Humans & the Environment

What do you think would be the

consequences of exceeding

Earth’s carrying capacity for the

human population?

• Overcrowding• Shortages of food, water, and fuel

• Malnutrition• Increased disease

What role does the forest play in the environment?

–Makes products–Removes CO2 & produces 02

–Stores nutrients–Provides habitats & food–Limits soil erosion

Renewable vs. Nonrenewable

Type of Resource

Renewable Nonrenewable

Definition

Examples

Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources

• Renewable Resources– Can Regenerate & be replaced– Not necessarily unlimited

• Nonrenewable Resources– Cannot be replenished by natural processes

Examples

Renewable Resources

TreeCorn

WaterSoilFish

Chicken

Nonrenewable Resources

CoalNatural Gas

OilCopper

Iron

Sustainable Use

A way of using natural resources at a rate that does not deplete them.

ResourcesRESOURCE ROLE OF RESOURCE NEGATIVE IMPACT POSITIVE IMPACT

(Sustainable Development)

Forest Makes productsRemoves CO2 & produces 02Stores nutrientsProvides habitats & foodLimits soil erosion

DeforestationLoss of forests which can cause severe erosion

Replant treesBreeding new, faster- growing tree

Land

Ocean

Air

Water

Let’s Work!Look at page 145- 149 to finish

your chart.

Humans & the Environment

Part 2: Biodiversity

BIO DIVERSITY

INTERESTING FACTS• “Scientists estimate that there are between 10 million to 100

million organisms on Earth. Only 1.4 million have been indentified.” -Science Q&A Ecosystems

• “About 118 of the top 150 prescription drugs in America contain chemicals derived from plants, fungi and other species.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year

• “Insects pollinate crops worth $6-12 billion a year in the USA.”-International Biodiversity Observation Year

• “Scientists estimate that species extinctions are occurring 100 to 1000 times faster than without human influence. Without a change in our actions half of the world's species may be lost by 2100.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year

• “In the USA alone, nearly 4,500 known species are threatened with extinction.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year

Look at pages 150-155!

BIODIVERSITY:

VALUE

THREATS

CONSERVATION:

sum total of the genetically based

variety of all organisms in the biosphere

STRATEGIES

CHALLENGESTo describe the wise

management of natural resources &

Preservation of habitats and wildlife

• Endangered Species Preservation Act

• Captive Breeding Programs

• National parks, forests, & other protected areas

• Saving the tropical rain forests in developing

countries• Locating problem areas

(“hot spots”)• Making a priority list

• Earth’s greatest natural resource• Food

• Industrial products • Medicines

• Altering habitats (Habitat Fragmentation)• Hunting species to

extinction• Introducing toxics to food

webs• Introducing invasive species