Importance of Biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
it is the variety of all living things on Earth — including different plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the ecosystems they live in.
What is genetic biodiversity?
The variety of genes within a species.
Name one human activity that harms biodiversity.
Cutting down forests, pollution, poaching, etc.
What is an invasive species?
A species that moves into a new area and harms the ecosystem.
What is climate change?
A long-term change in Earth’s temperature and weather.
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem stability?
It helps ecosystems stay balanced and healthy.
Why is genetic diversity important?
It helps species adapt to changes in the environment.
What happens when humans pollute water or air?
It can kill plants and animals.
Name one example of an invasive species in Canada.
Zebra mussels, purple loosestrife, etc.
What causes climate change?
Burning fossil fuels like oil and gas.
How does biodiversity help humans?
It provides food, medicine, and resources.
Give an example of genetic diversity in a species.
Different colors, sizes, shape, or mixed species
How does building cities affect biodiversity?
It destroys animal habitats.
Why are invasive species dangerous?
They take food and space from native species, and they can harm the environment.
What is pollution?
Harmful substances in air, water, or land.
What happens if one species disappears from an ecosystem?
It can affect many other species that depend on it.
What can happen to a species if they have poor genetic diversity?
It might not survive diseases or climate changes.
What is overfishing?
Catching too many fish, faster than they can reproduce.
How do humans accidentally spread invasive species?
Through ships, travel, importing plants and animals, or planting in gardens.
What is habitat loss?
When animals lose their homes due to human activity.
How do plants help animals in a biodiverse ecosystem?
They give animals food and shelter.
What does the word “genetic” mean?
It has to do with genes or DNA.
What can humans do to help biodiversity?
Protect habitats, recycle, and reduce pollution.
What can be done to control invasive species?
Monitoring, removing them, and preventing new ones from arriving.
How do environmental problems affect biodiversity?
They can make species go extinct.