Final answer:
The HIPPO framework explains the major causes of species extinction and biodiversity loss. Each letter represents a different force - habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, population growth, and overexploitation. Understanding these forces helps guide conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The HIPPO framework proposed by Edward O. Wilson is a mnemonic device used to remember the major causes of species extinction and biodiversity loss. Each letter in the acronym represents a different force:
- Habitat destruction: This refers to the destruction, degradation, or fragmentation of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs.
- Invasive species: These are non-native species that are introduced to a new ecosystem and disrupt the balance by outcompeting native species.
- Pollution: This includes air, water, and soil pollution caused by human activities, which can poison and harm organisms.
- Population growth: As the human population grows, it leads to increased resource consumption and habitat destruction.
- Overexploitation: This refers to the unsustainable harvesting of species, such as overfishing or illegal hunting.
The HIPPO framework helps us understand the main drivers of species extinction and biodiversity loss, and guides conservation efforts to address these challenges.