Question

Since the introduction of the Endangered Species Act, the number of species on the protected list has more than doubled. Describe how the human population’s growth pattern contributes to the rise in endangered species.

a) Increased human population leads to habitat destruction.
b) Human population growth directly impacts species endangerment.
c) Human population growth is unrelated to species endangerment.
d) Human population growth leads to increased pollution levels.

Answer 1

Human population growth leads to endangered species through unsustainable resource use, habitat destruction, unsustainable fishing and hunting practices, and additional pollution and climate change that damage biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since the introduction of the Endangered Species Act, the number of species on the protected list has more than doubled. The growth of the human population plays a significant role in the increase in endangered species. This growth contributes to the rise in endangered species through several key impacts:

• Unsustainable resource use: As human needs for resources grow with the population, resources are extracted from the environment at a rate that cannot be sustained.
• Habitat destruction: To accommodate the growing human population, natural habitats are destroyed for housing, agriculture, and other developments, which displaces or decimates wildlife populations.
• Unsustainable fishing and hunting: Increased demand for food resources leads to overfishing and hunting, which can quickly deplete species numbers.
• Pollution and climate change: The larger human population produces more waste and pollution, and greater energy needs lead to more emissions, contributing to climate change - both having negative impacts on biodiversity.

The introduction of exotic species through increased trade and mobility also threatens native species. Ultimately, each of these factors contributes to a world where more species are pushed to the brink of extinction.