Anthropocene: the current geological epoch in which ______ __________ has become the dominant force shaping Earth’s ________, _________, and _________ simultaneously.
Anthropocene: the current geological epoch in which human activity has become the dominant force shaping Earth’s geology, climate, and biology simultaneously.
What is the Great Acceleration?
A period of explosive growth in human population, economic activity and consumption following the 1950s.
Potential for a sixth mass extinction: first mass extinction driven by a ______ _________.
Potential for a sixth mass extinction: first mass extinction driven by a single species.
What are the six primary human-caused drivers of biodiversity loss?
- Habitat destruction
- Invasive species
- Population growth
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Overexploitation
What is habitat fragmentation?
The process by which large, continuous natural habitats are divided into smaller, more isolated patches due to urbanization, agriculture, construction, etc.
Biological invasion: introduction of a ___-______ species to a new area where it spreads, often causing __________ or __________ harm.
Biological invasion: introduction of a non-native species to a new area where it spreads, often causing ecological or economic harm.
What are the two key hypotheses as to why invasive species often flourish in new environments?
- Enemy Release Hypothesis: absence of predators from their native range, energy is now spent on reproduction rather than defence.
- Novel Weapon Hypothesis: traits unfamiliar to native species are introduced, they lack the required resistance.
What are the different types of pollution?
- Water pollution
- Light pollution
- Noise pollution
- Contaminants
- Air pollution
Pollution affects the ways in which organisms:
Pollution affects the ways in which organisms grow, behave and reproduce.
Overexploitation: occurs when the ____ __ ________ exceeds a species ability to reproduce; economic demand often __________ biological recovery rates.
Overexploitation: occurs when the rate of removal exceeds a species ability to reproduce; economic demand often outpaces biological recovery rates.
What is the synergistic effect?
Multiple stressors acting together produce greater harm than they otherwise would if they were acting alone.
