Question

human-caused disturbances
people live in the environment, and many of our actions affect ecosystems. human - caused disturbances include human settlements, agriculture, air and water pollution, clear - cutting forests, and mining. like natural disturbances, human - caused disturbances can affect both small and large areas. they destroy habitats, wipe out populations of organisms, and contribute to a loss of biodiversity. however, some disturbances are unique to humans because the changes are more or less permanent. for example, roads and highways can permanently fragment an ecosystem, changing the way populations of species interact with their habitat and altering the way abiotic factors cycle through an ecosystem.
analyzing the effects of urbanization
as the human population grows, the amount of land used for human development increases. one phenomenon currently being studied by ecologists is urbanization. urbanization refers to the process by which human developments, such as cities and towns, are established and develop as more people begin living in central areas. in general, as urbanization increases, biodiversity in that area decreases.
habitat fragmentation refers to a situation where a large continuous habitat is broken up into many smaller habitats. as cities expand, habitat fragmentation worsens, and biodiversity decreases.
scale, proportion, and quantity
explain make a claim about the affect urbanization has on biodiversity. does urbanization always decrease biodiversity? use evidence to support your claim and explain your reasoning. address the following questions in your answer:
· what are the main factors that lead to biodiversity loss in urban areas?
· how is the size of a habitat related to its biodiversity and its stability?
· can an ecosystem in an urban area ever return to its previous state?

Explanation:

Urbanization generally decreases biodiversity as it leads to habitat fragmentation, destruction of natural habitats for human - made structures like cities and towns. Main factors for biodiversity loss in urban areas include habitat loss, pollution, and introduction of non - native species. Larger habitats tend to support more species and be more stable. While it's difficult, with proper conservation efforts, an urban ecosystem could potentially return to a more natural state. For example, reforestation projects in urban areas can increase biodiversity.

Answer:

Urbanization usually decreases biodiversity. Main factors for biodiversity loss in urban areas are habitat fragmentation and destruction for development. Larger habitats support more biodiversity and are more stable. An urban ecosystem might return to its previous state with conservation efforts.