1. Caused by: –Burning of fossil fuels by cars and factories – adds CO 2 to atmosphere –Deforestation – reduces photosynthesis and the uptake of CO 2 by plants

2. Continued global warming can lead to: –melting of polar ice caps  flooding/rise in sea levels –change in regional climate which could alter forest and crop yields –becomes too hot for people to live –increase diseases

3. Rainforest Erosion and Flooding Erosion: transport of sediment by wind or water Deforestation  trees are cut down in large numbers  the ground is no longer protected from the full force of the rain  water rushes over the ground  causing soil erosion and possible flooding as the levels of nearby streams and rivers rise Example: Himalayas and Ganges River

4. “Extinct is forever” Human Impacts on Ecosystems

5. The Dodo Modification: human exploitation and introduction of new species (dogs, rats, pigs, monkeys) Reason: island became stopover for ships, hunted for food and eggs vulnerable Impact: extinction of the Dodo bird (1681)

6. Modification: Direct Harvesting Reason: over-hunted for food and market hunting (export) Impact: Going from the most abundant bird on earth to extinction 1889 Passenger Pigeon Others over-hunted : Stellar Sea cow (food), whales (food/fat), buffalo (food/pelt), elephant (tusks)

7. NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL Modification: Habitat destruction Reason: Logging or Deforestation of old growth forests for MONEY/materials for building or manufacturing Impact: Loss of habitat for the Northern Spotted Owls – came close to extinction

8. Manatee Modifications: more boats in Florida waters Reason: Population increase in area/ recreational Impact: Lives in tropical water, swims so slowly that it becomes injured or killed by collision with boats or boat propellers  endangered

9. American Bald Eagle Modification: Use of DDT Reason: pesticide Impact: washed into water  plants  fish  eagles  makes egg shell thin, crack when mom sits on them Were endangered, now threatened species…

10. White Tailed Deer  Modification: Less hunting of deer  Reason: decreased popularity of hunting, elimination of natural predators (larger carnivores – wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bears)  Impact: Overpopulation of Deer  spread of disease/ticks, increase in car accidents, eating everything-eliminating niches for others