Earth Science L7

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Questions and Answers

What is over-harvesting?

The process of conserving organisms and resources to prevent overpopulation.

The process of harvesting organisms and resources faster than their populations can recover. (correct)

The process of harvesting organisms and resources without considering the impact on their populations.

The process of harvesting organisms and resources at a sustainable rate to ensure long-term availability.

What is a visible and dramatic way the oceans are harmed?

Marine heatwaves

Natural erosion

Ocean acidification

Oil spills (correct)

What is a positive impact on the environment mentioned in the text?

Expansion of industrial activities in natural habitats

Decrease in recycling efforts

Increased use of fossil fuels

Enforcing stricter policies and boundaries in state and national forests and parks (correct)

What is one of the key factors contributing to the increase in human population by 2050?

Advancement of agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of world governments in relation to environmental issues?

Decrease the negative impacts of human activities and increase positive impact Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecosystem?

The combination of all living and nonliving organisms and environments that contribute to the overall function and sustenance of the system as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) find in 2019?

Approximately 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity. Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by the Royal Botanic Gardens find about plant species?

About 22% of the total 380,000 discovered plant species are endangered. Signup and view all the answers

What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity according to the text?

Human alteration of habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in the population of land-based, marine, and freshwater species in the last few decades according to the Zoological Society of London and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)?

Land-based species fell by 25%, marine species fell by 28%, and freshwater species fell by 29% due to changes in the Earth's ecosystem caused only by human activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a 0.2 degrees Celsius increase in global average temperature per decade since 1975?

Greenhouse gases from human activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant negative impact of deforestation on the environment?

Habitat destruction and water table contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended effort to mitigate the negative impact of agriculture on the environment?

Restoring green spaces in urban areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of global efforts to reduce environmental impact?

Promoting reforestation at individual and community levels Signup and view all the answers

What is an increasing opportunity for positive human impact, according to the text?

Growing awareness of environmental issues and efforts to address them Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe pollution caused by humans?

Anthropogenic Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for breaking an ecosystem into smaller chunks by building structures or roads?

Habitat fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when habitats are fragmented?

Species may die off quickly, affecting biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for animals and plants when humans alter the environment?

They must relearn how to survive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for hundreds of species' extinctions?

Human activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the direct result of burning non-renewable resources, according to the text?

Increase in atmospheric pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of sediments from agricultural farms carried into the water?

Inhibition of the growth of organisms depending on sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What is the harmful effect of harmful algal blooms like red tide on humans?

It can cause severe illness if humans consume affected animals Signup and view all the answers

How can humans help prevent future extinctions, according to the text?

By conserving habitats of endangered species Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to decrease emission output into the atmosphere, as mentioned in the text?

Reducing fossil fuel consumption and using renewable energy sources Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Impact on the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities

Agriculture has the largest negative impact on the environment, with 38% of global land altered for farmland, leading to habitat destruction and water table contamination.
Expansion of cities and construction of dams also negatively affect natural habitats and aquatic environments, impacting ecosystems.
Human activities are causing global warming, deforestation, pollution, rising sea levels, and over-harvesting, exacerbated by a growing population.
Greenhouse gases from human activities are leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect, causing a 0.2 degrees Celsius increase in global average temperature per decade since 1975.
Rising temperatures due to human activities are predicted to cause radical changes in climate, including forest die-offs, intense storms, and species extinctions.
Deforestation contributes to harmful global warming by disrupting the balance of CO2 and O2, leading to land erosion, water pollution, and wildlife displacement.
Pollution from increased production of goods and trash has led to an increase in landfills, exacerbating environmental issues.
Efforts to mitigate the negative impact of agriculture include increasing crop yield from smaller land units, restoring green spaces in urban areas, and using wild pollinators instead of harmful chemicals.
Construction projects should prioritize the protection and preservation of existing natural habitats, and governmental agencies should monitor and inform policy based on the pollution created by these projects.
Global efforts are being made to reduce emissions and limit the dependence on fossil fuels, with an increasing focus on clean energy for vehicles and buildings.
Non-profit organizations and social media are promoting reforestation and planting at individual and community levels to counter the effects of deforestation.
There is an increasing opportunity for positive human impact at individual, community, and global scales, with a growing awareness of environmental issues and efforts to address them.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the challenges and opportunities related to human impact on the environment. Explore topics such as agriculture, deforestation, pollution, and climate change, and learn about efforts to mitigate negative impacts and promote positive change at various levels.