Habitat destruction
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| habitats/ˈhæbɪtæts/ | The places where organisms live. |
| habitat destruction/ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/ | A major threat to biodiversity. |
| biodiversity/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ | The variety of life, including genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. |
| deforestation/diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ | The removal of forest cover, often to convert the land to another use. |
| soil erosion/sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒn/ | The removal and movement of soil by processes such as flowing water or wind. |
| extinct/ekˈstɪŋkt/ | Having no living individuals remaining, when referring to a species. |
Losing the living world
- As humans take more land for farms, cities and roads, wild habitats 栖息地 disappear.
- This habitat destruction 栖息地破坏 is a major threat to biodiversity 生物多样性.
Habitat destruction chain
See how removing habitat causes a chain of ecological effects.
Deforestation is the:
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Deforestation removes forests.
Habitat destruction reduces:
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It reduces the variety of living things.
What is lost
- Deforestation 森林砍伐 clears forests for timber, farming and building.
- It destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and threatens species with extinction.
Clearing forest destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity
Which are effects of deforestation? (Select all that apply.)
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Deforestation reduces biodiversity, not increases it.
Wider effects of deforestation
- Fewer trees means less photosynthesis, so more carbon dioxide stays in the air.
- It also causes soil erosion 土壤侵蚀 and disturbs the water cycle.
Once a species is extinct, it cannot be brought back.
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Extinction is permanent.
The variety of different species in an area is called ______.
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High biodiversity keeps ecosystems stable.
Why habitats matter
- Biodiversity keeps ecosystems stable and provides food, medicines and resources.
- Once a species is extinct 灭绝的, it is gone forever.
Extinction is permanent. Habitat destruction can wipe out species we depend on — for food, medicine or a stable ecosystem — and unlike a damaged habitat, an extinct species can never be brought back.
You've got it
- habitat destruction (e.g. deforestation) reduces biodiversity and causes extinction
- it lowers photosynthesis (more CO₂), erodes soil, and disturbs the water cycle
- biodiversity keeps ecosystems stable; extinction is permanent