) whose hosts are specifically bacteria.

baseline data

Fundamental units of basic inventory information that are crucial for biodiversity conservation planning and management. These are both biotic and abiotic and usually include: (1) the presence and/or abundance of species and other units; (2) other dependent biotic data (e.g. plant cover for macroarthropods); (3) the appropriate influential abiotic variables, and (4) human variables.

benthos

Organisms living on or in the bottom of oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and other water bodies. Depending on the size of the organisms, benthos is regarded as macrobenthos (organisms > 1000 µm), meiobenthos (organisms between 42 µm and 1000 µm) and nanobenthos or microbenthos (organisms < 42 µm). Depending on the depth distribution, benthos is regarded as epibenthos (living between low water line and 200 m depth), mesobenthos (living at depths between 200 and 1000 m), hypobenthos (living between 1000 and 2000 m) and abyssal benthos (living below 2000 m).

bequest value

Value, defined by willingness to pay, to ensure that peoples' offspring or future generations inherit a particular environmental asset.

Berlin declaration

A global initiative for the promotion of sustainable tourism, Berlin, 8 March 1997. Berlin declaration

Berlin declaration (under the Biodiversity Convention, CBD)

A global initiative for the promotion of sustainable tourism, Berlin, 8 March 1997 (http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/berlin.html).

Berlin Mandate

(under the Climate Change Convention, UNFCCC) Adopted at COP-1 (1995), the Berlin Mandate launched the talks that led to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol.

Berlin Mandate (under the Climate Change Convention, UNFCCC)

Adopted at COP-1 (1995) (http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/cop1/07a01.pdf), the Berlin Mandate launched the talks that led to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol (http://unfccc.int/resource/convkp.html).

bioassay

The determination of the activity or concentration of a chemical by its effect on the growth of an organism under experimental conditions.

bioavailability

The degree of availability to biodegradation of pollutants in contaminated soil or land.

biocatalyst

An enzyme, used to catalyze a chemical reaction.

biochemical

A product produced by chemical reactions in living organisms.

biocoenosis

Varied community of organisms living in the same small area, e.g. in the bark of a tree, on a wall, in a pond.

bioconversion

(syn.: biotransformation) The conversion of a compound from one form to another by the actions of organisms or enzymes.

bioconversion (syn.: biotransformation)

The conversion of a compound from one form to another by the actions of organisms or enzymes.

biodegradation

The microbially mediated process of chemical breakdown of a substance to smaller products caused by micro-organisms or their enzymes.

biodiversity

Synonym of biological diversity. The contracted form biodiversity was apparently coined by W.G. Rosen (1985) for the first planning meeting of the National Forum on Biodiversity held in Washington DC (September 1986), the proceedings of which (E.O. Wilson and F.M. Peter, 1988) brought the notion of biodiversity to the attention of a wide field of scientists and others.

biodiversity conservation

The management of human interactions with genes, species, and ecosystems(ecosystem) so as to provide the maximum benefit to the present generation while maintaining their potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations; encompasses elements of saving, studying, and using biodiversity.

biodiversity information system (BIS)

The computerised storage and manipulation of biodiversity data. Biodiversity Conservation Information System

bioenergy

Energy made available by the combustion of materials derived from biological sources.

bioerosion

The erosion of material such as coral rock and shells, that results from the direct action of living organisms such as boring sponges, fungi, worms, mollusks, or sea urchins.

biogeochemical cycles

The movement of massive amounts of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, calcium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, and other elements among various living and non-living components of the environment - including the atmosphere, soils, aquatic systems, and biotic systems - through the processes of production and decomposition.

biogeography

A branch of geography that deals with the scientific study of the geographical distribution of organisms.

bioinformatics

A scientific discipline that comprises all aspects of the gathering, storing, handling, analysing, interpreting and spreading of biological information. Involves powerful computers and innovative programmes which handle vast amounts of coding information on genes (gene) and proteins (protein) from genomics programmes. Comprises the development and application of computational algorithms for the purpose of analysis, interpretation, and prediction of data for the design of experiments in the biosciences.

biological control agent

Pest control strategy making use of living organisms (natural enemy, antagonist or competitor, and other self-replicating biotic entity) to control pests or disease. Biological control agent may be a single organism or a combination of a number of different ones.

biological control, biological control agent

Pest control strategy making use of living organisms(natural enemy, antagonist or competitor, and other self-replicating biotic entity) to control pests or disease. Biological control agent may be a single organism or a combination of a number of different ones.

biological diversity

(syn.: biodiversity) The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems (ecosystem) and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It appears that the term biological diversity was first defined as including two related concepts, genetic diversity (the amount of genetic variability within species) and ecological diversity (the number of species in a community of organisms) by Norse and McManus (1980). There are at least 25 more definitions of biological diversity. The one given on top is the definition used in the Biodiversity Convention text. Other definitions: - The totality of genes (gene), species, and ecosystems (ecosystem) in a region or the world. - The variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations, encompassing genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. - A variety or multiformity, the condition of being different in character or quality (R. Patrick, 1983) - The variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur. Diversity can be defined as the number of different items and their relative frequency. For biological diversity, these items are organized at many levels, ranging from complete ecosystems (ecosystem) to the chemical structures that are the molecular basis of heredity. Thus, the term encompasses different ecosystems, species, genes (gene), and their relative abundance. - The variety of the world's organisms, including their genetic diversity and the assemblages they form. It is the blanket term for the natural biological wealth that undergirds human life and well-being. The breadth of the concept reflects the interrelatedness of genes (gene), species and ecosystems (ecosystem)(Reid & Miller, 1989). - The wealth of life on earth including the millions of plants, animals, and micro-organisms as well as the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems (ecosystem) that they create (AID, 1989). - The variety of life and its processes (U.S. Forest Service, 1990). - Encompasses all species of plants, animals and microorganisms and the ecosystems (ecosystem) and ecological processes of which they are parts. It is an umbrella term for the degree of nature's variety, including both the number and frequency of ecosystems, species, or genes (gene) in a given assemblage (McNeely et al., 1990). - The variety of life on all levels of organization, represented by the number and relative frequencies of items - genes (gene), organisms and ecosystems (ecosystem) (EPA, 1990). - The variety of genes (gene), genotypes (genotype) and genepools and their relationships with the environment at molecular, population, species and ecosystem levels (FAO, 1990). - The genetic, taxonomic and ecosystem variety in living organisms of a given area, environment, ecosystem or the whole planet (McAllister, 1991). - The full range of variety and variability within and among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur; encompasses ecosystems (ecosystem) or community diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity (Pending legislation, U.S. Congress 1991). - Those environmental goals that go beyond human health concerns (Environmental Law Institute, Fischman, 1991). - The variety of life and its processes. It includes the variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the communities and ecosystems (ecosystem) in which they occur (Keystone Dialogue, 1991) - The variety and variability of all animals, plants and micro-organisms on earth - can be considered at three levels - genetic diversity (variability within species), species diversity, and habitat diversity (Overseas Development Administration, 1991). - I suggest a fourth category - functional diversity - the variety of different responses to environmental change, especially the diverse space and time scales with which organisms react to each other and the environment (J. Steele, 1991). - The totality of genes (gene), species, and ecosystems (ecosystem) in a region (WRI, IUCN and UNEP, 1992). - The total variety of life on earth. It includes all genes (gene), species and ecosystems (ecosystem) and the ecological processes of which they are part (ICBP, 1992). - Full range of variety and variability within and among living organisms, their associations, and habitat-oriented ecological complexes. Term encompasses ecosystem, species, and landscape as well as intraspecific (genetic) levels of diversity (Fiedler & Jain, 1992). - The variety of organisms considered at all levels, from genetic variants belonging to the same species through arrays of species to arrays of genera, families, and still higher taxonomic levels; includes the variety of ecosystems (ecosystem), which comprise both the communities of organisms within particular habitats and the physical conditions under which they live (Wilson, 1992). - Complex beyond understanding and valuable beyond measure, biodiversity is the total variety of life on Earth (Ryan, 1992). - The structural and functional variety of life forms at genetic, population, species, community, and ecosystem levels (Sandlund et al., 1993). - Is the ensemble and the interactions of the genetic, the species and the ecological diversity, in a given place and at a given time (di Castri, 1995). - Is the ensemble and the hierarchical interactions of the genetic, taxonomic and ecological scales of organization, at different levels of integration (di Castri & Younиs, 1996). - The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems (ecosystem) and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

biological pesticide (biopesticide)

Naturally occurring biological agents (the active ingredient is a virus, fungus, or bacteria, or a natural product derived from a plant source) used to kill pests (pest) by causing specific biological effects rather than by inducing chemical poisoning. The idea is based on mimicking processes that arise naturally (e.g. protecting the coffee bean by its caffeine content), and is argued to be favorable to conventional chemical pesticides as it is more easily biodegradable and more target specific.

biological resources

(used interchangeably with biotic resources) Those components of biodiversity - genetic resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations (population), or any other biotic component of ecosystems (ecosystem) with direct, indirect or potential use or value for humanity.

biologically unique species

A species that is the only representative of an entire genus or family.

biologics

Vaccines, therapeutic serums, toxoids, antitoxins and analogous biological products used to induce immunity to infectious diseases or harmful substances of biological origin.

biomass

All organic matter that derives from the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy.

biome

A major portion of the living environment of a particular region (such as a coniferous forest or grassland), characterized by its distinctive vegetation and maintained by local climatic conditions.

biopharmaceutical (see: biologics)

Recombinant protein drugs, recombinant vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (for therapeutic roles). Biopharmaceuticals are still only a small part of the pharmaceutical industry, but of increasing importance.

bioprocess

Any process that uses complete living cells or their components (e.g. enzymes, chloroplasts) to effect desired physical or chemical changes.

bioreactor

A contained vessel or other structure in which chemical reactions are carried out (usually on an industrial scale), mediated by a biological system, enzymes or cells. A bioreactor can range in size from a small container to an entire building.

bioregion

A territory defined by a combination of biological, social, and geographic criteria, rather than geopolitical considerations; generally, a system of related, interconnected ecosystems(ecosystem).

bioremedation

The use of biological agents to reclaim soils and waters polluted by substances hazardous to human health and/or the environment; it is an extension of biological treatment processes that have been used traditionally to treat wastes in which microorganisms typically are used to biodegrade environmental pollutants.

biosafety

Safety aspects related to the application of biotechnologies and to the release into the environment of transgenic plants and other organisms particularly microorganisms that could negatively affect plant genetic resources(genetic resource), plant, animal or human health, or the environment.

biosphere reserve

Established under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme (http://www.unesco.org/mab/ ), biosphere reserves are a series of protected areas(protected area) linked through a global network, intended to demonstrate the relationship between conservation and development.

biosynthesis

The synthesis of molecules by living organisms or their components.

biota

All of the organisms, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, found in a given area.

biotechnology

Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives there of, to make or modify products or processes for specific use; any technology that is applied to living organisms to make them more valuable to people.

biotic

Pertaining to any aspect of life, especially to characteristics of entire populations(population)or ecosystems(ecosystem)

biotic resources (used interchangeably with biological resources)

Those components of biodiversity - genetic resources(genetic resource), organisms or parts thereof, populations(population), or any other biotic component of ecosystems(ecosystem) with direct, indirect or potential use or value for humanity.

biotope

Small area with uniform biological conditions (climate, soil, altitude, etc.).

biotransformation (syn.: bioconversion)

The conversion of a compound from one form to another by the actions of organisms or enzymes.

biotype

Group of genetically identical individuals.

bloom

A sharp increase in density of phytoplankton or benthic algae in a given area.

botanical

A substance derived from plants; a vegetable drug, especially in its crude state.

botanical medicine

A medicine of plant origin, in crude or processed form; used to represent herbal, or plant-based, medicines that are not consumed as isolated compounds (as are pharmaceuticals); includes single herb, herb combination, and herb combined with non-herbal ingredient products; delivery formats include capsules, tablets, herbal teas, extracts, tinctures, and bulk herbs.

breed

- A group of animals or plants related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. Taxonomically, a species can have numerous breeds. - Either a sub specific group of domestic livestock with definable and identifiable external characteristics that enable it to be separated by visual appraisal from other similarly defined groups within the same species or a group for which geographical and/ or cultural separation from phenotypically similar groups has led to acceptance of its separate identity.

breed at risk

Any breed that may become extinct if the factors causing its decline in numbers are not eliminated or mitigated. Breeds may be in danger of becoming extinct for a variety of reasons. Risk of extinction may result from, inter alia, low population size; direct and indirect impacts of policy at the farm, country or international levels; lack of proper breed organization; or lack of adaptation to market demands. Breeds are categorized as to their risk status on the basis of, inter alia, the actual numbers of male and / or female breeding individuals and the percentage of pure-bred females. FAO has established categories of risk status: critical, endangered, critical-maintained, endangered-maintained, and not at risk.

breeding line

Genetic lines of particular significance to plant or animal breeders that provide the basis for modern varieties.

broad spectrum

A pesticide which is active towards a wide variety of weeds or other pests(pest); often used to describe an antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

buffer zone

Area on the edge of protected area that have land use control and allow only activities compatible with protection of the core area, such as research, environmental education, recreation, tourism, etc.

bycatch

Incidental take; also called non-target species.