Ecosystem Changes Flashcard

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What is pollution?

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Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, which can degrade air, water, and soil quality.

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How does pollution affect water quality?

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Pollution can contaminate water, disrupt ecosystems, and decrease oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.

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What is deforestation?

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Deforestation is the clearing or thinning of forests, often resulting in habitat loss for many species.

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How does deforestation contribute to habitat loss?

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Deforestation destroys natural habitats and forces animals to relocate or perish, leading to habitat loss.

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What are the consequences of deforestation on biodiversity?

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Deforestation leads to loss of habitat, decline in populations, disruption of food chains, reduced resource availability, and extinction of species.

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What is habitat destruction?

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Habitat destruction is the process by which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present, leading to loss of biodiversity.

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How does habitat destruction affect ecosystems?

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Habitat destruction disrupts the balance of ecosystems by causing loss of species, changes in species distribution, and disruption of ecosystem functions.

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What are invasive species?

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Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread widely in a new environment, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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Why are invasive species a threat to native species?

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Invasive species compete for resources, prey on native species, introduce new diseases, and alter the physical environment of the ecosystem.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species and their relative abundance.