Chapter 7 Short Answers

What typy of environment would support life better - a rocky tree lined shore or an open, sandy beach?

A rocky tree lined shore because it is more diverse and offers more places to live

Overall, how do you think ecotourism's costs compare to its benefits?

Ecotourism helps people experience and appreciate nature. When ecotourists visit an area, they spend money that provides income for local people. This economic benefit can encourage local people to preserve their environments. It is possible that too many visitors to a natural area could disturb and harm wildlife, but education and proper regulation could help prevent it.

Explain why scientists don't know exactly how many species live on earth.

First, some areas of Earth, like the deepest ocean, remain relatively unexplored. Second, many species, such as bacteria and many fungi, are tiny and easily overlooked. Third, many organisms are extremely difficult to identify and tell apart from other species. This is frequently the case with microbes, fungi, and small insects, but also sometimes with organisms as large as birds, trees, and whales.

What steps could be taken to combat the effects of habitat fragmentation?

Humans can improve land-use practices to reduce the amount of land affected by logging, road building, farming, and other activities. When land does need to be cleared, care should be taken to leave areas that connect similar habitats to one another so that animals can move freely between them. In areas where fragmented habitat cannot be restored, animals can be moved to other, larger, more intact habitats.

List the 5 major causes of biodiversity loss

habitat alteration, invasive species, pollution, over harvesting, climate change