Final answer:
The Great Lakes are endangered by invasive species such as Asian carp, pollution, bioaccumulation of toxins, and habitat destruction due to infrastructure development. These human-induced impacts threaten the ecosystem and require urgent attention to preserve the lakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Lakes are facing several significant threats due to human activities. Four major negative impacts include: invasive species, such as the Asian carp which threaten local ecosystems and native species; pollution from point and non-point sources affecting water quality and aquatic life; bioaccumulation and biomagnification of harmful substances like mercury and pesticides in the food chain; and infrastructure development leading to habitat destruction and altered water flows. Prevention and management strategies, although implemented, have often been ineffective against invasive species. Meanwhile, the build-up of pollutants in the water and organisms continues to pose health risks to both wildlife and humans.
It is imperative that these issues are addressed through more effective conservation measures, stricter pollution controls, and a comprehensive approach to managing water resources to protect the Great Lakes for future generations.