Biodiversity is essential for any ecosystem, and it means the richness of all life on earth - every species and interaction throughout history that make up the varied and wondrous ecosystems that we all rely on. However, human activity has caused a dramatic impact on the planet’s biomes and ecosystems, leading to the loss of tens of thousands of species within our lifetimes/03%3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity). The major threats to biodiversity are:
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Habitat loss and degradation: This happens when an area that was once used as a habitat is no longer inhabited by nature. Things like deforestation, mining, agriculture, and industrial activities often remove crucial habitat space for wildlife and plants.
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Pollution: Whether the pollution is in the water, air, or land, any form of pollution is a threat to biodiversity. Toxic synthetic chemicals and products enter ecosystems, which has led to the extinction of animal and plant species.
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Overexploitation: Overexploitation of species refers to the unsustainable use of natural resources, such as overfishing, hunting, and logging, which can lead to the extinction of species/03%3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity).
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Invasive species: Increased mobility and trade have resulted in the introduction of invasive species, which can outcompete native species and cause their extinction/03%3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity).
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Climate change: Climate change is a significant threat to biodiversity, as it can cause changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level, which can lead to the extinction of species/03%3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity).
These threats have destroyed or damaged habitats, changed where species live, and eliminated species at a speed and scale comparable to major extinction events of the past. The loss of biodiversity may have reverberating consequences on ecosystems because of the complex interrelations among species, and it is likely to have dramatic effects on human welfare through the collapse of ecosystems/03%3A_Conservation/3.02%3A_Threats_to_Biodiversity).
