Page 3: The Carbon Cycle

This page illustrates the carbon cycle, showing how carbon moves through different organisms and the environment. The cycle demonstrates the interconnected processes of photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion.

Highlight: The carbon cycle is crucial for life on Earth, with plants playing a vital role through photosynthesis in converting atmospheric CO2 into organic matter.

Definition: Carbon fixation is the process where organisms convert inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic compounds.

Example: Fossil fuel combustion releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Page 1: Human Impact on Environmental Systems

This page details the various ways humans negatively impact biodiversity and natural ecosystems. The content focuses on four main areas: hunting/fishing, agriculture, deforestation, and pollution. Each activity contributes to the declining state of global biodiversity through direct and indirect means.

Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Example: In agricultural settings, the removal of hedgerows eliminates crucial habitats for various species while also disrupting natural corridors for wildlife movement.

Highlight: Humans are identified as the leading cause of biodiversity loss through various activities including habitat destruction and resource exploitation.

Vocabulary: Mono-Culture refers to the agricultural practice of growing a single crop type over a large area, significantly reducing biodiversity.