Human Influences on Biodiversity Flashcards
What are the examples of how humans directly exploit wildlife?
- Food production
- Entertainment
- Traditional medicines
- Furniture/ornaments
How was the dodo exploited for food?
Dodos were transported abroad and killed, as well as their forest habitat being destroyed leading to extinction
How has the snow leopard been exploited by humans?
Snow leopards have been poached for furs used in fashion as well as bones used in traditional medicines
How has the tiger been exploited by humans for traditional medicines?
Tiger bones have been used in traditional medicines thought to treat arthritis and joint pain
Why have many species been deliberately eradicated?
Threats to human acitivities including predators of livestock, pathogen vectors and agricultural pests
Which abiotic factors of an ecosystem may human influences affect?
- Water availability
- Light levels
- Oxygen availability
- pH
- Temperature
How have human influences affected water availability?
Through drainage and flooding
How have human influences affected light levels?
Through deforestation
How have human influences affected oxygen availability?
Water may be polluted with organic matter
How have human influences affected pH?
Acid mine drainage produces acidic soil conditions
How have human influences affected temperature?
Thermal pollution from power stations
Which biotic factors of an ecosystem may human influences affect?
- Pollinators
- Seed dispersers
- Food chain impacts
How have humans affected pollinators?
Pesticide use has reduced bee populations (nicotine-based insecticides)
How have humans affected seed dispersers?
Large seed dispersal species such as elephants have become endangered
How have humans affected food chains?
Over-exploitation of species such as cod have knock-on effects across food chains and webs
What are introduced species?
Non-native, invasive species which are introduced to an area which they will harm
What are examples of how species may be introduced?
- Ballast water on ships
- Imported food
- Imported ornamental plants
What are the 5 categories of introduced species?
- Competitors
- Predators
- Pathogens
- Species that hybridise
- Species that affect abiotic factors
What is an example of an introduced competitor?
Grey squirrel
What is an example of an introduced predator?
New Zealand Flatworm
What is an example of an introduced pathogen?
Squirrel-pox (from grey squirrels)
What is an example of a species that hybridises?
Sika deer (with Red deer)
What is an example of a species that affects abiotic conditions?
Rhododendron
What are 5 examples of habitat destruction caused by humans?
- Deforestation
- Farmland expansion
- Urbanisation
- Mineral extraction
- Flooding (by reservoirs)
