What are the major causes of the sixth mass extinction event, and why is it of particular concern?

What will be an ideal response?


The most potent cause of the sixth mass extinction event is human alteration and destruction of landscapes. In addition, the introduction of invasive exotic species is contributing to many extinctions and local extirpations of native species. Pollution from pesticides, acidity, and eutrophication is causing biodiversity loss in both freshwater and marine habitats. Overharvesting, poaching, and overhunting of commercially important species is causing their populations to decline to the point where many are at risk. All of these factors are worsened by the rapid growth of the human population, which directly and indirectly places stress on all natural ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity is of particular concern because the current global extinction rate is 100 to 1,000 times greater than it would have been without the impacts of humans.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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The largest language group of Africa South of the Sahara is the __________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The Aral Sea provides a good illustration of international cooperation in water-resource management, with the additional benefit of enhancing commercial fishing opportunities.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which war was an attempt by Arabs to regain the Occupied Territories?

a. al-Nakba (the Catastrophe) b. the War of Independence c. The 1948-49 Arab-Israeli War d. The Six-Day War e. The 1973 Arab-Israeli War

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The top farm product produced in the U.S. in terms of its value is ________

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences