3.4

Habitat loss

Occurs when a place where organisms live is degraded or destroyed in some way that makes it uninhabitable.

Fragmentation

The dividing up of a region into smaller pieces or fragments, which affects the sustainability of ecosystems.

Sustainability

Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of an ecosystem to exist.

Deforestation

The process of clearing forests, leading to habitat loss.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment, which can make habitats uninhabitable.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Natural ecosystems

Ecosystems that have not been significantly altered by human activity.

Human populations

Groups of individuals of the same species that live together, whose expansion puts pressure on ecosystems.

Outside influences

Factors like pollution or climate change that can negatively affect fragmented ecosystems.

Sustainability threats

Factors that can reduce the ability of ecosystems to sustain themselves over time.

Ecosystem sustainability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes, biodiversity, and productivity over time.

Environmental degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources like air, water, and soil.

Ecosystem health

The indicator of how well an ecosystem functions and its ability to sustain biodiversity.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for resilience.

Habitat fragments

Smaller sections of habitat that remain after larger areas have been disrupted or degraded.