Human influences on ecosystems

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Interactions between the community of organisms and their environment

Question 2

What is biodiversity?

Answer 2

Number of different species living in an area

Question 3

Reasons for habitat distruction

5

Answer 3

Increased housing, crop and livestock production, extraction of resources, global warming and freshwater/marine pollution

Question 4

How does deforestation cause habitat distruction?

4

Answer 4

1. Loss of animal species which use plants for food/shelter
2. Carbon stored in the trees is released as carbon dioxide when they are burnt or left to rot.
3. Creates floods as trees absorb rainwater from roots and release it as water vapour
   4.Soil erosion as trees provide a protective cover for top soil which contains the most nutrients, blocks rivers and stops trees from regrowing

Question 5

How to conserve endangered species

4

Answer 5

1. Captive breeding programs for endangered species
2. Seed banks
3. Educating people
4. Monitoring and protecting habitats