Environmental Science: HIPPCO Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does HIPPCO stand for?

Habitat destruction (correct)

Pollution (correct)

Overexploitation (correct)

Population growth (correct)

Climate change (correct)

Invasive species (correct)

What are some human activities that impact the environment?

Agriculture (correct)

Meat production (correct)

Irrigation (correct)

Mining (correct)

Fishing (correct)

What does HIPPCO mean?

An acronym that explains how and why humans are negatively impacting the environment.

What is an example of habitat destruction?

Deforestation in tropical areas; clearing wetlands; loss of coral reefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of invasive species?

Kudzu vine. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of population growth?

Human population growth and excessive wasteful consumption of resources have caused extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of pollution?

Introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of pollutants and their effects?

Air, water, nutrient, and light pollution; volcanic eruption or anthropogenic. Signup and view all the answers

Define anthropogenic.

Human caused. Signup and view all the answers

What can air pollution do to people?

Respiratory problems. Signup and view all the answers

What can water pollution do to people?

Diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What can occur with climate change?

Global warming, frequency and severity of storms, changing ocean current patterns, less ice lands, rising sea levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gases form a layer around the Earth that traps solar radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Define commercial extinction.

Occurs when it is no longer profitable to continue fishing an affected species. Signup and view all the answers

Define bycatch.

Non-target species caught in fishing. Signup and view all the answers

Define poached.

Hunted for fur and horns. Signup and view all the answers

Define sustainability.

The endurance of systems and processes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Economy, society, environment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

HIPPCO Overview

HIPPCO is an acronym representing major human-induced environmental threats: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, Overexploitation.

Human Activities Impacting Environment

Key activities include agriculture, irrigation, fishing, meat production, and mining, all contributing to environmental degradation.

Understanding HIPPCO

Represents how human actions adversely affect environmental ecosystems and biodiversity.

Habitat Destruction Examples

Major forms include deforestation in tropical regions, the clearing of wetlands, and significant loss of coral reefs.

Invasive Species Insights

Invasive species threaten native ecosystems; over 7,100 species introduced into the US; the Kudzu vine is a notable example.

Population Growth Effects

Rapid human population increase, combined with unsustainable consumption patterns, drives species extinction.

Pollution Defined

Pollution refers to contaminant introduction into the natural environment, causing harmful changes.

Types of Pollutants

Common pollutants include air, water, nutrient, and light pollution, which can be natural (e.g., volcanic eruptions) or anthropogenic (human-caused).

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution is linked to respiratory issues and health concerns in humans.

Effects of Water Pollution

Water pollution can lead to various diseases affecting human populations.

Climate Change Consequences

Results in global warming, increased storm frequency and severity, altered ocean currents, reduced ice coverage, and rising sea levels.

Greenhouse Effect Explained

Greenhouse gases create a layer around Earth that traps solar radiation, leading to temperature increases.

Commercial Extinction Defined

Occurs when a species can no longer be fished profitably, impacting marine biodiversity.

Bycatch Explained

Refers to non-target species that are unintentionally caught during fishing operations.

Poaching Consequences

Poaching involves hunting animals for valuable parts such as fur and horns, threatening wildlife populations.

Sustainability Concept

Describes the endurance of ecological, social, and economic systems that support human well-being.

Three Pillars of Sustainability

Sustainability is founded on three interconnected areas: economy, society, and environment, essential for long-term viability.

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Description

This quiz explores the HIPPCO framework, which outlines six major human-induced environmental threats. It covers topics such as habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, and the impact of population growth on ecosystems. Test your knowledge on how these factors contribute to environmental degradation.