Numerade

Biology: Concepts and Investigations

Marielle Hoefnagels, Matthew S. Taylor

ISBN #9780078024207

4th Edition

557 Questions

6,540 Students Helped

Summary

This section emphasizes the critical importance of biodiversity for sustaining ecosystems and human life, while detailing how human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species introductions, overexploitation, and climate change are driving species extinction. It further explores a range of conservation strategies—from habitat restoration to species-specific interventions—illustrating that both scientific research and legislative actions are essential to preserve the diversity of life on Earth. The case studies, including shifts in species ranges and genetic diversity among chipmunks, underscore the real and measurable impacts of environmental change.

Learning Objectives

Key Concepts

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Example 3

When trees are removed from an area, patches or strips of untouched trees often intersperse the deforested land. How is the abiotic environment on the edge of these strips or patches different than before the area was disturbed? What changes in vegetation would you expect to see in the next few years? How might animals be affected by forest fragmentation?

Example 4

Nanoparticles are tiny bits of metal that are used in sunscreens, as a wastewater treatment, and for many other purposes. Recent evidence suggests that nanoparticles are toxic to phytoplankton, the primary producers at the base of many aquatic food chains. Phytoplankton use the energy in sunlight to produce organic matter, and they consume $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ and release $\mathrm{O}_{2} .$ Predict some possible consequences to biodiversity if nanoparticles become a more common pollutant.

Biology: Concepts and Investigations

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