♻️ap environmental science review

Overexploitation

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Overexploitation occurs when humans excessively use or harvest natural resources beyond their sustainable limits. This can lead to depletion or extinction of species, degradation of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity.