Chapter 5: Conservation and Biodiversity

Habitat destruction through deforestation, especially of tropical rainforests, as seen in this satellite view of Amazon rainforests in Brazil, is a major cause of the current decline in biodiversity. (credit: modification of work by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, NASA Earth Observatory)

Learning Outcomes 

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Describe biodiversity
  • Explain how species evolve through natural selection
  • Identify benefits of biodiversity to humans
  • Explain the effects of habitat loss, exotic species, and hunting on biodiversity
  • Identify the early and predicted effects of climate change on biodiversity
  • Explain the legislative framework for conservation
  • Identify examples of the effects of habitat restoration

Chapter Outline

  • 5.1 Introduction to Biodiversity
  • 5.2 Origin of Biodiversity
  • 5.3 Importance of Biodiversity
  • 5.4 Threats to Biodiversity
  • 5.5 Preserving Biodiversity
  • 5.6 Chapter Resources

License

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Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Copyright © 2023 by Emily P. Harris is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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