Threats To Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
Universally accepted as the primary threat to biodiversity.
Alien/Invasive Species
The introduction of species into a habitat that wasn’t originally found in that area.
Usually causes a disruption in the ecosystem.
Results in loss of biodiversity and damage to an ecosystem.
Ex. Asian beetles, zebra mussels, water milfoil, buckthorn
Pollution
Habitat Fragmentation: the division of a large habitat area into smaller areas. Affects the amount and type of species that live in the smaller areas.
Roads, building, urban sprawl, deforestation
Species to suffer the most are migratory animals & large predators
Air Pollution
Consists of chemical substances and particles released into the atmosphere, mainly by human activities
Major cause: burning of fossil fuels
Fertilizers, farming (dust), fumes from chemicals
Water Pollution
Puts chemicals in water supply
the #1 source is runoff
Fertilizers cause algal blooms
Overpopulation
Human population continues to increase therefore, habitat is lost due to human expansion for housing/buildings, land converted for agricultural use, hunting, fishing, etc…..
Overexploitation
Basic overuse of animals and land that leads to a decrease in populations
overrhunting
unsustainable logging
unregulated pet trade
overfishing
Addition of chemicals, noise, heat, or even light beyond the capacity of the environment.
global climate change
CO2 from burning fossil fuels increases the greenhouse affect
Decline in cold-adapted species like polar bears
Coastal flooding and shoreline erosion
Melting of glaciers and rising sea levels
Heat-related human health problems.
Droughts and water shortages
Increased severity of storms
Major crop losses