Biology / Unit 14 Bio 3749 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Overexploitation
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The idea
Overexploitation is harvesting a species, through hunting, fishing, or collection, at a rate exceeding its capacity to reproduce and replace individuals removed.
In practice
A fish population harvested faster than it reproduces will decline without habitat or climate pressure.
Where people slip
Overexploitation is relative to a population's own reproductive rate, not a fixed volume — sustainable for one species can overexploit a slower one.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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