Threats to biodiversity

Question 1

what is the main goal of conservation

Answer 1

to maintain diversity at a genetic, species, and ecosystem levels whilst using natural resources sustainably

Question 2

what do habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation caused

Answer 2

Is an event leading to the reduction in the carrying capacity of an ecosystem through destruction or damage to the area

Question 3

what habitat loss

Answer 3

complete clearing of natural habitat

Question 4

what is habitat degradation

Answer 4

damage to habitat so it cannot handle the same population size

Question 5

what is habitat fragmentation

Answer 5

isolating populations into smaller sections of a habitat

Question 6

what are feral animals

Answer 6

are animals that have been brought in for sport, as working animals, for companionship and as methods of biological control

Question 7

describe overexploitation of resources

Answer 7

refers to the harvesting of species and natural resources at rates faster than they can naturally return

Question 8

describe pollution

Answer 8

can be seen in the air as the accumulation of gases or in water as dissolved chemicals and other wastes and on land as the build of rubbish

Question 9

describe the process of eutrophication

Answer 9

is the process of nutrients from fertilisers being washed off into lakes resulting in a build-up of algae

Question 10

what does eutrophication cause

Answer 10

algae prevent light from reaching other photosynthetic organisms

Question 11

describe climate change

Answer 11

changing temperatures and rainfall patterns that can lead to altered fire regimes, floods, and droughts

Question 12

describe the human impact as a threat to biodiversity

Answer 12

leads to high global temperatures as a result of the greenhouse effect.

Question 13

what has a human impact in terms of strengthening greenhouse gases produced done to the environment

Answer 13

species are specifically adapted to temperatures and rainfall patterns and significant changes have to lead to-

• changes in species abundance
• changes in distribution
• changes in genetics

Question 14

what are invasive species

Answer 14

introduced species that are able to establish a population in new areas

Question 15

using a specific example, explain why it is beneficial for a species to have lots of diversity at the genetic level

Answer 15

As it helps to preserve endangered species and prevent extinctions from disease, pests, and other conditions

Question 16

using a specific example, explain why it is beneficial to have a large diversity of habitats or ecosystems within a particular area

Answer 16

because certain organisms need different nutrition, climate, and space. For example, the prickly pear cactus has adapted for sand soil, dry climates, and bright sunlight. It would not be able to thrive in wet and cool areas with a large amount of overcast.