This practical application of ecology is what the general public tends to think of when they hear the word ‘ecology’. This is an incomplete definition, but is understandable given that conservation ecology deal with such critical issues as endangered species protection, habitat destruction, and climate change. Right now humans are one of the most successful species ever on the planet, with the population growing exponentially, and ranging across most of the globe. Along with our success, however, we are changing the environment quickly and drastically. As a result, the extinction rate of other species may be at an all-time high. In this section, models explore some of the ecological and economic principles that affect how we approach conservation.