Human Impact on Biodiversity and Conservation Strategies

Human Impact

Humans alter ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and climate.

Biodiversity

Variety of species in a defined community.

Extinction

Species loss reduces community biodiversity.

Background Extinction Rate

Normal extinction levels balanced by speciation.

Mass Extinctions

Five historical events of widespread species loss.

Sixth Mass Extinction

Current extinction crisis driven by human activities.

Overhunting

Excessive hunting leading to species extinction.

Industrialization

Increased development accelerating species extinctions.

Species Discovery

30,000 species lost yearly, many undiscovered.

Biodiversity Importance

Essential for food, medicine, and ecosystem stability.

Ecosystem Interactions

Species depend on each other for survival.

IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Endangered Species

Species at imminent risk of extinction.

Vulnerable Species

Species at risk of extinction in near future.

Population Density

Some species thrive at low population levels.

Genetic Drift

Loss of genetic diversity impacting survival.

Habitat Loss

Primary cause of current extinctions.

Rainforest Loss

2% of rainforests lost annually, threatening species.

Ecological Niche

Specific habitat and dietary needs of species.

Age at Maturity

Influences population growth and recovery rates.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without mating, enhancing survival.

Newly Rare Species

Historically abundant species at high extinction risk.

Species Range

Geographical area where a species is found.

Species Interdependence

Loss of one species affects others' survival.

Climate Change

Alters ecosystems, contributing to species loss.

Sustainable Use

Using resources without depleting them.

Intrinsic Value

Nature's worth beyond economic benefits.

Potential Medical Applications

Undiscovered species may lead to new medicines.

Habitat alteration

Changes to natural environments affecting species survival.

Habitat destruction

Complete removal of ecosystems for human use.

Overexploitation

Unsustainable harvesting of species leading to decline.

Invasive species

Non-native species disrupting local ecosystems negatively.

Climate alteration

Changes in climate affecting species and habitats.

Habitat loss

Primary cause of species extinctions globally.

Pollution

Contaminants harming species and ecosystems.

Heavy metals

Toxic pollutants from mining and manufacturing.

Plastic waste

Non-degradable trash harming marine life.

Physical habitat destruction

Conversion of ecosystems for agriculture or development.

Fragmentation

Breaking habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

Edge effect

Negative impacts near habitat boundaries.

Slow population growth

Species with late maturity and few offspring.

Tiger population decline

Over 90% reduction due to hunting since 1900.

Exotic pet trade

International trade threatening species with extinction.

Wild fisheries collapse

25% of fisheries at risk due to overfishing.

Accidental introduction

Unintentional spread of species via human activity.

Ballast water

Water carried by ships introducing invasive species.

Pathogen introduction

Non-native diseases harming vulnerable native species.

Greenhouse gases

Gases from fossil fuels warming the planet.

Temperature rise

Expected increase of 2-5 degrees C by 2100.

Biome migration

Shift of ecosystems due to climate change.

Protected areas

Regions where habitat alteration is prohibited.

Habitat restoration

Efforts to return ecosystems to natural states.

Natural disturbance patterns

Restoration of ecological processes like fires.

CITES

International agreement preventing trade of endangered species.

Invasive species prevention

Regulations to stop introduction of harmful species.

Ecological economics

Assessing economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Ecosystem services

Benefits provided by healthy ecosystems to humans.

Reconciliation ecology

Using ecosystems sustainably while maintaining biodiversity.