Directions: Read comprehensively the article “Biodiversity in Danger!

” and
answer the guide questions. Do not copy the article. Use answer sheet to answer
this activity.

Activity 4: The Role of Research in Community: An Article Analysis

Biodiversity in Danger!
By: Melissa R.Lucas

BIOLOGICAL diversity or biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, which

binds all organisms to each other in an interdependent ecosystem. Since animals and
humans, the atmosphere, bodies of water, land, and plans are all part of a grand
ecosystem, threats to biodiversity, put the health of the entire planet of risk.

What Threatens Biodiversity

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), species are
becoming extinct at an alarming rate. There are now more than seven billion people
around the world, and the continuous growth of human population has contributed to the
following factors that threaten biodiversity:

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Conservationists believe that the destruction of natural habitats is the main threat to
biodiversity. When we clear vegetation for business, farming, industrial, and residential
purposes, or drain wetlands and flood valleys to create dams, we destroy these natural
areas and all the species found in them. The destruction can make surviving habitats too
small or too far apart for organisms to thrive.

Invasive Alien Species

The introduction of nonnative -native species, accidentally or purposely, can displace
native species (sometimes causing them to be extinct) and cause major disruptions in
ecosystem functions.

Pollution
Agroforestry, construction, industrial, power generation, transportation, and other
human activities where waste materials are produced pollute the air, land, and water and
contribute to climate change. Pollutants can directly affect biodiversity or cause chemical
imbalances ecosystems that destroy habitats and species.

Climate Change
Greenhouse gases are produced when we burn fossil fuels for energy, and these gases
contribute to climate change. The shifts in climate conditions can increase sea levels as
well as affect the population and distribution of species, and the growth of crops. As the
climate becomes more unpredictable, typhoons and other natural disasters also occur
more frequently.

Overexploitation
The rapid growth of the global human population has resulted in massive destruction
to natural ecosystems. The ever-increasing number of people means there is greater need
for food, clothing, industrial products, pets, space, and traditional medicine.
 The loss of biodiversity around the world is a major threat to human survival and the
Earth’s future. Fortunately, it’s not yet too late because there are many things, we can do
to help conserve biodiversity.