Bio1100 Chapter 38 Human Influences on the Living World
  1. Human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems, leading to the decline of many species.

     
  2. Extinction is a fact of life; the current rate of the loss of species is accelerating, largely due to human   activity to three main factors.



     
  3. Chemical   pollution can have devastating effects on animals high on the food chain due to biological magnification  .

     
  4. Atmospheric pollution includes chlorofluorocarbons   (CFCs), which can deplete the ozone   layer.

     
  5. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon   dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to global warming   due to the greenhouse   effect.



     
    • Burning of coal releases sulfur   into the atmosphere, causing acid   precipitation.




     
  6. Alternative sources of energy include nuclear   power, solar and wind energy, and biomass   fuels such as ethanol.





     
  7. The root of environmental problems is the rapid growth of the human   population.



     
  8. Future population growth rates can be assessed by a population pyramid  .

     
  9. The impact of human activity on the environment can be estimated by the ecological   footprint.

     
  10. Preserving biodiversity is the goal of many conservation   efforts.







     
  11. There are environmental success stories, where one or a few individuals made a difference.