Threats to Biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity

Overexploitation: Over-fishing and Over-harvesting

• Overexploitation refers to the excessive use or harvesting of species, particularly in the context of fishing and resource extraction.
• Examples include over-fishing in oceans and over-harvesting of plants for commercial purposes.
• Overexploitation can lead to a severe decline in population sizes and may result in extinction if not addressed promptly.

Genetic Diversity and Viability

• Some species naturally have low genetic diversity within their populations but can still remain viable.
• Genetic diversity is essential for a species' ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• The bottleneck effect occurs when a population is drastically reduced, often due to a natural disaster, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity.
• Small populations with reduced genetic diversity are more vulnerable to inbreeding, which can lead to lower reproductive rates and decreased fitness.

Importance of Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term survival and adaptability of species.
• It allows populations to evolve and cope with environmental changes, including new threats and challenges.

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Biology

Threats to Biodiversity