BSCI 363 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Conservation Biology, Ecosystem Management, Biophilia Hypothesis
30 Jan 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
We are currently going through a period of unprecedented biodiversity loss. Biological diversity: all species, genetic variation, and biological communities and their ecosystem-level interactions. Thousands of species and millions of unique populations predicted to go extinct in the coming decades. Human population projected to be 9. 4 billion by 2050. Average u. s citizen uses 5 times more energy than the average global citizen, 10 more than a chinese citizen, and 28 more than an average indian citizen. Many species play a role in maintaining ecosystems. Ex) loss of soil fungi due to air pollution can lead to the death of forest trees that depend on fungi for water and nutrient uptake. Natural hydrological and chemical cycles that humans depend on for clean water and clean air have been disrupted by deforestation and land clearing. Soil erosion and pollution from agriculture and sewage discharges causes massive damage to rivers, lakes, and oceans.
