Reference no: EM133372940

1. Biodiversity

What is biodiversity and why is this important. Is it something that we should try to preserve? What is a biodiversity hotspot? Identify at least two hotspots, and indicate how isolation can impact these areas.

2. Invasive Species

Invasive species can be particularly troublesome, particularly in closed ecosystems, such as the Great Lakes watershed. The watershed functions as a closed ecosystem, and this ecosystem has great difficulty adjusting to invaders. The Great Lakes radio consortium has several segments on invasive species; you can view the archived programs. In your opinion, how do invasive species affect biodiversity?

3. Habitat Alteration

Species extinction is mostly attributed to habitat alteration. Habitat alteration includes desertification, deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Discuss how habitat alteration can result in reduced biodiversity. Note: We have already addressed this topic in the sustainable development discussion forum and in the human population assignment. Many of the development patterns we observed will lead to a significant change of the environment and species may not be able to tolerate the change. One of the tenets of the smart growth movement is to create green infrastructure and wildlife corridors to maintain populations. Climate change is the largest unknown factor. We may protect habitats, but if the climate changes, the species may not be able to survive.