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Environmental Biology Textbook

Habitat destruction through deforestation, especially of tropical rainforests as seen in this satellite view of Amazon rainforests in Brazil, is a major cause of the current decline in biodiversity. (credit: modification of work by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, NASA Earth Observatory)

Learning Outcomes 

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Describe biodiversity
  • Explain how species evolve through natural selection
  • Identify benefits of biodiversity to humans
  • Explain the effects of habitat loss, exotic species, and hunting on biodiversity
  • Identify the early and predicted effects of climate change on biodiversity
  • Explain the legislative framework for conservation
  • Identify examples of the effects of habitat restoration

Chapter Outline

  • 5.1 Introduction to Biodiversity
  • 5.2 Origin of Biodiversity
  • 5.3 Importance of Biodiversity
  • 5.4 Threats to Biodiversity
  • 5.5 Preserving Biodiversity
  • 5.6 Chapter Resources

Attribution

Essentials of Environmental Science by Kamala Doršner is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Chapter 5: Conservation & Biodiversity

After studying this chapter, you should be able to: Describe biodiversity Explain how species evolve through natural selection Identify benefits of biodiversity to humans Explain the effects of habitat loss, exotic species, and hunting on biodiversity Identify the early and predicted effects of climate change on biodiversity Explain the legislative framework for conservation Identify examples of the effects of habitat restoration 5.1 Introduction to Biodiversity 5.2 Origin of Biodiversity 5.3 Importance of Biodiversity 5.4 Threats to Biodiversity 5.5 Preserving Biodiversity 5.6 Chapter Resources Attribution Essentials of Environmental Science by Kamala Doršner is licensed under CC BY 4.0