Threats to Biodiversity
Name a human activity that reduces biodiversity.
Deforestation, pollution, overfishing, urbanization, or habitat fragmentation.
What is habitat loss?
Destruction or alteration of natural environments that support populations.
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that spreads and causes harm to native species or ecosystems.
What is a conservation strategy to protect species?
Protected areas, wildlife corridors, captive breeding, or reintroduction programs.
What happens to ecosystems if a key species declines?
Food webs are disrupted, other populations may increase or decrease, ecosystem services decline.
How does overharvesting affect populations?
Reduces population size, can lead to local extinction, and disrupts ecosystem balance.
How does climate change affect species distributions?
Changes temperature and precipitation patterns, forcing species to migrate, adapt, or face extinction.
Give one example of an invasive species.
Zebra mussels, Asian carp, kudzu, or cane toads.
How does restoration ecology help populations?
Rebuilds habitats and supports recovery of native species.
How can species extinction affect humans?
Loss of food sources, medicine, pollination, or ecosystem stability.
Explain how pollution threatens wildlife.
Contaminates food, water, and habitat; increases mortality; reduces reproductive success.
Name one way urban development impacts ecosystems.
Reduces habitat, fragments populations, or increases pollution and human-wildlife conflicts.
How do invasive species affect native populations?
They compete for resources, spread disease, or directly prey on native species.
Name one way humans can reduce overharvesting.
Fishing quotas, hunting regulations, sustainable harvesting, or alternative resources.
Explain why a local population decline can have global consequences.
Species migrations, interdependent ecosystems, or loss of genetic diversity can impact other regions.
Give an example of how agriculture can reduce biodiversity.
Monocultures, pesticide use, or land conversion reduces habitat for other species.
How does habitat fragmentation affect population health?
Limits gene flow, reduces population size, and increases vulnerability to extinction.
Why are some ecosystems more vulnerable to invasions?
Because of lack of natural predators, disturbed habitats, or low native diversity.
How does education contribute to population conservation?
Raises awareness, promotes responsible behavior, and supports policy changes.
Give an example of a cascading effect caused by human activity.
Overfishing reduces predator fish, prey fish overpopulate, algae blooms increase, water quality declines.
Why is it important to track human impacts on biodiversity?
To manage ecosystems sustainably and prevent irreversible species loss.
Explain why preserving multiple habitat types is important for ecosystem stability.
Different species rely on different habitats; diversity of habitats supports overall biodiversity.
How can humans prevent the spread of invasive species?
Regulations on transport, monitoring, early removal, and public education.
Design a simple plan to reduce human impact on a local species.
Identify the threat, propose habitat protection or restoration, limit exploitation, and monitor population trends.
Evaluate one human action that could help restore balance to a disrupted ecosystem.
Reintroduction of native species, habitat restoration, pollution reduction, or invasive species removal.