Maintaining Biodiversity

• What are some environmental damages caused by humans?

  Climate change, deforestation, and dumping waste
• What is the end result of human environmental damage?

  Reduction in biodiversity and damaged ecosystems
• What are the two main approaches to reversing environmental damage?

  • Reducing bad practices causing damage
  • Reducing the impact of those practices
• How do breeding programs help improve biodiversity?

  They breed endangered species to prevent extinction
• What is the purpose of breeding endangered species in captivity?

  To build up their numbers for reintroduction
• What is a major problem with breeding programs?

  Unsafe natural habitats lead to population decline
• What are two important solutions for wildlife conservation?

  Creating protected areas and regenerating habitats
• What is the hope behind protecting areas like mangroves and coral reefs?

  To ensure organisms are safe without breeding programs
• How do governments help reduce the impact of harmful practices like farming?

  By introducing laws and paying farmers
• What is a field margin?

  A narrow strip around the field for growth
• How do field margins and hedgerows increase biodiversity?

  They provide different habitats and food sources
• What do governments regulate regarding deforestation and carbon dioxide?

  They set quotas on deforestation and emissions
• What can individuals do to help the environment?

  Recycle waste and avoid unnecessary purchases
• What are the benefits of recycling waste?

  Less waste in landfills and fewer toxic chemicals
• What is a major barrier to fixing environmental problems?

  High costs associated with protecting biodiversity
• Why do individuals and companies overlook biodiversity benefits?

  They prefer to use limited money elsewhere
• What is necessary for maintaining a high standard of living?

  Damaging the environment through resource use
• How do developing countries differ in their reliance on the environment?

  They rely on it for their livelihood
• What are some reasons people in developing countries cut down forests?

  For homes, firewood, and crop land