How human waste reduces biodiversity

• What is biodiversity?

  Variety of different species on Earth
• How does the biodiversity of a rainforest compare to a field?

  Rainforest has far higher biodiversity
• Why is high biodiversity considered beneficial?

  It helps stabilize ecosystems
• What happens to an ecosystem if one species goes extinct?

  The ecosystem can remain stable due to other species
• How many species of animals are known to act as pollinators?

  Around 200,000 species
• What is a consequence of species extinction for humans?

  Loss of potential medicines
• What has happened to human population in the past 1000 years?

  Increased from 300 million to 7.7 billion
• How does individual consumption affect biodiversity?

  It increases pressure on the environment
• What is a consequence of using natural resources faster than they can be replaced?

  Potential depletion of resources
• What species was driven to extinction by poaching?

  Western black rhino
• What is a common process involved in obtaining resources?

  Deforestation of natural ecosystems
• What types of waste do humans produce?

  Household and industrial waste
• How can waste affect ecosystems?

  It can pollute land, water, and air
• What can seep into surrounding ecosystems from landfills?

  Toxic chemicals
• What is a consequence of burning fossil fuels?

  Release of harmful chemicals into the air
• How does pollution affect organisms?

  It can harm them directly or indirectly
• What is the role of greenhouse gases in global warming?

  They contribute to global warming
• What can be done to address environmental problems?

  Changes in attitude and new technologies