Question

Since the introduction of the Endangered Species Act the number of species on the protected list has more than doubled. Describe how the human population’s growth pattern contributes to the rise in endangered species

Answer 1

We know very well that the number of endangered species has increased drastically over the past decade or so.

The main reason for this is the rise in human population over the years.The results of this are

1.The demand for land has increased to accomodate the rising needs of the population in terms of the food,shelter,croplands,etc. Hence more and more forest land needs to be cleared to accomodate these growing needs. In doing so the natural habitats of many living beings are lost. This inturn causes them to come into human inhabited lands where they cause trouble and are in many cases killed by humans. We know that many organisms require their natural environment inorder to be able to sustain their life. Ex: sumatran elephants have been changed from endangered to critically endangered in 2012 and the major reason was attributed to deforestation by humans.

2.The other reason is to have enough food for the increasing population. For this also the habitats of wild animals is lost.

3.The changing lifestyle of people nowadays has led to the hunting of some animals for many of their natural products like skin,horns,etc. Ex:rhinoceros are hunted for their horn which is sold for high prices though it is illegal and many laws are present for governing their safety.