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Slide 1 of 4
Major Human Impacts
- Habitat loss — #1 cause of biodiversity loss; deforestation, urban sprawl
- Pollution — air, water, soil; affects food chains
- Invasive species — outcompete native species
- Overexploitation — overfishing, hunting, poaching
- Climate change — shifts biomes, disrupts cycles
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Slide 2 of 4
Climate Change & Ecosystems
Rising CO₂ → greenhouse effect → global warming:
- Rising sea levels threaten coastal Virginia wetlands
- Shifting temperatures change species' ranges
- Ocean acidification harms shellfish in Chesapeake Bay
- Earlier springs disrupt migration and breeding timing
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Slide 3 of 4
Conservation Strategies
- Protected areas — national/state parks, wildlife refuges
- Habitat restoration — reforestation, wetland restoration
- Captive breeding — for endangered species
- Laws & policy — Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act
- Sustainable practices — responsible fishing, renewable energy
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Slide 4 of 4
Virginia Conservation Efforts
Virginia is actively protecting its ecosystems:
- Chesapeake Bay Program — multi-state restoration effort
- Virginia Wildlife Action Plan — 1,000+ species of concern
- Shenandoah National Park — 200,000+ acres protected
- Native Plant Program — restore native species diversity