Concept explainers
a.
To describe: An example of how the threat “habitat destruction” to biodiversity caused extinctions or reduction in population numbers.
Introduction: Habitat destruction or fragmentation is the greatest threat to biological diversity. The habitat loss is caused due to agriculture, mining, forestry, global climate change, pollution, and urban development. Habitat loss is implicated in nearly 73% of species, which have been designated as endangered, rare, or extinct.
a.
Explanation of Solution
Fragmentation of natural habitat occurs most common and fragmentation results in species loss. For example, nearly 70% of coral reefs were found to be damaged due to human activities, also it has been found that there is a chance of losing 40-50% of reefs in the next few decades. These reefs are utilized by most of the marine fish species.
b.
To describe: An example of how the threat “introduced species” to biodiversity caused extinctions or reduction in population numbers.
Introduction: Introduced species are also called exotic species. These species either prey upon or compete with the species that are native to the particular place. Thousands of species were transplanted by humans, which resulted in high economic costs due to damage caused by those transplanted species and the control efforts made.
b.
Explanation of Solution
The newly introduced species in a particular habitat may either prey upon or compete with the species that are native to the particular habitat. For example, multiple species of lizards and birds were extinct, when a brown tree snake is introduced into Guam.
c.
To describe: An example for how the threat “overharvesting” to biodiversity caused extinctions or reduction in population numbers.
Introduction: The term overharvesting indicates the harvesting of wild plants or wild animals at the rates that are higher than the reproducing ability of the population. Species present on small islands and certain species of large animals having very low reproductive rates are specifically vulnerable.
c.
Explanation of Solution
Example of overharvesting includes overfishing, illegal hunting, and commercial harvesting. Overfishing resulted in the drastic reduction of many fishes that are commercially important. Illegal hunting and commercial harvesting resulted in the reduction in the populations of many fishes, the African elephant, and whales.
d.
To describe: An example for how the threat “global change” to biodiversity caused extinctions or reduction in population numbers.
Introduction: The fourth important threat to biological diversity is the global change, which ranges from a regional level to global level and it includes atmospheric chemistry, ecological systems, and alterations in climate.
d.
Explanation of Solution
The nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides released by the burning of woods and fossil fuels results in the formation of nitric and sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. These acids result in acid precipitation, which is defined as the snow, rain, fog, or sleet having pH less than 5.2. For example, the damage caused due to the acid precipitation in the aquatic system is high and it may take decades to recover and also spread to forests present in Eastern and Central Europe.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 56 Solutions
Study Guide for Campbell Biology
- What are Clathrin coated vesicles and what is their function?arrow_forwardHow is a protein destined for the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), imported into the ER? Be concise.arrow_forwardFind out about the organisations and the movements aimed at the conservation of our natural resources. Eg Chipko movement and Greenpeace. Make a project report on such an organisation.arrow_forward
- What are biofertilizers and mention the significancearrow_forwardPCBs and River Otters: Otters in Washington State’s Green-Duwamish River have high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their livers. PCBs can bind to the estrogen receptors in animals and disrupt the endocrine system of these otters. The PCBs seem to increase the estrogen to androgen ratio, skewing the ratio toward too much estrogen. How would increased estrogen affect the river otter population? Based on your reading of the materials in this unit, what factors can affect fertility in humans? Explain how each of the factors affecting human fertility that you described can disrupt the human endocrine system to affect reproduction.arrow_forwardOther than oil and alcohol, are there other liquids you could compare to water (that are liquid at room temperature)? How is water unique compared to these other liquids? What follow-up experiment would you like to do, and how would you relate it to your life?arrow_forward
- Selection of Traits What adaptations do scavengers have for locating and feeding on prey? What adaptations do predators have for capturing and consuming prey?arrow_forwardCompetition Between Species What natural processes limit populations from growing too large? What are some resources organisms can compete over in their natural habitat?arrow_forwardSpecies Interactions Explain how predators, prey and scavengers interact. Explain whether predators and scavengers are necessary or beneficial for an ecosystem.arrow_forward
- magine that you are conducting research on fruit type and seed dispersal. You submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal that addresses the factors that impact fruit type and seed dispersal mechanisms in plants of Central America. The editor of the journal communicates that your paper may be published if you make ‘minor revisions’ to the document. Describe two characteristics that you would expect in seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Contrast this with what you would expect for seeds that are gathered, buried or eaten by animals, and explain why they are different. (Editor’s note: Providing this information in your discussion will help readers to consider the significance of the research).arrow_forwardWhat is the difference between Uniporters, Symporters and Antiporters? Which of these are examples of active transport?arrow_forwardWhat are coupled transporters?arrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeBiology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning