Summary
Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
In depth
HIPPO: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth (human) and Overharvesting. Climate change is now an increasing driver. IPBES estimates about 1 million species face extinction.
Threats interact (synergy). Climate change magnifies others. Drivers are linked to consumption and population.
Example: invasive species plus habitat loss is deadly on islands.
Frequently asked questions
What is Threats to Biodiversity?
Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
Which area of biology covers Threats to Biodiversity, and how advanced is it?
Threats to Biodiversity is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Habitat Loss, Species-Area Relationship, Extinction Rate Estimation.
Can you give an example of Threats to Biodiversity?
Overfishing collapsed Atlantic cod stocks in the 1990s.
What should I learn before Threats to Biodiversity?
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Threats to Biodiversity. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Threats to Biodiversity?
The closest topics to Threats to Biodiversity are Habitat Loss, Species-Area Relationship, Extinction Rate Estimation, Conservation Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Threats to Biodiversity?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Threats to Biodiversity. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Threats to Biodiversity different from Habitat Loss?
Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO. Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural habitats by farming, logging and urbanisation, the leading threat to species. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Threats to Biodiversity step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Habitat Loss and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.