habitat loss Flashcards
(24 cards)
an ecosystem is more likely to be sustainable if there is more…
biodiversity
what can biodiversity mean
- many different species
- differences within a species
- number of ecosystems
what are the four main changes in biodiversity
- habitat fragmentation
- habitat loss
- habitat degradation
- habitat destruction
example of habitat destruction
clear cutting
WHAT is habitat fragmentation
what an ecosystem of habitat is broken into isolated fragments
fragmentation happens when
parts of a habitat are destroyed, leaving behind smaller unconnected areas.
why is fragmentation a big deal
because animals won’t move from one section to. another I fear of predators and part of habitat is destroyed
when does habitat loss occur
When it is converted to other use
Examples of habitat loss
A wetland is filled
a prairie is covered by housing
forest cut down for development
what is habitat degration
when habitat is so diminished in quality that species can’t survive
why can urban development degrade a habitat
Urban development can degrade a habitat because plants and soil or replaced with ash fault and concrete
Examples of urban development degrading a habitat
- water runs off instead of soaking in
- temperature rises because asphalt and concrete absorb more heat
what is habitat destruction
when the whole habitat is destroyed
what is the main cause of habitat destruction
agriculture
what is pollution
the contamination of air, water or land
how does pollution occur
this can occur from fabrics, cars, trash, sprays, etc
pollution interfere with ad results in
interferes with the life-sustaining biological processes of plants and animals
- results in a decrease of reproductive ability and possibly death
what does acid rain affect
acid rain can lower the pH of streams and lakes to the point that some fish are unable to
reproduce and some die
point pollution
oil spill – can be traced back to one source
non-point pollution
ex. many sources of pollution in the air, water – difficult to trace
back to one source)
What is over exploitation
Using too many resources EX water and fish
What are non-native species
non-native species are species that did not occur naturally within the local ecosystem
Do you non-native a species change in an ecosystem
non-native species change the vegetation,
compete with native species, and prey on
native species and introduce new diseases to native populations
How does climate change affect habitat loss
Because species in ecosystems will need to adapt to the changes that happen because of climate change for example weather and climate changes
