Question

When discussing threats to biodiversity, we often use the acronym HIPPO. What does this stand for? Explain each letter in the HIPPO acronym. In your opinion, which HIPPO activity is the greatest threat to biodiversity? Why? What are 3 ways we can reduce the impact on species yet still provide for the needs of humans?

Answer 1

HIPPO

While discussing threats to biodiversity we often use the acronym HIPPO. HIPPO stands for,

* Habitat Loss

* Invasive Species

* Pollution

* Population Growth

* Overharvesting

* Habitat Loss

Many habitats are destroyed all around the world. Every year 1% of tropical forest is being destroyed. Deforestation is a big issue we face nowadays. Industrial activities, mining, agriculture, deforestation all these leads to habitat loss. Habitat Fragmentation, loss of large units of habitat is a serious threat to biodiversity.

* Invasive Species

Sometimes an exotic species is introduced into an area and it affects the resident organisms. The invasive species sometimes will have harmful effects- predation, parasitize on the native species. Sometimes the invasive species can cause the extinction of native species. Example- Invasion of brown tree snake to Guam

* Pollution

Contamination of natural environments with chemicals is another threat to biodiversity. Pollution is increasing nowadays. Air, water, soil undergoes pollution by different particles. The agents which causes pollution are known as pollutants.Eg. Oil spills

* Population Growth

Human population is increasing in an alarming rate, which causes increased resource consumption. Now there are seven billion people in this world. Increasing population is a serious threat to biodiversity.

* Overharvesting

Overharvesting of resources is another threat to biodiversity . Cod is very rare in Coast of North America is an example of overexploitation or overharvesting. This leads to the extinction of species all over the world.

The activity which is greatest threat to biodiversity is Habitat Loss

Habitat Loss

It is the reason for the 85 % of population declines of birds and mammals. It affects organisms mostly since they are adapted to an existing habitat. Human activities are the main reason for habitat loss. Urban development, agriculture, industries, Deforestation are all reasons for Habitat destruction. Deforestation is a serious issue facing today.

Ways in which we can reduce the impact on species yet still provide for the needs of humans,

- Reduce the use of resources for our needs.Use products for our needs not for our greed.

- Recycle the products we use. We can recycle the products by various means.

- Reuse the items as much as possible.

There are also other ways- Afforestation , Implementing strict laws for biodiversity protection, ...