2. Review: Turn and Talk What is biodiversity?
Why is biodiversity important?

3. Threats to Biodiversity
1. Pollution
What are some forms of pollution that we have discussed this year?
How might these forms of pollution decrease biodiversity?

4. Threats to Biodiversity
2. Deforestation (also called “logging”)
Leads to extreme habitat destruction.
Deforestation can cause:
Soil erosion (no roots to hold soil together)
Disturbance of water cycle (less transpiration and absorption of runoff → changes in weather patterns and flooding)
Increased levels of CO2
A decrease in O2 production

5. Threats to Biodiversity
3. Overharvesting
If humans harvest too many organisms in a population, the population will not be able to replenish itself.
How might we prevent overharvesting?

6. Threats to Biodiversity
4. Invasive Species
An invasive species is a non-native (unnatural) organism that takes resources away from a native (natural) species.
During the video, write down 5 scientific facts/things you learn on your notes

7. Invasive Species: Kudzu

8. Threats to Biodiversity
5. Tilling/plowing land for agriculture
Tilling/plowing means turning up soil using a plow.
Advantages:
Helps control weeds, mixes the soil, and smoothes the land
Disadvantages:
Dries out soil, leads to faster erosion, and destroys microhabitats
Traditional plowing → STRAIGHT LINES

9. Threats to Biodiversity
Terracing and Contour plowing are a better option than traditional plowing!
To prevent erosion, farmers plow and plant across hills rather than down hills.
These rows act like a series of small dams that slow down the flow of water and lessen erosion.

10. Threats to Biodiversity
6. Monocultures
Monocultures are the cultivation of a single crop in one area.
Polycultures are the cultivation of multiple crops in one area.
Why might monocultures be more convenient for farmers?
Why might polycultures be a better option in the long term?

11. Threats to Biodiversity
7. Industrial Farming
Large-scale industrial farming often destroys large amounts of habitat, creates a lot of pollution, and uses monocultures.
Small-scale organic farming creates and maintains healthy habitat, does not produce much pollution, and often uses polycultures.

13. Invasive Species in North Carolina
Do some research (using reliable sources) on an invasive species in North Carolina. It can be a plant or an animal.
Answer the following questions on your notes:
What is the scientific name AND common name of your species?
Where did this species originate?
How did it get here?
What are some of the impacts it is having on native species?
Are there any ways that we can help control this species?
When you are finished, please turn in your notes.