Ecology: Humans And Their Effect On The Environment Flashcards
How do human activities impact ecosystems?
They can cause habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and climate change, leading to loss of biodiversity
How does deforestation affect ecosystem?
It destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and increases atmospheric CO2, contributing to global warming
What are other ways land use changes impact ecosystems?
Organization and agriculture can shrink or fragment habitats, making survival harder for species
What is overfishing?
The removal of fish populations faster than they can replenish, leading to ecosystem collapse
How does pollution affect ecosystems?
It degrades habitats and harms wildlife through air, water, and land contamination
Give two examples of pollution harming wildlife
. Oil spills destroy marine life
. Plastic waste chokes or entangled animals
How does human induced climate change impact ecosystems?
It alters habitats, changes, rainfall patterns, and increases extreme weather events
How can climate change affect natural events?
It can disrupt flowering, migration, and other ecological relationships
What is conservation?
The protection and preservation of biodiversity to ensure sustainable use of natural resources
What is sustainable development?
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs
Name three approaches to conservation
. Creating nature reserves
. Legislating species protection
. Encouraging sustainable farming and fishing
What other measures supports sustainability?
Recycling, reducing energy use, and using renewable energy sources
Who is responsible for conservation efforts?
Individuals, communities, governments, and international organizations
What is bioaccumulation?
The buildup of chemicals, like pesticides or heavy metals, in an organism faster than it can excrete them
What is biomagnification?
The increasing concentration of toxins at each trophic level in a food chain
Why are Apex predators most affected by biomagnification?
They consume prey that already contains accumulated toxins, leading to the highest concentrations
What are some possible effects of biomagnification?
Health issues like reproductive problems, neurological damage and even death in top predators
What are indicator species?
Species, whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects specific environmental conditions
How do indicator species help scientists?
They provide early warning, signs of environmental changes or degradation
Give an example of an indicator species for air pollution
Lichens, which indicates sulfur dioxide levels
Give an example of an indicator species for water quality
Mayflies, which indicates clean water
Give an example of an indicator species for soil quality
Certain plant species that reflects soil nutrient levels
