Anthropogenic causes of extinctions (HIPPAC)

“H”

Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation

Habitat destruction/fragmentation

occurs when large habitats are broken smaller isolated areas

“I”

Introduced/Invasive Species

Introduced/invasive species

species that can live outside noraml habitat, tend to be generalists, outcompete native species, have no natural predators (Zebra Mussels, fire ants, Kudzu Vine)

P

Pollution

Pollution

biological or chemicals that affect an organims well being (pesticides, oil, fertilizer, noise, light, heat)

P

Population

Population

low reproductive rate (K-strategists) —> stay with young, long gestation ex. blue whales, giant pandas

A

Accident

Accident

feed high on food chain (bioaccumulation), bycatch, road kill, power lines, dams, toxins accumulate in tissues

C

Climate change

Climate change

habitat loss due to weather patterns, agriculture, sea levels; zones of tolerance for sensitive organisms

O

Overuse/overharvesting

Overuse/overharvesting

using animals for our benefit (poaching, over hunting, pet industry, domestication of livestock)