Unit A Section 4: The Effect of Humans on Earth's Biodiversity

Unit A Section 4: The Effect of Humans on Earth's Biodiversity

Learning Targets

You learned in Grade 7 that many plants and animals are in danger of being eliminated from the planet.

You learned the words extinction and endangered.   You examined examples in which human activity led to a decline in species such as the peregrine falcon.  As well, you learned how bio-invasion, resource competition, predation, and weather contribute to species becoming threatened, endangered, or possibly extinct.  In addition, you examined your ecological footprint and its effect on our species on Earth.

You studied ways in which plants are used for food and fibre.  You learned how we can improve soil quality and eliminate the factors that degrade the soil. 

You were able to look at how modifying environments allowed us to increase production in crop yields as a positive effect.  Furthermore, you looked at the development of new plant varieties through selective breeding to increase crop production in both quality and quantity.

Watch

Watch the video “Science and Chemistry Facts:  What are Four Examples of Selective Breeding” for a review.

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You considered the consequences of environmental management and its importance in preserving Earth. 

If we balance our needs with the needs of the environment, we can protect species and biodiversity.  This background should provide a solid understanding of how humans affect the environment and how species can be affected both negatively and positively by their interactions with humans.

Interactive

Earth is over 4.5 billions years old, and there has been life here for more than a billion years. Without any doubt, there has never been a species that has had such a huge impact on the planet as humans.

Watch the Video "Humans and the Environment" to learn more about our effect on our environment.

Click here to watch "Humans and the Environment" on BrainPOP.

You will need a username and password to access the video.

• Username: 0099
  
• Password: students

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