Human Impacts on Ecosystems

What is deforestation?

• The process of preserving and protecting trees and vegetation in a forested area.

• The process of clearing or removing trees and vegetation from a forested area.

• The process of building houses and infrastructure in a forested area.

• The process of planting more trees in a forested area.

Name one negative impact of deforestation on ecosystems.

• Increase in carbon dioxide levels

• Improvement in air quality

• Enhancement of biodiversity

• Loss of habitat and biodiversity

What is an invasive species?

• A species that is only harmful to other species but not to the environment, economy, or human health.

• A native species that benefits the environment, economy, or human health.

• A non-native species that has no impact on the environment, economy, or human health.

• A non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

How do invasive species affect biodiversity?

• Invasive species have no impact on biodiversity.

• Invasive species can enhance biodiversity by introducing new species.

• Invasive species only affect biodiversity in certain ecosystems.

• Invasive species can negatively affect biodiversity by outcompeting native species for resources, preying on native species, disrupting ecosystems, and altering habitats.

What is biodiversity?

• The process of evolution

• Variety of life forms

• The study of celestial bodies

• Different types of rocks

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

• Biodiversity actually harms ecosystems

• Biodiversity only benefits certain species in ecosystems

• Biodiversity is important for ecosystems because it ensures the stability and resilience of the ecosystem, enhances ecosystem productivity, provides essential ecosystem services, and supports the overall health of the planet.

• Biodiversity has no impact on ecosystems

Give an example of overharvesting and its impact on ecosystems.

• Overhunting of elephants and its impact on savannah ecosystems.

• Clear-cutting of forests and its impact on terrestrial ecosystems.

• Overgrazing of grasslands and its impact on prairie ecosystems.

• Overfishing of Atlantic cod and its impact on marine ecosystems.

What is urban sprawl?

• The process of reducing urban areas and increasing rural areas

• Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural lands

• The controlled expansion of rural areas into surrounding urban lands

• Planned development of urban areas into surrounding rural lands

What are some negative consequences of urban sprawl on ecosystems?

• Increased biodiversity, improved water and nutrient cycles, enhanced habitat connectivity

• Reduced pollution, increased ecosystem resilience, improved air quality

• Enhanced ecosystem services, improved soil quality, increased wildlife populations

• Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, altered water and nutrient cycles

Match the following

• Pollution

• Clearing and removal of trees from an area of land

• Invasive Species

• Species that are NOT native and negatively disrupt the ecosystem

• Overpopulation

• Introduction of harmful materials to the environment

• Deforestation

• When population size exceed carrying capacity