Human Impact on the Environment 3.6 Flashcards
What is meant by an endangered species?
A species that due to loss of habitat or rapid decrease in population numbers is at risk for extinction.
What is conservation?
The maintenance of ecosystems and biodiversity by humans in order to preserve the earths resources.
What is agricultural exploitation?
The increase in efficiency and intensity of food production in order to meet growing demands.
What is deforestation?
The removal of trees from land which is subsequently used to grow crops or provide space for cattle.
What are the consequences of deforestation?
Loss of biodiversity, climate change, habitat loss and soil erosion.
What is overfishing?
The excessive fishing in an area at a rate which exceeds potential replenishment of the species.
What methods are used to regulate fishing?
Regulating net size, exclusion zones, fish farming and avoiding overfished species.
What is fish farming?
The breeding of fish commercially in enclosures for food to combat overfishing.
What are planetary boundaries?
A set of nine limits proposed by a group of environmental and earth system sciences within which human activity can operate without risk of irreversible damage to the planet.
Reasons for endangered species/extinction:
(6)
Deforestation
Loss of hedgerows
Agricultural exploitation
Pollution due to human activity
Overhunting
Overfishing
Ways of preventing endangerment and extinction:
(6)
Habitat protection (SSSI)
Breeding programmes
Gene and sperm banks
Education (WWFN)
Legislation
Ecotourism
Ways to prevent deforestation:
Coppicing
Selective cutting
Long rotation time
Plant trees optimum distance apart
What is overfishing?
Fish too much and fish stocks are depleting.
Ways of preventing overfishing:
Restricting mesh sizes
Closed seasons for fishing
Quotas
Exclusion zones
Landing size regulations
Having a marine stewardship council certification
What is fish farming?
Where you catch fish and the farmers look after the, and allows them to breed and mature in enclosed ponds. Prevents predation, disease and parasites and can accelerate growth.
