Biodiversity loss

Definition

Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, resulting in diminished biological diversity. This decline can be caused by various factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources, leading to negative impacts on ecosystem services, resilience, and overall environmental health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suburban expansion leads to habitat fragmentation, which disrupts wildlife corridors and reduces the chances of species survival.
2. Infrastructure development often involves land conversion that can destroy local ecosystems, making it difficult for many species to adapt or relocate.
3. Pollution from urban runoff can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic biodiversity, affecting both plants and animals.
4. Over-exploitation of natural resources for urban development can lead to the decline of species populations that are vital for ecosystem stability.
5. Climate change exacerbated by suburban sprawl contributes to shifting habitats and can further threaten species already at risk of extinction.

Review Questions

• How does suburban expansion contribute to biodiversity loss in local ecosystems?
  • Suburban expansion contributes to biodiversity loss primarily through habitat destruction and fragmentation. As new developments are built, natural habitats are cleared, leading to reduced living spaces for wildlife. Fragmentation also isolates animal populations, making it harder for them to find mates and food. This disruption decreases genetic diversity and overall ecosystem health.
• What role does infrastructure development play in the degradation of ecosystem services associated with biodiversity?
  • Infrastructure development plays a significant role in degrading ecosystem services by altering land use patterns and disrupting natural processes. Roads, buildings, and other structures can fragment habitats and disrupt the movement of species. Additionally, such development can lead to increased pollution and resource extraction that diminish the quality of air and water resources essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of biodiversity loss driven by suburban growth on regional ecosystems and human communities.
  • The long-term implications of biodiversity loss driven by suburban growth can be profound for both regional ecosystems and human communities. Ecosystems that lose biodiversity may experience reduced resilience to environmental changes, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. This destabilization can also affect ecosystem services that humans rely on, such as clean water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. As species decline or become extinct, the cultural and recreational value associated with natural areas may diminish as well, impacting community identity and quality of life.

Related terms

Habitat Destruction: The process by which natural habitats are altered or destroyed, often due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services that are essential for human survival and well-being.

Invasive Species: Non-native species that spread rapidly in a new environment, often disrupting local ecosystems and contributing to biodiversity loss.