Human Impacts on Ecosystems Flashcards

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What is meant by human impact on ecosystems?

Human impact on ecosystems is how people change habitats and conditions for plants and animals.

How can building towns and roads affect local ecosystems?

They destroy or break up habitats, so some species lose food or space and biodiversity falls.

Name three types of pollution caused by human activities.

Air pollution, water pollution and land pollution, for example from smoke, sewage and rubbish.

How can fertilisers washed into rivers harm aquatic life?

They cause fast algal growth that blocks light. Plants die, bacteria use up oxygen and fish can suffocate.

How does deforestation by humans affect ecosystems?

It destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity. It also means fewer trees to take in carbon dioxide.

How does burning fossil fuels change the climate?

It releases more carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which traps more heat and leads to global warming.

What is acid rain and one way it affects ecosystems?

Acid rain is rain with extra acids from air pollution. It can damage leaves and kill trees and fish.

How can some pesticides harm top predators in a food chain?

Poisons build up in animals as they eat. Top predators get the highest dose and may become ill or die.

Why is overfishing a problem for marine ecosystems?

Too many fish are caught, so populations fall. This upsets food webs and can reduce biodiversity.

What is an indicator species, and give one example linked to human pollution.

An indicator species shows how polluted a place is. For example, many lichens usually mean clean air.