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Overharvesting

Definition

Overharvesting refers to the excessive removal or exploitation of natural resources beyond their sustainable limits, leading to depletion or extinction.

Analogy

Think about overharvesting like eating all your favorite snacks from your pantry without restocking them. Eventually, you'll run out of snacks and won't have any left for the future.

Related terms

Sustainable harvesting: Sustainable harvesting is the practice of using natural resources in a way that ensures their availability for future generations.

Tragedy of the commons: The tragedy of the commons refers to a situation where individuals exploit shared resources for their own benefit, leading to depletion or degradation of those resources.

Extinction: Extinction occurs when a species no longer has any living members and ceases to exist. It can be caused by various factors, including overharvesting.

"Overharvesting" appears in:



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.