Human activities have changed the way animals and plants evolve in many ways. Here are some key points to consider:
Habitat Destruction: When we build cities and cut down forests, we destroy natural homes for many animals and plants. A study showed that from 1990 to 2010, the world lost about 13 million hectares of forest each year. This huge loss of habitat puts many species in danger.
Pollution: Chemicals that pollute the environment can change how species survive. For example, during the Industrial Revolution, dark-colored peppered moths became much more common. This was because pollution made trees darker, allowing these moths to blend in better and survive more easily.
Climate Change: Climate change caused by human activities is changing temperatures and weather patterns. This affects when animals and plants do things like migrate or reproduce. The IPCC reports that since the late 1800s, the average global temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius, which impacts many species.
Invasive Species: Sometimes, humans bring in plants or animals that don't belong in a certain area. These new species can outcompete or even eat the local species. For example, the brown tree snake was brought to Guam and it caused the decline of nearly 10 native bird species.
Selective Breeding: In farming, people choose certain plants and animals to breed. This can reduce the variety of genes in these species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that about 75% of genetic diversity in crops has been lost since 1900.
Overall, these human actions challenge the natural process of evolution. Species must adapt quickly or risk dying out, which changes the way life develops on our planet.
Human activities have changed the way animals and plants evolve in many ways. Here are some key points to consider:
Habitat Destruction: When we build cities and cut down forests, we destroy natural homes for many animals and plants. A study showed that from 1990 to 2010, the world lost about 13 million hectares of forest each year. This huge loss of habitat puts many species in danger.
Pollution: Chemicals that pollute the environment can change how species survive. For example, during the Industrial Revolution, dark-colored peppered moths became much more common. This was because pollution made trees darker, allowing these moths to blend in better and survive more easily.
Climate Change: Climate change caused by human activities is changing temperatures and weather patterns. This affects when animals and plants do things like migrate or reproduce. The IPCC reports that since the late 1800s, the average global temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius, which impacts many species.
Invasive Species: Sometimes, humans bring in plants or animals that don't belong in a certain area. These new species can outcompete or even eat the local species. For example, the brown tree snake was brought to Guam and it caused the decline of nearly 10 native bird species.
Selective Breeding: In farming, people choose certain plants and animals to breed. This can reduce the variety of genes in these species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that about 75% of genetic diversity in crops has been lost since 1900.
Overall, these human actions challenge the natural process of evolution. Species must adapt quickly or risk dying out, which changes the way life develops on our planet.