Consequences Do We Still Need Nature? Name____________ Per ___

Read the article from Consequences on biodiversity and respond to the following questions.

1. What is the commonly used definition of biodiversity?

2. How has the “green revolution” relied on biodiversity?

3. Where are most wood products found? What is wood used for today?

4. Eco-tourism is now a recognized industry. Give an example of how revenue is generated.

5. Land usage has changed in modern times. What is fragmentation and how has it adversely effected biodiverstiy?

6. What role does pesticide use and overgrazing play in habitat loss?

7. Describe over-exploitation and provide an example of how it has contributed to species loss.

8. What happened when the Nile Perch was introduced into Lake Victoria?

9. Chronic pollution has taken it’s toll on forests. What has happened in European forests?

10. Climate changes have proven to cause changes in biodiversity. What do models suggest will happen to U.S. forests if climate changes?

11. It is self-evident that species loss (endangerment or extinction) effects ecosystems. Why are keystone species particularly important? Give an example.

12. What are the findings of the UNEP Global Biodiversity Assessment regarding extinction rates?

13. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services. List 3 services provided:

14. How can the economic value be placed on biodiversity? What are some promising potentials for biodiversity?

15. How has protection and maintenance of biodiversity been accomplished? What commitments must be made?