Last Minute Lecture

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...

Ecosystem Energy Flow & Chemical Cycling Explained | Chapter 55 of Campbell Biology How does energy move through ecosystems, and how are essential nutrients recycled? Chapter 55 of Campbell Biology unpacks the dynamic processes of energy flow and chemical cycling, explaining how life on Earth depends on the transfer and transformation of energy and matter. This chapter is essential for understanding both natural ecosystem function and how human actions can impact global cycles. Watch the full podcast summary below, then read on for an in-depth breakdown, key terms, and applied examples in modern ecology and environmental science. Energy Flow in Ecosystems Energy in ecosystems follows the laws of thermodynamics: it enters as sunlight, is captured by autotrophs (primary producers), and is transferred through trophic levels via consumers and decomposers . Gross primary production (GPP) measures total energy captured by producers, while net primary production (NPP)...