Negative Effects of Human Activity

Question 1

The rate of what of species is increasing?

Answer 1

Extinction

Question 2

What is this due to?

Answer 2

Mainly due to humans, and this may reduce biodiversity and reduce sustainability

Question 3

Give some examples of this

Answer 3

The introduction of new predators or competition
Industrial activities causing global warming
Deforestation clears areas, increases carbon dioxide levels and alters the carbon cycle

Question 4

What is an extinction caused directly by man on animals?

Answer 4

The Great Auk (a sea bird)
Only laid one egg a year and couldn’t fly, so was vulnerable. They were also hunted for food and its feathers. The last pair was killing in 1844

Question 5

What is an extinction caused directly by man on viruses?

Answer 5

The smallpox virus;

Was eradicated deliberately by man by mass vaccination and was declared extinct in nature in 1980

Question 6

What was an extinction caused indirectly by man on animals?

Answer 6

The Rodrigues Pigeon;
Was native to Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean, it became extinct when ships visiting the island accidentally introduced rats that preyed on the birds.