Global Warming & Invasive Species

Unit 7-2 NotesMr. Hefti – Pulaski Biology

Global Warming ► What is it?

• Increasing average global temperature

GW ► What causes it?

• Humans add CO2 and other greenhouse gases to atmosphere causing heat retention

• Specific factors:– Burning fossil fuels– Deforestation

GW ► Why is it bad?

• Shifting climate patterns• Rising sea levels• Altered ecosystems

GW ► What can be done about it?

• Reduce dependency on fossil fuels• Halt the destruction of world’s forests• Plant trees

Invasive Species ► What is it?

• When non-native organisms are released to an ecosystem– Can be accidental or intentional

IS ► What causes it?

• Exotic organisms usually transported unknowingly

IS ► Why is it bad?

• No natural enemies in new ecosystem– Can therefore out-compete natives– Crowd out, feed on or eliminate native species

IS ► What can be done about it?

• Laws restrict the transport of organisms• Pesticides used against many invasives• Releasing natural predators may reduce

invasive population