Unit 7-2 Notes Mr. Hefti – Pulaski Biology
Global Warming ► Global Warming ► What is it? Increasing average global temperature
GW ► GW ► What causes it? Humans add CO 2 and other greenhouse gases to atmosphere causing heat retention Specific factors: – Burning fossil fuels – Deforestation
GW ► GW ► Why is it bad? Shifting climate patterns Rising sea levels Altered ecosystems
GW ► GW ► What can be done about it? Reduce dependency on fossil fuels Halt the destruction of world’s forests Plant trees
Invasive Species ► Invasive Species ► What is it? When non-native organisms are released to an ecosystem – Can be accidental or intentional
IS ► IS ► What causes it? Exotic organisms usually transported unknowingly
IS ► IS ► Why is it bad? No natural enemies in new ecosystem – Can therefore out-compete natives – Crowd out, feed on or eliminate native species
IS ► IS ► What can be done about it? Laws restrict the transport of organisms Pesticides used against many invasives Releasing natural predators may reduce invasive population