SPECIES EXTINCTION | Causes of Species Extinction (Grade 9)

Summary

In this video, Sir Jr from the Learning Science Channel educates viewers about species extinction and its causes, highlighting both natural and human-made factors. He introduces critically endangered species like the Philippine tarsier and eagle, explaining their habitat loss due to human activities. The video covers the impact of deforestation, invasive species, pollution, and human population growth on biodiversity. Emphasizing the importance of preserving ecosystems, Sir Jr calls for action to safeguard nature for future generations, encouraging viewers to make the environment a priority to ensure sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human actions, such as deforestation and urbanization, are the leading causes of species extinction.
• 😀 Species extinction leads to biodiversity loss, which affects ecosystems and environmental stability.
• 😀 The Philippine tarsier and the Philippine eagle are examples of endangered species due to habitat destruction.
• 😀 Species can be classified as threatened, endangered, or extinct based on factors like habitat destruction and population size reduction.
• 😀 Critically endangered species, such as the tamarao and Philippine eagle, face an extremely high risk of extinction.
• 😀 Endangered species, like the Philippine turtle, are at risk of becoming extinct if their population continues to decline.
• 😀 Vulnerable species, such as the tiger cut piton and the Philippine duck, are under threat but not yet critically endangered.
• 😀 Extinction can occur due to both natural causes, like climate change and meteor impacts, and human-induced causes, such as habitat destruction and pollution.
• 😀 Pollution, including acid rain and ozone depletion, contributes to environmental degradation and species extinction.
• 😀 We must reduce human impact on the environment, protect habitats, and stop over-exploitation to ensure the survival of species and the health of ecosystems.

Q & A

What are the two main categories that affect species extinction?

The two main categories affecting species extinction are natural causes and anthropogenic (human-made) causes. Natural causes include factors like climate change, meteor impacts, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Anthropogenic causes are human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of resources.

What is the difference between threatened, endangered, and vulnerable species?

Threatened species are at risk of extinction, endangered species have very low population numbers and are close to extinction, and vulnerable species are not yet critically endangered but are at risk due to certain factors like habitat loss or pollution.

Why are the Philippine tarsier and the Philippine eagle at risk of extinction?

Both the Philippine tarsier and the Philippine eagle are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, caused by human activities like deforestation and land conversion. Additionally, these species have very limited geographic ranges, making them more susceptible to environmental changes.

What is the main cause of habitat destruction that leads to species extinction?

The primary cause of habitat destruction is human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and oil spills. These activities not only destroy the natural habitat but also fragment ecosystems, making it difficult for species to survive.

How do invasive species contribute to species extinction?

Invasive species, introduced by humans for economic purposes or other reasons, can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt ecosystems, and cause environmental damage. For example, the introduction of the golden apple snail and tilapia in the Philippines led to negative impacts on local ecosystems.

What are some examples of critically endangered species in the Philippines?

Examples of critically endangered species in the Philippines include the tamaraw, the Philippine eagle, and the dugong. These species are at extremely high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and other environmental threats.

What is biodiversity loss and how is it connected to species extinction?

Biodiversity loss refers to the reduction in the variety of life forms in an ecosystem. It is directly connected to species extinction, as the loss of species reduces the overall biodiversity and can destabilize ecosystems, affecting the survival of other species.

How does global warming contribute to species extinction?

Global warming can alter landscapes and ecosystems, leading to the loss of habitats that species rely on. This can accelerate species extinction by making it difficult for organisms to adapt to changing conditions, such as rising temperatures or altered rainfall patterns.

What human actions lead to pollution that affects species extinction?

Human actions like industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and improper waste disposal contribute to pollution. Examples include acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide emissions, the depletion of the ozone layer due to CFCs, and eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in water bodies and harms aquatic life.

What can we do to prevent further species extinction and biodiversity loss?

To prevent species extinction and biodiversity loss, we need to take actions like protecting natural habitats, reducing pollution, managing invasive species, and promoting sustainable resource use. It is also important to educate people about the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.