Biodiversity and Humans Lecture 1

Human activities negatively impact biodiversity through overpopulation, habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.

Ecosystem functioning is critical for the provision of resources, as it relies on the flows of matter and energy within the system.

Ecosystem services enhance human living conditions and provide essential resources necessary for survival.

<p>Exceeding an ecosystem's capacity can lead to over-exploitation, pollution, and degradation of the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Resilient ecosystems are less likely to undergo dramatic changes in function, enabling them to recover from disturbances more effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Considering ecosystem changes is vital because human decisions can significantly alter ecosystem structure and functioning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Examples of global crises linked to biodiversity loss include human health crises, food shortages, and species extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Humans can be part of the solution by applying ecological principles to mitigate their impact and promote biodiversity conservation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. It is significant because it enhances ecosystem resilience, stability, and overall health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main components of an ecosystem include biotic factors (living organisms) and abiotic factors (non-living elements like water, soil, and climate). Together, these components interact to form complex relationships that support life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Food webs illustrate the interconnected feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and matter are transferred through different trophic levels. They are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Changes in ecosystems, whether through natural or human-induced factors, can trigger adaptive transformations where species evolve or alter behaviors to survive. Such adaptations are essential for resilience in dynamic environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bioremediation involves using living organisms, often microbes, to remove or neutralize pollutants from an environment. This process contributes to ecosystem health by restoring contaminated sites and enhancing biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ecosystem collapse can be caused by factors such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, climate change, overexploitation of resources, and invasive species. These factors disrupt the balance and function of ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires, can drastically alter ecosystems by destroying habitats and disrupting food webs. However, they can also create opportunities for regeneration and new growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Types of pollution include chemical pollutants (like pesticides), plastic waste, air pollution, and water contamination, each affecting individual organisms' health, reproductive success, and survival rates. These impacts can cascade through the food web.</p> Signup and view all the answers