Last Minute Lecture

Global Change and Climate in the Earth System — Causes, Cycles, and Human Impact | Chapter 23 from Earth: Portrait of a Planet How do global forces shape our planet’s past, present, and future? Chapter 23 of Earth: Portrait of a Planet by Stephen Marshak explores the profound topic of global change, tracing both natural cycles and the accelerating effects of human activity. For a concise audio-visual summary, watch the chapter video on YouTube , or read below for a complete guide to the science behind Earth system transformation. Unidirectional and Cyclic Change in Earth’s History Unidirectional Changes: Irreversible transformations such as the Moon’s formation, planetary differentiation, evolution of continents, development of the atmosphere, and the emergence of life. Cyclic Changes: Recurring processes including the supercontinent cycle, sea-level rise and fall, the rock cycle, and biogeochemical cycles (carbon, hydrologic). The Carbon Cycle and Greenhouse Effec...

Conservation Biology & Global Change Explained | Chapter 56 of Campbell Biology How do we protect biodiversity in the face of habitat destruction, climate change, and species decline? Chapter 56 of Campbell Biology tackles one of the most urgent topics in modern science: conservation biology and the human impact on global ecosystems. This chapter connects scientific knowledge with social, economic, and ethical solutions to prevent the extinction crisis and restore ecosystems worldwide. Watch the full podcast summary below, then read on for a comprehensive breakdown, glossary, and key strategies for real-world conservation. Major Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Loss: The leading cause of species decline, resulting from deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization. Introduced Species: Non-native species can outcompete or prey on native organisms, disrupting entire ecosystems. Overharvesting: Excessive hunting, fishing, and resource extraction threaten man...