How do humans cause extinctions?
1 Answer
Humans disturb the existing ecological balance in many ways, like the greenhouse effect, desertification, and deforestation.
Explanation:
The increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide through the burning of fossil fuels and forests have contributed to the warming of the earth. This is known as the greenhouse effect. Higher temperatures may cause the polar ice caps to melt, putting animals living there at risk. Due to the melt, areas below sea level will most likely also flood, which will most likely suppress most of animal and plant populations in these areas as well.
When land is overgrazed by animals, it turns grasslands into deserts and reduces the available habitats for organisms living there. This may also suppress animal populations in the area.
When forests are cleared, erosion, floods, and changes in weather patterns can occur. This will most likely negatively affect animal populations and plant populations in the area.
Note: The consequences of the points aforementioned can extinguish certain species or even organism populations, if they're severe enough.
Source: Staff of the Princeton Review, Cracking the AP Biology Exam, Penguin Random House, 2016, pages 284-285.
