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Human activities and their impact on biodiversity

Ecology • Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Biodiversity refers to the variety of species-plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms-that inhabit a geographic area.
  • High biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability by diversifying food sources and providing various ecological roles and services.
  • Areas like tropical rainforests and coral reefs exhibit particularly high biodiversity, supplying many resources humans utilize directly and indirectly.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Indicator species: lichens and air quality

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Certain lichens only thrive in clean air, indicating low pollution and higher habitat quality for sensitive species.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

High biodiversity strengthens ecosystem stability through diverse ecological roles.

Eutrophication occurs due to excessive nutrients and results in oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life.

Bioaccumulation concentrates toxins in top predators, leading to serious health problems and declining populations.

Deforestation eliminates habitats and disrupts local climates by reducing transpiration.

Peat bogs are vital carbon sinks; their extraction releases stored carbon and disrupts specialized ecosystems.

Global warming induces shifts in species range, alters timings of breeding and migration, and escalates extreme weather events that threaten biodiversity.

Habitat fragmentation limits genetic flow and elevates extinction risks for isolated populations.

Conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and managed breeding programs enhance ecosystem resilience and cut extinction risks.

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