Plant and animal species are dying out at an unprecedented rate (see Endangered Species). Estimates range that from 4,000 to as many as 50,000 species per year become extinct. The leading cause of extinction is habitat destruction, particularly of the world’s richest ecosystems—tropical rain forests and coral reefs. If the world’s rain forests continue to be cut down at the current rate, they may completely disappear by the year 2030. In addition, if the world’s population continues to grow at its present rate and puts even more pressure on these habitats, they might well be destroyed sooner.
Online Encyclopedia Blog For Kid's Research In Sciences, Health, Environment and Technology
Factors Threatening The Environment: Habitat Destruction and Species Extinction
Plant and animal species are dying out at an unprecedented rate (see Endangered Species). Estimates range that from 4,000 to as many as 50,000 species per year become extinct. The leading cause of extinction is habitat destruction, particularly of the world’s richest ecosystems—tropical rain forests and coral reefs. If the world’s rain forests continue to be cut down at the current rate, they may completely disappear by the year 2030. In addition, if the world’s population continues to grow at its present rate and puts even more pressure on these habitats, they might well be destroyed sooner.
-
Pollution exists in many forms and affects many different aspects of Earth’s environment. Point-source pollution comes from specific, locali...
-
Air Pollution, addition of harmful substances to the atmosphere resulting in damage to the environment, human health, and quality of life. O...
-
Soil is a mixture of mineral, plant, and animal materials that forms during a long process that may take thousands of years. It is necessary...
-
Water Pollution, contamination of streams, lakes, underground water, bays, or oceans by substances harmful to living things. Water is necess...
-
Solid wastes are unwanted solid materials such as garbage, paper, plastics and other synthetic materials, metals, and wood. Billions of tons...