Ecology 5 Flashcards: How Humans Affect Biodiversity and Ecosystems (HS-LS2-7)

Biodiversity

Many different kinds of living things in one place.

Ecosystem

A place where living and non-living things live together and interact.

Habitat fragmentation

Breaking big habitats into small pieces. Species that need large territories (often high-level predators) will die out.

Non-native species

A plant or animal that humans bring to a new place.

Invasive species

A non-native plant or animal that spreads fast and takes over. Often has no natural predators and out-competes native species, decreasing biodiversity.

Overharvesting

Taking too many animals or plants from nature.

Pollution

Harmful things put into land, water, or air.

Climate change

Long-term changes in Earth’s weather and temperature.

Captive breeding program

Raising animals in zoos and letting them go back into the wild. This is one way to restore endangered species.

Habitat restoration

Fixing damaged natural places. This is one way to repair ecosystems.

Pollution mitigation

Cleaning up or stopping pollution. This is one way to restore ecosystems.

Energy conservation

Using less power (like turning off lights or driving less). This results in less fossil fuels being burned, which decreases carbon emissions and helps the environment.

Ecotourism

Visiting nature in a way that helps protect it. National parks and nature reserves are protected areas where species can thrive, and encourage people to want to care for and protect these species.