Environmental Impact of Mining on Species Habitat

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Questions and Answers

What is the result of swift climate change on biodiversity?

No significant impact on human interests

Loss of biodiversity (correct)

Increased biodiversity

No impact on biodiversity

What is a major consequence of invasive species on native ecosystems?

Increased genetic diversity

Increased competition with native species

Enhanced habitat modification

Decline of genetic diversity (correct)

What is the impact of natural disasters on biodiversity?

No impact on biodiversity

Loss of biodiversity (correct)

No significant impact on ecosystems

Increased biodiversity

What is the result of flooding on soil nutrients?

Loss of soil nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of drought on the water table?

Decline in the water table Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of wildfires on ecosystems?

Disruption of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of volcanic eruptions on surrounding ecosystems?

Severe damage to ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction?

The complete disappearance of a species Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons for biodiversity loss?

Introduction of invasive species Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of air pollution on the respiratory apparatus?

Damage to the respiratory apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of decreased biodiversity on disease strains?

Increased disease strains Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of habitat loss?

Decrease in species population Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of biodiversity loss on ecosystems' ability to function?

Undermined ecosystems' ability to function Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways in which air pollution affects aquatic species?

Suffocation of aquatic species Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons why biodiversity is important?

It secures various resources for our survival Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of habitat loss on a particular species or group of species?

Reduction in their ability to survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of habitat destruction?

Cutting of forests Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of habitat fragmentation on animal communities?

It breaks down habitats and isolates animal communities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of extinction of large numbers of animals?

Hunting Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of overhunting in healthy, unharmed habitats?

Elimination of large mammals Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of overexploitation?

Extreme fishing Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the earth’s vertebrates facing extinction are vulnerable due to overexploitation?

One-third Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between biodiversity and climate change?

They are strongly associated Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Habitat Loss

Habitat loss refers to the reduction in the amount of space where a particular species or group of species can survive and reproduce
Categories of habitat loss: • Destruction (e.g., cutting forests, degrading agricultural lands, harvesting fossil fuels) • Degradation (e.g., agricultural practices, reduced resources, pollution, logging, catastrophic fishing activities, urbanization) • Fragmentation (split-up areas breaking down habitats, isolating animal communities, compressing genetic diversity)

Hunting

Hunting is a root cause of extinction of large numbers of animals
Hunting activities exert a considerable burden on wildlife, provoking an immense downturn in wildlife and leading to disturbed and inefficient ecosystems

Overexploitation of Preferred Species

Overexploitation is the collection of species from their natural habitat at higher estimates than the native communities can retrieve
Examples of overexploitation include extreme fishing and hunting
One-third of the earth’s vertebrates facing extinction are vulnerable due to overexploitation

Climate Change

Biodiversity and climate change are strongly associated
Accelerated climate change disturbs ecological systems and species’ capability to acclimate, hence the loss in biodiversity
Climate change jeopardizes human interests and security for clean water, air, medicines, and additional natural resources

Invasive Species

An invasive species is an introduced species to an environment that becomes overpopulated and harms its new environment
Invasive species wrack up the native ecosystem in many ways, including: • Modifying the habitat • Importing pathogens • Leading to the decline of genetic diversity by hybridizing with natives • Directly competing with and preying on native species

Natural Disasters

Natural catastrophes (e.g., volcanos, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, droughts, epidemics, tsunamis) cause a heavy loss of biodiversity
Examples of natural disaster effects include: • Floods washing away soil nutrients • Drought leading to dry soil and a decline in the water table • Wildfires disrupting the life of organisms • Volcanoes severely damaging animals and plants

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the enormous variety of life on Earth
It includes diversity within species and between species of the ecosystem
Biodiversity is essential for human survival, providing: • Uncontaminated water, air, and food • Traditional and modern medicines • A healthy environment

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of how mining activities affect species populations and habitats. It covers habitat loss and its categories, including destruction and degradation.