When humans alter ecosystems either by removing specific organisms, serious consequences may result.

Human beings are part of the Earth’s ecosystems.

Human activities can, deliberately or accidentally, change the equilibrium in ecosystems.

Humans are destroying other species as a result of population growth, consumption, and technology.

Human destruction of habitats through direct harvesting, pollution, atmospheric changes, and other factors is especially threatening current global biodiversity.

An example of a human activity which has decreased biodiversity is the use of monoculture in modern agricultural practices.

Monoculture involves planting one variety of a species over a huge area.

This leaves this area more vulnerable to predation or disease and the loss of many or all species.