Final answer:
Species extinctions in BIOL350 are driven by habitat destruction, lack of conservation efforts, pollution, and low genetic diversity. Conservation strategies focus on protecting key biodiversity areas and utilizing modern technologies for biodiversity cataloging. Climate change, leading to habitat alterations and range shifts, poses a significant future threat to species survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Trends and Issues in Species Extinctions
The issue of species extinctions covered in BIOL350 includes several main trends and problems. Habitat destruction is the leading cause of species extinction, often a result of human activities such as deforestation and the construction of dams. Some habitats, while not entirely destroyed, become fragmented, creating isolated pockets that can't sustain diverse species populations. Conservation efforts aim to preserve endangered species and involve international treaties, national legislation, and non-profit organizations working to protect ecosystems and regulate resource use. However, these efforts often come up against legislative and practical difficulties. Pollution also significantly impacts biodiversity, but it is seen as less of an immediate threat than habitat destruction, overharvesting, and exotic species introduction. The challenge of preserving genetic diversity is vital for the survival of species, and conservation methods are increasingly focusing on maintaining the genetic variance necessary for species' resilience and adaptability.
Conservation strategies include safeguarding key biodiversity areas, and innovative technologies such as DNA barcoding are instrumental in cataloging and preserving the planet's biodiversity. Additionally, climate change is altering habitats and forcing species to adapt to new conditions or face extinction, with areas like the Arctic experiencing the most significant impact due to global warming.