What Is Habitat Destruction?
Quick Answer
According to the National Wildlife Federation, habitat destruction occurs when human activity drastically changes or destroys any natural ecosystem. Habitat destruction reduces the food, water and shelter that is available to support wildlife.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Habitat destruction threatens wildlife species and is a primary cause of endangered species. Building, mining, drilling, new highways and water projects all destroy habitats. Habitat destruction does not always look like destruction. Filling in a wetland makes it look more hospitable to humans but changes the ecosystem so that it no longer supports the native wildlife. Although roads appear minimally invasive, they break up large tracts of habitat and reduce the amount of area for a species to roam. This limits the number of available mates and the size of the territory available for raising young.
Learn more about Human ImpactRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Are the Pros and Cons of Rainforest Destruction?
A: The pros of rainforest destruction or deforestation are that it gives areas the room to expand communities and build highways and buildings.The trees that ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Was the Cause of the 2010 BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico?
A: The 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was primarily caused by a failure of a safety system that resulted in the explosion and destruction of the Deep... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are the Impacts of Overfishing?
A: The impacts of overfishing include destruction of marine ecosystems, negative economic ramifications and the loss of aquatic biodiversity. Over the past 50... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Can We Stop Eutrophication From Occurring?
A: The eutrophication of an aquatic ecosystem can be slowed or reversed by slowing the addition of nutrients to the system. Sources of excess nutrients can be... Full Answer >Filed Under:
