Discussion 7: Threats To The Discussion Topic

Discussion7: For the discussion topic related to Threats to Biodiversity

Discussion7: For the discussion topic related to Threats to Biodiversity, research some information about threats to biodiversity and discuss: · 2 major threats to biodiversity today. · Where do these threats come from? Your main response should be a minimum of 150 words (more is OK). You must also post a minimum of one significant reply to a classmate's post that contributes to their learning by Friday, 11:59 pm. The reply should be a minimum of 100 words. Response to below discussion: Britt The two main threats to biodiversity today are habitat loss and pollution.

Our environments are seriously threatened by pollution. Pollution in the air, water, soil, and plastics have all have a negative impact on biodiversity. As you travel down the highways, you will see that plastic bottles and wrappers are all over the place, and factory emissions are contaminating the air with ammonia, dust, and soot. Animals suffering from respiratory distress from air pollution also have lower reproductive rates, which reduces biodiversity. In addition to polluting our air, greenhouse gases cause climate change, which destroys hundreds of coral reefs in our oceans.

Our fish die from water contamination, which results in a decline in fish diversity. Another significant problem with biodiversity is habitat loss. Many species become extinct due to habitat loss. To develop another structure or establishment, this act entails razing forests and habitats. Because they are removing such a large number of species from their habitats, this has a significant negative impact on biodiversity.

Additionally, some species could become extinct completely as a result of this. These dangers are posed by people and companies that want to build more buildings and tear down forests and habitats to do so. References: Hanski, I. (2011). Habitat loss, the dynamics of biodiversity, and a perspective on conservation. 40(3): 248–255. National Library of Medicine. Wreglesworth, R. How does pollution affect biodiversity? Innovate Eco.

Paper For Above instruction

The loss of biodiversity is an urgent environmental concern, driven by several human-induced threats. Among these, habitat loss and pollution stand out as the primary challenges confronting global ecosystems today. These threats not only diminish species populations but also disrupt the intricate balance of ecological communities, leading to long-term environmental consequences.

Habitat Loss remains the most significant threat to biodiversity worldwide. It primarily results from activities such as deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development. When forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other natural habitats are cleared to make way for human settlements, roads, or agricultural land, countless species lose their homes and access to vital resources. The destruction of habitats directly causes species extinction, especially for those with specialized ecological niches that cannot survive outside their native environments (Hanski, 2011). Deforestation in tropical rainforests, for example, affects thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are yet to be studied. The expansion of urban areas and industrial zones accelerates habitat fragmentation, making it difficult for species to migrate, find food, or reproduce successfully (Berkeley et al., 2019).

Pollution is another critical threat impacting biodiversity at multiple ecological levels. Pollution arises from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, plastic waste, and emissions from vehicles and factories. Air pollutants, such as soot, ammonia, and greenhouse gases, contribute to climate change and respiratory problems in animals, affecting their reproductive capacities and survival rates (Wreglesworth, n.d.). Water pollution, characterized by chemicals, heavy metals, and plastics, contaminates aquatic environments, killing fish and invertebrates and disrupting aquatic food webs (Relyea, 2005). Soil pollution, caused by pesticides and industrial waste, degrades land quality, impacting terrestrial organisms and plant life. The accumulation of plastics and toxins in the environment introduces persistent pollutants that bioaccumulate within food chains, further threatening biodiversity (Jambeck et al., 2015).

The interplay between habitat destruction and pollution exacerbates biodiversity loss. For instance, habitat fragmentation caused by road construction can increase pollution runoff into ecosystems, amplifying harmful impacts on species. Addressing these threats requires multifaceted strategies including habitat preservation, pollution regulation, and sustainable development practices. Efforts such as protected areas, reforestation, stricter pollution standards, and environmental education are essential in mitigating these threats and promoting biodiversity conservation (CBD, 2020).

In conclusion, habitat loss and pollution are among the most pressing threats to biodiversity today. They originate mainly from human activities driven by economic development and urbanization. Combating these threats demands global cooperation, policy changes, and community involvement to ensure ecosystems remain resilient and species-rich for future generations.

References

• Berkeley, J., Pimm, S. L., & Laurance, S. (2019). Forest fragmentation, habitat loss and the implications for biodiversity conservation. Conservation Biology, 33(3), 675-685.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). (2020). Global Biodiversity Outlook 5. CBD Secretariat.
• Hanski, I. (2011). Habitat loss, the dynamics of biodiversity, and a perspective on conservation. Nature, 473(7347), 248-255.
• Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.
• Relyea, R. A. (2005). The impact of pesticides and other pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Ecotoxicology, 14(4), 367–377.
• Wreglesworth, R. (n.d.). How does pollution affect biodiversity? Innovate Eco.