The scenario described, where people hunt and capture mountain gorillas in Africa for profit, exemplifies the factor that affects biodiversity known as poaching.
1. Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wild animals, often for commercial gain or other purposes. In this case, the act of hunting and selling baby gorillas for large sums of money contributes to the decline of the mountain gorilla population and disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem they inhabit.
2. Poaching directly impacts biodiversity by reducing the population of a particular species, which can lead to a decrease in genetic diversity and disrupt the delicate ecological relationships within an ecosystem. When a species like the mountain gorilla is hunted and captured, it can have far-reaching negative effects on the overall biodiversity of the area.
3. In contrast to pollution, nonnative species, and habitat destruction, which are also factors affecting biodiversity, poaching specifically involves the deliberate targeting and exploitation of wildlife for illegal purposes. By understanding and addressing the root causes of poaching, conservation efforts can be implemented to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
In conclusion, the example provided illustrates how poaching, as a detrimental human activity, can significantly impact biodiversity by threatening the survival of species such as mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
