asked 43.3k views
2 votes
What are environmental stressors


1 Answer

7 votes

Hi,

Answer:

Environmental stressors are external factors in the environment that can cause physical, emotional, or psychological strain on living organisms. These stressors can be natural or human-made and have the potential to disrupt the balance and well-being of ecosystems and individuals. Here are some examples of environmental stressors:

Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, vehicle emissions, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal can negatively impact the health of plants, animals, and humans.

Climate Change: Global warming, extreme weather events, and changing weather patterns due to increased greenhouse gas emissions can pose significant challenges to ecosystems and human communities.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats due to deforestation, urbanization, and infrastructure development can lead to loss of biodiversity and disrupt the ecological balance.

Overpopulation: An increasing human population can put pressure on natural resources, leading to resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem can disrupt native species and ecosystems, leading to imbalances and ecological problems.

Noise Pollution: Excessive noise from human activities such as construction, traffic, and industrial operations can negatively affect wildlife, disturb natural habitats, and cause stress in humans.

Chemical Contaminants: Pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals in the environment can harm living organisms, affecting their health and reproductive capabilities.

Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to a decrease in pH, which can have adverse effects on marine life, especially organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.

Loss of Biodiversity: Decline or extinction of plant and animal species due to various environmental stressors can disrupt ecosystems and ecological processes.

Resource Depletion: Overexploitation of natural resources such as water, forests, and minerals can lead to resource scarcity and environmental stress.

answered
User CletusW
by
8.2k points

No related questions found

Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.