Human Impacts

1. Deforestation What is deforestation? Clearing forests to create farms, Logging operations, urban sprawl At what rate do you think deforestation is occurring? Each year, it is estimated that 18million acres of forest are destroyed (the size of panama). What do you think is being lost with the loss of these forests? Link:

2. Habitat Fragmentation What is Habitat Fragmentation? Occurs when habitats become split up into fragments due to land development (into homes, roads, etc). What are some issues/concerns of Fragmentation? Link:

3. Overfishing What is overfishing? Fishing so much that the fish cannot sustain their population. The fish get fewer and fewer, until finally there are none to catch. How much of the oceans are being overfished? 52% of fish stocks are fully exploited 20% are moderately exploited 17% are overexploited 7% are depleted 1% are recovering from depletion

4. Pollution (air, land pollution) What are the most common sources of pollution? Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, or soil contamination from chemicals, sewage, waste What are some ways to reduce air and land pollution?

5. Biomagnification (water pollution) What is Biomagnification? Is the increased concentration of chemicals in tissues of organisms as you move up the food chain due to the pollution of water. What’s at stake?

6. Invasive Species What is an Invasive Species? An organism that is not from a specific area originally Why are invasive species dangerous? They tend to spread at a much higher rate due to lack of predators, often damaging the ecosystem balance, human health, and the environment. Link:

7. Global warming/ greenhouse gases What is Global worming? An increase in the earth’s average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases, CO2, pollutants that trap heat. What are some impacts? Heat waves, droughts, heavier rainfall, powerful hurricanes/tropical storms, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, damaged crops, habitat destruction (coral reefs), etc.

8. Urban Sprawl What is Urban Sprawl? Describes the expansion of human populations away from cities into less dense area. What are the effects on the environment? Displacement of wildlife that live in these lands. This can cause a ripple effect in the environment.

9. Genetically modified crops What are GMCs? GMCs are plants used in farming that have had their DNA modified using genetic engineering techniques, introducing a new trait that did not exist before. What are some Cons? Allergic reactions, decrease antibiotic efficacy, some not safe to eat, not natural, unusual taste What are some Pros? Insect resistant, stronger crops, larger production, less pesticides, higher yield/cheaper

10. Overhunting, poaching for wildlife products What is overhunting? Hunting wildlife for food, recreation or trade while causing damage to a population. What are the effects of overhunting? Will cause a decline in the species population, which can then affect other species around it. Can lead to extinction.