Human Activities that Threaten Biodiversity

Provided by: Khan Academy |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This 12-minute video explains that there is a direct link between human population growth, our use of resources, and the loss of biodiversity on Earth.
Students will also learn that land-use changes, pollution, invasive species, and resource exploitation lead to decreases in natural habitat and in the variety of species on Earth.

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Subjects: Biology

Authors: Khan Academy

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Prerequisites:

The video explains that one of the local factors that contributes to biodiversity loss is the introduction of exotic species, but the concept is not explained in this video. Consider introducing this topic before using this video.

Preparation:

This video was produced in 2014, so some of the figures might not be up to date. Check any figures you intend to share with students.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

English Language Arts:
- Read Thomas Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population and compare the problems that Malthus assumed humans would face in the future with the actual problems humans face today.
History:
- Students reflect on how technology solved some problems for humans while creating many other problems.
Ethics:
- Students debate about whether or not humans have a right to take up so much of the Earth's resources.

Extensions:

Students write reflections or opinion papers about why they think other species of plants and animals should have the right to exist on Earth or why they think areas should be protected to allow for biodiversity to exist on Earth.

Related Resources:

Other resources on this topic include this video on how to curb overpopulation, this PBS video on the current and historic causes of species extinction, and this video from Our Changing Climate on biodiversity loss.

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Human Activities that Threaten Biodiversity

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

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