LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans

• There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
• Populations live in a variety of habitats, and change in those habitats affects the organisms living there.
• Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling.
• Biodiversity is increased by the formation of new species (speciation) and decreased by the loss of species (extinction).
• Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.