9.2 Ecosystems under threat

Question 1

causes of Habitat loss?

Answer 1

• the drainage of wetlands,
• intensive agricultural practices,
• deforestation

Question 2

why is drainage of wetlands caused?

Answer 2

• Drainage for agriculture, forestry and mosquito control;
• Dredging for flood protection;
• Use for disposal of waste created by road construction;
• Discharge of pollutants;
• Peat removal;
• Removal of groundwater.

Question 3

what is a wetland?

Answer 3

A wetland is an area of land saturated with water, supporting unique plants and wildlife, such as marshes and swamps.

Question 4

intensive agricultural practices

Answer 4

• Overcultivation of soil leads to soil erosion, causing habitat loss for decomposers living in the soil.
• through various means, such as heavy use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Question 5

Deforestation

Answer 5

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to utilize the land
or trees.

Question 6

How does deforestation cause habitat loss?

Answer 6

Clearance of climax communities that would otherwise provide habitat for a wide range of tree and ground dwelling species.
Loss of these habitats or just its fragmentation –leads to loss of many species.

Question 7

impacts of
habitat loss

Answer 7

loss of biodiversity
genetic depletion
extinction

Question 8

loss of biodiversity

Answer 8

Species dependent on specific habitats may become extinct or endangered.
Various species die or relocate when their habitat is destroyed

Question 9

Extinction

Answer 9

the process by which a species or other named group ceases to exist on Earth or other named area.

Question 10

Genetic depletion

Answer 10

the reduction in genetic diversity within a population or species. This occurs when habitats are destroyed or fragmented, isolating populations and reducing their ability to interbreed.