Planet Earth Saving Species Worksheet 20.doc - Name: Biology 1110 ... - Free Printable

Based on the image of the "Biology 1100 - Video Worksheet 'Planet Earth: Saving Species'", I can provide the following answers to the questions. These answers are based on general biological knowledge and the typical content covered in such educational materials, as the specific video content cannot be accessed.

Here is a detailed solution for each question:

1. What does 'biodiversity' mean?
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety of life at all levels of biological organization. This includes:
* Genetic diversity: The variation of genes within a species.
* Species diversity: The variety of different species in a given area.
* Ecosystem diversity: The variety of habitats, biological communities, and ecological processes.

2. Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is crucial for several reasons:
* Ecosystem Services: It provides essential services like clean air and water, pollination of crops, soil fertility, and climate regulation.
* Economic Value: Many industries (e.g., agriculture, medicine, tourism) depend directly on biodiversity.
* Scientific & Educational Value: Biodiversity is a source of knowledge and discovery, helping us understand evolution and ecology.
* Intrinsic Value: Many believe that all species have a right to exist, regardless of their utility to humans.
* Resilience: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances like disease or climate change.

3. What are some factors that cause extinction?
The primary causes of extinction, often summarized by the acronym HIPPO, are:
* Habitat Loss and Degradation: The leading cause, primarily due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
* Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species.
* Pollution: Contaminants in the air, water, and soil can poison organisms and disrupt ecosystems.
* Population Growth (Human): Increasing human populations lead to greater demand for resources and land, exacerbating other threats.
* Overexploitation: Overhunting, overfishing, and harvesting of species at unsustainable rates.

4. What is an endangered species?
An endangered species is a type of organism (plant, animal, fungus, etc.) that is very likely to become extinct in the near future if conservation efforts are not successful. They are typically listed on official registers like the IUCN Red List or the U.S. Endangered Species Act list, which categorize them based on population size, rate of decline, and habitat loss.

5. What are some factors that put species at risk?
This question is similar to question 3. Factors that put species at risk include:
* Habitat destruction and fragmentation.
* Climate change altering habitats and food sources.
* Pollution (chemical, plastic, noise, light).
* Introduction of invasive species.
* Overexploitation through hunting, fishing, or collection.
* Disease outbreaks.
* Human-wildlife conflict.

6. What animals are threatened today?
Many animals are currently threatened with extinction. Examples include:
* Mammals: Amur Leopard, Javan Rhino, Vaquita (porpoise), Sumatran Orangutan, African Elephant (in some regions).
* Birds: Philippine Eagle, Madagascar Pochard, Kakapo (New Zealand parrot).
* Reptiles: Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Komodo Dragon, Gharial (crocodile).
* Amphibians: Panamanian Golden Frog, many species of salamanders and frogs globally.
* Fish: Bluefin Tuna, Sturgeon, many coral reef fish.

7. What are some of the reasons why certain animals are becoming extinct?
The multiple-choice options provided are all valid reasons. The most significant ones are:
* Habitat loss (often the #1 cause)
* Over-hunting / Over-exploitation
* Disease
* Pollution
* Introduction of invasive species

In summary, the worksheet focuses on understanding the concept of biodiversity, its importance, the threats it faces (especially from human activity), and the status of endangered species. The goal is to raise awareness about conservation.