Environmental Problems and SolutionsChapter 6

ObjectivesSPI 0807.5.4 Identify several reasons

for the importance of maintaining the earth’s biodiversity.

I can:Identify reasons to maintain Earth’s

biodiversity.Explain the importance of

maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.Explain possible activities that

threaten biodiversity.

Environmental ProblemsPollutionResource DepletionExotic SpeciesOverpopulationHabitat Destruction

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

PollutionUnwanted change in the

environment caused by substances or forms of energy.

Examples of pollutants:◦Garbage◦Chemicals◦Radioactive waste◦Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide,

CO2

◦Noise

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

Resource DepletionRenewable

Resource (#78)◦ One that can be

replaced at the same rate at which the resource is used.

◦ Examples: Water Wind Trees Solar

Nonrenewable resource (#62)◦ One that cannot

be replaced or can be replaced only over thousands or millions of years.

◦ Examples: Fossil fuels Oil Natural gas Coal

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

Exotic SpeciesAn organism that makes a home for itself

in a new place outside its native home.Carried by ships, planes, people to other

places.Creates competition and predators to the

native species.Examples:

◦Northern snakehead fish◦Pigs, Goats in the Galapagos Islands◦http://

www.defenders.org/publications/tennessee.pdf

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

Northern snakehead fish

Fire ant

Japanese honeysuckle

Zebra MusselsI can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

OverpopulationThe presence of too many

individuals in an area for the available resources.

http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html

Population Clock

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

Habitat DestructionIf a habitat is damaged or

destroyed, BIODIVERSITY IS LOST.◦Biodiversity (#12): the number and

variety of organisms in a given area during a specific time period.

Examples:◦Deforestation: clearing of forest lands◦Oil spills◦Draining marshlands◦Building malls, homes, etc.I can explain possible

activities that threaten biodiversity.

I can explain possible activities that threaten biodiversity.

Environmental SolutionsConservation: preservations and

wise use of natural resourcesThe 4 R’s

◦Reduce: reduce waste and pollution◦Reuse: Reuse products◦Recycle: recovering valuable or

useful materials from waste or scrap Paper, plastic, aluminum, glass

◦ Repurchase: buy recycled productsI can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.

Use Alternative EnergyWindWaterSolar

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.

Maintain BiodiversityProtect species

◦Endangered Species Act◦Endangered Species List http://

www.earthsendangered.com/list.asp Protect habitatsMaintain biodiversity

◦Food, resources, medicines

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.

Environmental StrategiesReduce pollutionReduce pesticide useProtect habitatsLearn about local issuesDevelop alternative energy

sources

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.

What you can do to help!Use recycled paperTurn off electrical devices when not in

useWalk or ride a bicycleUse rechargeable batteriesUse both sides of your paperReuse plastic shopping bagsTurn off water while brushing your

teethRecycle

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.