Human Impact on the Environment

Any harmful/dangerous substance that is released into the environment

Using resources at a minimum so that they can last longer

The ability to reuse materials so they don’t run out

Food, water, space, oxygen

Organisms are removed from the environment and NOT replaced

Decreases biodiversity by habitat destruction

Created by improved health care and hygiene

Amount of organisms that can be supported by the habitat

Are factors in the environment that limit the size of populations

Technology, Waste Disposal, Over Consumption, Overcrowding, Habitat Destruction, Industrialization

Non-native or Invasive species

Animal and vegetation species that are introduced into environments. They become pests & disrupt the ecosystem by reducing biodiversity

Diseases created specifically for the pest, use of pesticides or insecticides or Biological Control

The release of natural predators of a pest species

Introduction of harmful chemicals into lakes, rivers, oceans

Sewage, wastes from homes & factories, animal wastes from farm, fertilizers

Can cause environmental problems. When they are disposed the cells of the organisms that live there can collect it

The increase in the concentration of toxic substances as they move through the food chain

Power plants and industries use water to cool down their machines and then release it to a river or lake. The warm water cannot hold much oxygen and some species may suffocate.

Any dangerous/hazardous substance that is contaminating a certain space

The release of harmful substances into the air

Fossil Fuels

Caused mainly by S02 (Sulfur) and N02 (Nitrogen). Lowers pH of lakes, kills plants animals

Greenhouse gas that I produced from burning fossil fuels and a product of cellular respiration