Human effects on Ecosystems

• What is causing the Earth to gradually warm up?

  Increase in greenhouse gases
• What are the consequences of global warming?

  1. Rise in sea level (due to melting ice)
  2. Flooding
  3. Change in distribution of organisms
  4. Decrease in biodiversity (extinction of species)
• What is one consequence of global warming related to sea levels?

  Rise in sea level
• How does global warming affect biodiversity?

  It may lead to species extinction
• What is deforestation?

  Cutting down of forests
• What are the main reasons for large-scale deforestation in tropical areas?

  • Clearing land for rice fields and cattle farming
  • Growing crops for biofuels
• What happens to biodiversity as a result of land use changes?

  It is reduced
• What is one effect of peat being sold as compost or fuel?

  It releases CO₂ into the atmosphere
• What are the problems associated with pollution due to population increase?

  • Higher standards of living
  • Increased waste production
  • Deterioration of air and water quality
• What is one human activity that reduces land available for organisms?

  Building and quarrying
• How does land use change impact ecosystems?

  It leads to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity
• What is the relationship between population increase and pollution?

  Population increase leads to higher pollution levels
• What are the five problems associated with pollution mentioned in the study material?

  Not specified in the material
• What could be a specific effect of flooding caused by global warming?

  Destruction of habitats
• How might global warming change the distribution of organisms?

  Organisms may migrate to cooler areas
• What is the impact of land use changes on specific ecosystems?

  It disrupts local ecosystems and species
• How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?

  They trap heat in the atmosphere