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AIM: HOW HAVE HUMANS IMPACTED THE EARTH?. DO NOW: Approximately, how long have humans been on Earth according to the fossil record. 4.4 million years. World 6,785,186,332 12:15 GMT (EST+5) Jun 08, 2009. U.S. 306,617,138. JUNE 2008
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AIM: HOW HAVE HUMANS IMPACTED THE EARTH? DO NOW: Approximately, how long have humans been on Earth according to the fossil record.
World 6,785,186,33212:15 GMT (EST+5) Jun 08, 2009 U.S. 306,617,138 JUNE 2008 One birth every.................................. 7 seconds One death every.................................. 13 seconds One international migrant (net) every............ 29 seconds Net gain of one person every..................... 10 seconds
Human population growth is the root of many environmental issues. Environmental Issues that include: • Overuse of non-renewable resources • Destruction of habitats • Deforestation • Pollution • Atmospheric changes
Industrialization Increased industrialization demands more resources and energy use. This has positive and negative effects on humans and ecosystems
Non-renewable resources Materials found on earth that have a finite quantity COAL, OIL, NATURAL GAS
Loss of habitats leads to loss of ____________________, which leads to ecosystem instability BIODIVERSITY
Eutrophication is caused by enrichment of the aquatic biomes from fertilizers and wastes. (too much of a good thing)
Deforestation • reduces the content of water in the soil and groundwater as well as atmospheric moisture • reduces soil cohesion, so that erosion, flooding and landslides often ensue. • reduces biodiversity • reduces possible medicinal advances • Adds to global warming
POLLUTION Air and Water Soil, Thermal, Noise, Light
Acid Precipitation is caused mainly by combustion of fossil fuels. Acid rain cause the rapid erosion of statues and destruction of lakes
Average pH profiles in U.S. in 1999 Why is the eastern U.S. so high in acid rain? Air Pollution
DO NOW:Which animal has modified ecosystems more than any other animal and has had the greatest negative impact on world ecosystems? • gypsy moth • zebra mussel • human • shark
A major reason that humans have negatively affected the environment in the past is that humans have • frequently lacked an understanding of how their activities affect the environment • passed laws to protect certain wetlands • attempted to control their population growth • discontinued the use of certain chemicals used to control insects
Atmospheric Changes Green House Effect: Climatic change caused by increasing Greenhouse Gases (carbon dioxide)
LIGHT & HEAT ENTER BUT DON'T ESCAPE
LIGHT & HEAT ENTER BUT DON'T ESCAPE
Which factor is a major cause of global warming? • increased burning of fuels • increased number of green plants • decreased mineral availability • decreased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Introduced Species: species from another ecosystem is a problem because there usually aren’t natural checks May reduce Biodiversity! Nile perch (Lake Victoria) Brown tree snake (Guam) Argentine ants Caulerpa (seaweed)
Zebra Mussels in the Great Lakes Has reduced Biodiversity!
Imported animal species often disrupt an ecosystem because in their new environment, they will most likely • eliminate the genetic variation of the autotrophs • increase the number of mutations in the herbivores • have no natural enemies • be unable to produce offspring
The importation of organisms such as the Japanese beetle and gypsy moth to areas where they have no natural enemies best illustrates • the use of abiotic factors to reduce pest species • the selection of species to mate with each other to produce a new variety • attempts by humans to protect extinct species • a human activity that disrupts existing ecosystems
African elephant tusks consist of high-quality ivory. In recent years, the elephant population in certain African wildlife preserves has decreased. This decrease is most likely due to • air pollution • human exploitation • biocide use • importation of Japanese beetles
Trade-offs: solving environmental issues involves trade-offs. There are always costs associated with social decisions.
Solar Energy reduces dependence on fossil fuel but it is expensive.
Nuclear Power provides electricity without fossil fuel but generates nuclear wastes.
Societies must decide on proposals and assess risks, costs, benefits and trade-offs.
SUMMARY Which situation has had the most negative effect on the ecosystems of Earth? • use of air pollution controls • use of natural predators to control insect pests • recycling glass, plastic, and metals • increasing human population