24 Questions
What is the result of swift climate change on biodiversity?
Loss of biodiversity
What is a major consequence of invasive species on native ecosystems?
Decline of genetic diversity
What is the impact of natural disasters on biodiversity?
Loss of biodiversity
What is the result of flooding on soil nutrients?
Loss of soil nutrients
What is the impact of drought on the water table?
Decline in the water table
What is the impact of wildfires on ecosystems?
Disruption of ecosystems
What is the outcome of volcanic eruptions on surrounding ecosystems?
Severe damage to ecosystems
What is extinction?
The complete disappearance of a species
What is biodiversity?
All of the above
What is one of the reasons for biodiversity loss?
Introduction of invasive species
What is the primary effect of air pollution on the respiratory apparatus?
Damage to the respiratory apparatus
What is the result of decreased biodiversity on disease strains?
Increased disease strains
What is one of the consequences of habitat loss?
Decrease in species population
What is the result of biodiversity loss on ecosystems' ability to function?
Undermined ecosystems' ability to function
What is one of the ways in which air pollution affects aquatic species?
Suffocation of aquatic species
What is one of the reasons why biodiversity is important?
It secures various resources for our survival
What is the main consequence of habitat loss on a particular species or group of species?
Reduction in their ability to survive and reproduce
What is an example of habitat destruction?
Cutting of forests
What is the effect of habitat fragmentation on animal communities?
It breaks down habitats and isolates animal communities
What is the primary cause of extinction of large numbers of animals?
Hunting
What is the result of overhunting in healthy, unharmed habitats?
Elimination of large mammals
What is an example of overexploitation?
Extreme fishing
What percentage of the earth’s vertebrates facing extinction are vulnerable due to overexploitation?
One-third
What is the relationship between biodiversity and climate change?
They are strongly associated
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
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.
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