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.
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Chapter 56 Solutions
Study Guide for Campbell Biology
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