Lesson 12 - Threats to Biodiversity

Question 1

What is CLIMATE CHANGE?

Answer 1

• Use of machinery by humans seems to be increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Carbon dioxide prevents heat energy from escaping, causing slight worldwide temperature increases

Question 2

What is HABITAT LOSS?

Answer 2

• Caused by demand for wood products, need for space, farmland, housing, and roads
• Deforestation causes habitat fragmentation
• Animals and plants are forced into confined areas

Question 3

What is POLLUTION?

Answer 3

• Excess fertilizers and animal waste get into streams and cause algal blooms
• Detergents, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals in runoff cause sickness and death in aquatic organisms
• Abandoned drift nets trap dolphins, whales, fish, and sea turtles
• Use of pesticides such as DDT gets into the water

Question 4

What is OVEREXPLOITATION?

Answer 4

• Humans harvest many natural resources and organisms faster than the resources can be replenished and organisms can reproduce.

Question 5

What is an INVASIVE SPECIES?

Answer 5

• Typically introduced by people accidentally or intentionally
• Can cause problems if no natural enemies are present
• Islands and other confined ecosystems are at risk

Question 6

What are HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Answer 6

• Capture and sell wild animals from exotic locations
• Wealthy buyers and collectors desire obscure (rare) animals
• Animals that are removed from their habitat cause an