But what are the different

causes of species extinction? It

can be a natural
cause or man-made.
Natural Causes of Species Extinction
1. Climate change- the sudden changes
in the earth’s temperature.
2. Land Development- conversion of land
into residential area or building.
3. Acid precipitation- is a result of air
pollution.
4. Diseases/Epidemic- infectious
diseases or virulent infectious diseases
cause the change in biological
populations.
5. Meteoric impact/Cosmic radiation-
extinction happens when a massive
asteroid or meteor hits the surface of
the earth.
6. The spread of Invasive species- it
can change the abundance of diversity
or the food web in an ecosystem by
destroying and replacing its natural
value and number.
Man-Made Causes of Species Extinction
1. Deforestation- illegal logging, kaingin
farming
2. Pollution- either air or water pollution.
3. Destruction of Coastal Resources- this is
caused by using dynamite in
fishing, muro-ami, and the conversion of
beach into residences, and
overharvesting of fishes.
Geologic timescale is a timetable
of the earth’s history. In this scale, the earth’s history is divided
into major divisions
called eras.
A. Paleozoic era (prehistoric life) – the existence of marine
invertebrates;
the development of marine life.
B. Mesozoic era (middle life) – the existence of largest
creatures.
C. Cenozoic era (recent life) – the existence of warm-blooded
animals
and humans.
ACTIVITY 1: OUTDOOR EXPEDITION
Explore the vicinity of your house or garden. List
down all the living organisms you
will see based on their category. Write the total
number of species and total item on
the space provided, and lastly, answer the following
questions and calculate
biodiversity index using the equation given. Write
your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.
ACTIVITY 2: FULL OF SPACE
Study the five patterns of population distribution in Figure
1. Count the total number
for each population and record the data in the table below.
After that, calculate the
density of each population using the equation below. Write
your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
ACTIVITY 3: CAUTION! CAUTION! OH SPECIES
EXTINCTION
A. Take a look at the given pictures of species below. Identify
whether this specie is
EXTINCT (last member of that species dies), ENDANGERED
(population of that
species is very low), or THREATENED (if that species is declining
rapidly). Write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Direction: Complete the concept map. Choose
your answer from the box below.
Climate Change Organisms
Temperature Food
Biodiversity Habitat Destruction
Ecosystem LifeOverexploitation
Survival Limiting Factors Biotic
Abiotic Sunlight Soil Nutrients
Altitude
Burning of garbage is
present everywhere.
The air we breathe
is polluted.
Natural ecosystems
are found in our
locality.
Natural ecosystems
are found in our
locality.
Overfishing activity can
be seen anywhere.
Solid waste
segregation is
implemented.
Gardening and
tree planting
activities are
practiced.
Factories, plants, and
other commercial
establishments are
present in
our community.
 Hills are being
converted to
subdivisions and
residential areas.
Farm soils are acidic
because inorganic
fertilizers are being
used.
 We always
experience floods
when heavy rains
pour.
Poultries, piggeries,
and agricultural
centers are present.
We use compost
pits in dumping our
garbage and other
wastes.
Garbage is found
in our yards and
roads.
Community clean-
ups are conducted
every week or
month.
Based on your evaluation on the
community where you live, list down at
least three (3)
environmental problems present in your
community. Write also the effects that
these
problems can create on the ecosystem. Use
the table below as your guide.
Environmental Issues and
Concerns
Air pollution
happens when solid, liquid, and gas
particles are dispersed into the air. Both
man-made and natural activities
contribute to air pollution. The burning of
fossil fuels, exhaust from the vehicles
and factories, burning of plastics, and agricultural
activities are some of the man-made activities
which contribute to air pollution.
Wildfires and volcanic ashes are also sources of air pollutants.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal
plants, factories, electric power generators, and vehicles contribute
to acid rain. These substances react with water molecules, oxygen,
and other chemicals in the atmosphere which produces acid. Acid
rain cannot harm humans directly, but it is more harmful to plants
and other animals. Nutrients and minerals that are needed by the
plants to grow are removed through the acid rain. It can cause the
weakening or death of trees. Aluminum is released from the soil
because of acid rain. When raining, this aluminum will soon reach
rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans which are harmful to aquatic
plants and animals.
Because of the increasing number of people,
the disposal of wastes becomes a problem.
When wastes are not disposed of properly,
these will reach the grasslands, streams, rivers,
lakes, and oceans. Domestic and industrial
wastes such as oils, chemicals, plastics, and
agricultural wastes are the main causes of
water pollution.
Polluted water is no longer safe for drinking and
swimming. On the other hand, when there is an
increase of organic nutrients brought about by the
chemicals and garbage thrown into the bodies of
water, this stimulates the growth of algae and in turn,
lessens the available oxygen for other aquatic
animals. When oxygen is no longer available, aquatic
organisms will die. Water quality and clarity will also
be affected. This process is called eutrophication.
Deforestation
Deforestation happens when forests are cleared
to make the land available for other purposes. The
problem is, trees are continually cut down,
including the young ones, without replacing it.
The loss of habitat of other living organisms,
increased levels of greenhouse gases, soil erosion,
and flooding are some of the effects of
deforestation.
In the Philippines, a practice
known as the kaingin system is used
by farmers for farming. In this method,
the forest is set on fire to clear the area
for cultivation. If the burning is
uncontrolled, this will lead to forest
fires.
Wildlife depletion
One of our natural resources is the wildlife. Wildlife
plays an important role in ecological balance. Among
the famous Philippine wildlife is the monkey-eating
eagle, which is now considered critically endangered.
Hunting and trapping, taking animals for profit, killing
them, and destroying their habitats through
deforestation are ways on how human beings harm or
destroy wildlife species.
Destruction of coastal resources
Aside from pollution,
overharvesting, the use of explosives
and chemicals, and the conversion of
coastal areas into resorts and
residential areas greatly affect marine
organisms and their habitats.
Overharvesting or overfishing
happens when people collect,
capture, or harvest marine organisms
such as coral reefs, fish, sea turtles,
and others in a large quantity.
On the other hand, dynamite fishing,
cyanide fishing, and muro-ami fishing
as the known illegal fishing methods
used in the Philippines kill plenty of
marine animals and destroy coral
reefs.
Coastal areas are one of the tourist attractions in the
country. Because we are rich with beautiful beaches,
many tourists would like to stay and enjoy their
vacation with us. Because of its aesthetic and economic
value, coastal areas are then converted into resorts,
residences, and business establishments. The increasing
number of infrastructures also increases the chances of
contributing pollution to large bodies of water that
destroys the natural ecosystems of marine
species.