Human Harm
What is deforestation, and how does it reduce biodiversity?
Clearing forests for timber or agriculture destroys habitats, reducing biodiversity.
What is the main cause of modern climate change?
The burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases.
Define habitat loss.
The destruction of natural environments where species live.
What is an invasive species?
A species introduced to a new area that outcompetes native organisms.
What does extinction mean?
The complete disappearance of a species.
Name one type of pollution that threatens biodiversity.
Examples: air pollution, water pollution, or plastic pollution.
Name one direct effect of climate change on ecosystems.
Rising temperatures, melting ice, shifting species ranges, or altered migration.
Give an example of habitat loss caused by urbanization.
Building cities, roads, or housing developments on natural land.
Give one example of an invasive species.
Examples: zebra mussels, kudzu, cane toads, lionfish, Asian carp.
Name one species humans have driven to extinction.
Examples: passenger pigeon, dodo, Tasmanian tiger.
How does overexploitation (like overfishing) reduce biodiversity?
It removes species faster than they can reproduce, leading to population decline.
How does climate change disrupt species survival?
It alters habitats and food availability, causing mismatches in ecosystems.
How does habitat fragmentation affect genetic diversity?
Isolated populations have less gene flow, reducing genetic variation.
How do invasive species outcompete native species?
They often lack natural predators and can use resources more efficiently.
How can the extinction of a predator affect an ecosystem?
Prey species may overpopulate, disrupting food webs.
Why does habitat fragmentation harm species?
It isolates populations, reduces resources, and makes survival harder.
Why are coral reefs especially vulnerable to climate change?
Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching and loss of reef biodiversity.
Why does wetland loss pose a threat to biodiversity?
Wetlands provide critical breeding and feeding grounds for many species.
Why do invasive species spread more easily in disturbed habitats?
Human disturbance weakens ecosystems, giving invaders an advantage.
How does biodiversity loss affect humans directly?
It reduces ecosystem services like clean water, food, and medicine sources.
If a local community wants to reduce human impacts, what actions could they take to protect biodiversity?
Examples include sustainable resource use, habitat restoration, reducing pollution, creating protected areas.
Predict how climate change could affect biodiversity in your own region.
Varies by region — e.g., shifting plant growth zones, more invasive species, loss of native species.
Propose a strategy to balance human land use with biodiversity conservation.
Options: wildlife corridors, zoning laws, protected areas, sustainable urban planning.
If a new invasive species appears in your region, what steps should be taken to control it?
Monitoring, early removal, biological controls, and public awareness programs.
Why should society care about preserving even “non-useful” species?
Every species contributes to ecosystem stability, and unknown benefits (like medicines) may be lost forever.