Ecosystems Under Threat (Copy)
9.2 Ecosystems Under Threat – Cheat Sheet
Causes of Habitat Loss
| Cause | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage of Wetlands | Wetlands drained for farmland, urbanisation, or disease control | Florida Everglades (USA) drained for agriculture |
| Intensive Agriculture | Monoculture, overuse of fertilisers, pesticides, and land clearance destroy natural habitats | Soybean & cattle farming in Brazil |
| Deforestation | Large-scale tree removal for timber, fuel, and farmland | Amazon Rainforest clearance for cattle ranching |
Impacts of Habitat Loss
| Impact | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of Biodiversity | Fewer species can survive → ecosystems simplified | Tropical rainforest species disappearing |
| Genetic Depletion | Smaller populations = less genetic variation → weaker resilience | Endangered orangutans in Borneo |
| Extinction | Species completely lost from Earth → permanent impact | Dodo bird (historical), modern risk: tigers, rhinos |
Quick Pointers
- Habitat loss = biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide.
- Leads to ecosystem imbalance (collapse of food chains, soil erosion, climate impacts).
- Conservation strategies needed: protected areas, sustainable farming, reforestation.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course