A branch of scientific study that focuses on nature, ecosystems and the earth’s state of biodiversity with the specific aim of protecting species, resources and habitats from extinction. The term conservation biology was coined in 1978 by biologists who used it as a title for a conference held at the University of California in La Jolla. The conference was held over rising concerns about deforestation and disappearing species. The rapid decline of biological systems around the world has made scientists refer to conservation biology as a “discipline with a deadline.”