1. Humans in the Biosphere Ch. 6

2. Human Interaction There are four main activities by which humans affect the biosphere: – Hunting and Gathering – Agriculture – Industry – Urban Development What are some of the effects we see/experience as a result of these activities?

3. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Renewable Resources – resources that can be replenished or regenerate in a relatively short amount of time – Ex: trees, water, nutrients, etc. – Although they are renewable, some of the are limited resources (not always readily available) Ex: Water can become a limited resource when there is a drought

4. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Human activity can affect the quality and supply of renewable resources such as – Land – Forests – Fisheries – Air – Fresh Water

5. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Nonrenewable Resources – resources that cannot be replenished by natural processes – If they can be replenished, it takes millions and millions of years to replace it – Ex: fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

6. Biodiversity Biodiversity – the variety of organisms that are found on Earth Types of biodiversity – Ecosystem diversity – Species diversity – Genetic diversity Human activity can threaten and alter biodiversity

7. Threats to Biodiversity Habitat alteration Demand for wildlife products Pollution – Biological magnification – concentrations of harmful substances increase in organisms higher in the food chain Introduced species – Invasive species – non-native species that rapidly reproduce and “ choke out ” native species Ex: kudzu

10. Conserving Biodiversity Conservation efforts usually focus on protecting various: – Species/Populations bald eagle, koala, etc. – Ecosystems National Parks Wilderness Areas Nature/Wildlife Preserves