factors affecting biodiversity Flashcards
What is one factor that negatively affects global biodiversity?
Human population growth.
How does human population growth decrease global biodiversity?
Human population growth leads to habitat loss, over-exploitation of resources, urbanization, and pollution, all of which decrease biodiversity.
What is habitat loss?
Habitat loss occurs when human development, such as deforestation for agriculture, destroys natural habitats, reducing habitat diversity.
How does over-exploitation affect biodiversity?
Over-exploitation refers to the excessive use of resources (e.g., industrial fishing), which can lead to species extinction and a loss of genetic diversity.
What is urbanization’s effect on biodiversity?
Urbanization can isolate species by creating barriers, which prevent populations from interbreeding and decreases genetic diversity.
How does pollution decrease biodiversity?
Pollution, such as high levels of fertilizer in rivers, can kill species and destroy habitats, leading to a decrease in species diversity.
What is the effect of deforestation on biodiversity?
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, which reduces habitat diversity and impacts species that rely on those habitats.
What does over-exploitation do to genetic diversity?
Over-exploitation can reduce genetic diversity within populations by depleting species at a faster rate than they can replenish.
How can urbanization isolate species?
Urbanization can fragment habitats with cities and roads, creating physical barriers that isolate species and reduce genetic diversity.
What impact does pollution have on fish populations?
Pollution, such as excessive fertilizers, can reduce fish populations in affected rivers, decreasing fish species diversity.
What is monoculture in agriculture?
Monoculture is the practice of growing a single variety of a single crop over large areas of land.
How does monoculture affect biodiversity?
Monoculture leads to habitat loss, the destruction of local species, and the reduction of species diversity due to the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Why are traditional crop varieties being lost in monoculture farming?
Traditional crop varieties are being replaced by high-yielding crops that are more profitable, leading to a reduction in species diversity.
What is one impact of clearing land for monoculture farming?
Clearing land for monoculture farming leads to habitat loss, reducing habitat diversity.
How does monoculture farming affect local plants and animals?
Local plants and animals are often seen as pests or weeds in monoculture farming and are destroyed by pesticides and herbicides, reducing species diversity.
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to variations in the Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, often caused by human activities.
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Climate change can alter habitats, forcing species to migrate, adapt, or face extinction, which can lead to changes in biodiversity.
What is the effect of climate change on species’ ranges?
Climate change can shift the range of species, with some species moving to new areas while others may face extinction if they can’t adapt or migrate.
How can species migration due to climate change impact biodiversity?
Species migration due to climate change can decrease biodiversity in the areas they leave and increase biodiversity in the areas they move to.
What happens if a species can’t migrate due to climate change?
If a species cannot migrate to a suitable habitat, or if the climate change is too rapid, the species may become extinct, decreasing biodiversity.
How did climate change affect corals in Panama in 1998?
In 1998, corals in Panama were damaged by a rise in water temperature, which led to the extinction of at least one species of coral.
How far has the range of the Sooty Copper Butterfly changed due to climate change?
The southern range limit of the Sooty Copper Butterfly has moved 60 miles north in recent decades due to climate change.
