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The opposite effect is known as eutrophication or nutrient pollution. [6] Both depletion and eutrophication lead to shifts in biodiversity and species abundance (usually a decline). [7] The effects are bidirectional in that a shift in species composition in a habitat may also lead to shift in the nutrient composition. [8]
plankton – mostly microscopic animal and plant life suspended in water and a valuable food source for animals cf. Phytoplankton. plant quality - a standard of plant appearance or yield. plastic - One of many high-polymeric substances, including both natural and synthetic products, but excluding rubbers. At some stage in its manufacture every ...
Habitat fragmentation decreases the size and increases plant populations' spatial isolation. With genetic variation and increased methods of inter-population genetic divergence due to increased effects of random genetic drift, elevating inbreeding and reducing gene flow within plant species. While genetic variation may decrease with remnant ...
Biodiversity loss happens when plant or animal species disappear completely from Earth or when there is a decrease or disappearance of species in a specific area. Biodiversity loss means that there is a reduction in biological diversity in a given area. The decrease can be temporary or permanent.
Thus, eutrophication has been defined as "degradation of water quality owing to enrichment by nutrients which results in excessive plant (principally algae) growth and decay." [ 8 ] Eutrophication was recognized as a water pollution problem in European and North American lakes and reservoirs in the mid-20th century. [ 9 ]
Many [quantify] people value the complexity of the natural world and express concern at the loss of natural habitats and of animal or plant species worldwide. [ 53 ] Probably the most profound impact that habitat destruction has on people is the loss of many valuable ecosystem services .
Fresh water is an exceptionally important resource, since life on Earth is ultimately dependent on it. Water transports nutrients, minerals and chemicals within the biosphere to all forms of life, sustains both plants and animals, and moulds the surface of the Earth with transportation and deposition of materials. [25]
Species from all groups of fauna and flora are affected by overexploitation. This phenomenon is not bound by taxonomy; it spans across mammals, birds, fish, insects, and plants alike. Animals are hunted for their fur, tusks, or meat, while plants are harvested for medicinal purposes, timber, or ornamental uses.