Overexploitation
Overexploitation
Overexploitation (pronunciation: /ˌoʊvərˌɛkˌsploiˈteɪʃən/), also known as overharvesting or overuse, is a term used in environmental health and conservation biology to describe the excessive use or extraction of a resource to the point where it is depleted or seriously degraded.
Etymology
The term "overexploitation" is derived from the prefix "over-", meaning "too much", and the word "exploitation", which comes from the Latin "exploitare", meaning "to use". In this context, it refers to the excessive use or misuse of a resource.
Definition
Overexploitation occurs when a resource is consumed at a rate that exceeds its natural replacement rate. This can lead to the resource's depletion or even extinction. Overexploitation is a major threat to biodiversity and can have serious ecological, economic, and social consequences.
Examples
Overexploitation can occur in various contexts, including fishing, forestry, hunting, and mining. For example, overfishing can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, while overlogging can result in deforestation and loss of habitat for wildlife.
Related Terms
- Sustainability: The practice of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Resource depletion: The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
- Conservation: The practice of protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Overexploitation
- Wikipedia's article - Overexploitation
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