Scientists recognize three levels of extinction. Identify and briefly explain each of these. How seriously does each of the levels affect the earth's biodiversity?
What will be an ideal response?
The three levels of extinction are: local, ecological and biological. Local extinction occurs when a species disappears from an area it once inhabited. Ecological extinction occurs when so few members of a species remain that the species can no longer fulfill its ecological niche. Biological extinction occurs when the species no longer exists on Earth. Clearly, biological extinction is the most severe in its impact on Earth's biodiversity. Once a species is gone, it is gone forever. Local extinction may be problematic for a particular area, but if the species can be found elsewhere on earth, individuals may be relocated to replenish the area. Ecological extinction is more severe than local extinction, because the species is no longer fulfilling its ecological roles. Perhaps techniques such as captive breeding or egg pulling may revive the species.
You might also like to view...
Anisotropy means the absence of directional differences in spatial dependence.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Why is Japan so much more heavily forested than China?
What will be an ideal response?
The study of the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and other organisms is known as ____.
A. chemotherapy B. physiology C. epidemiology D. toxicology E. toxicity
________ is the dominant soil process found in the tropical rainforest and it leaves deep, infertile subsoil
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).