Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is biodiversity?
What is biodiversity?
Why are animals' homes being destroyed?
Why are animals' homes being destroyed?
What percentage of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down in the last 40 years?
What percentage of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down in the last 40 years?
What is deforestation?
What is deforestation?
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What is a consequence of fishing ships dragging nets across the sea floor?
What is a consequence of fishing ships dragging nets across the sea floor?
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Where does Bob, the bird, start his journey?
Where does Bob, the bird, start his journey?
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What is destroyed when coral is destroyed?
What is destroyed when coral is destroyed?
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What has led to the loss of millions of acres of wetlands in the US?
What has led to the loss of millions of acres of wetlands in the US?
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What is a consequence of building dams on rivers?
What is a consequence of building dams on rivers?
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What is a major driver of biodiversity loss in Africa?
What is a major driver of biodiversity loss in Africa?
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What is the cane toad an example of?
What is the cane toad an example of?
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What is a consequence of climate change on polar regions?
What is a consequence of climate change on polar regions?
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What is another threat to biodiversity, apart from habitat destruction?
What is another threat to biodiversity, apart from habitat destruction?
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What is a consequence of acid rain on ecosystems?
What is a consequence of acid rain on ecosystems?
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What is a consequence of war on biodiversity?
What is a consequence of war on biodiversity?
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Study Notes
What is Biodiversity?
- Biodiversity refers to the diversity of plants, animals, and their environments, including genetic variations and natural habitats.
- It encompasses the variety of languages, body types, and living environments among humans as well.
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Destruction
- Deforestation: the destruction of large sections of forests, resulting in the loss of animal habitats.
- 20% of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down in the last 40 years.
- Deforestation has occurred globally, with some regions more affected than others.
Habitat Destruction (continued)
- Drainage of wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries for real estate development.
- The US has lost millions of acres of wetlands, with some states losing over 85% of their wetlands.
Habitat Destruction (continued)
- Construction of dams on rivers, flooding habitats and blocking natural fish routes, leading to fish stock declines.
Poaching & Invasive Species
- Unregulated and excessive industrial, agricultural, and sewage run-off, and air pollution, killing plants, animals, and ecosystems.
- Poaching of wild animals, such as elephants, for trade in Chinese medicine (100,000 elephants poached in Africa over a three-year period).
- Invasive species, like the cane toad, introduced to Australia, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Climate Change
- Melting icecaps threatening polar bears, penguins, and whales.
- Rising ocean levels flooding coastal areas and destroying habitats.
- Global warming contributing to coral reef destruction and ecosystem loss.
Other Threats to Biodiversity
- Introduction of pharmaceuticals into the environment through flushing them down the toilet.
- Acid rain, herbicides, and pesticides harming habitats and biodiversity.
- Depletion of the ozone layer, causing DNA damage to plants and animals.
- War, leading to habitat destruction and disregard for biodiversity.
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Description
Explore the wonderful world of biodiversity, from the diversity of human languages to the vast array of plant and animal species. Learn about the major threats to biodiversity, including habitat destruction.
