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Humans can change habitats by converting the land in one way or another. How and why we affect habitats depends on the type of habitat in question.

Forests - We cut down trees for several reasons, mainly to use the trees or to clear the forest out to allow for agriculture. In cutting down the forest, we take away habitat preferred by forest-dwelling plants and animals and often replace it with a sort of grassland-type of habitat that other animals may prefer.

Wetlands - We often drain wetlands to allow for agriculture or for building houses. These wetlands were seen for many generations to be useless swamps, but what we are finding is that when wetlands are removed, flooding tends to increase. Wetlands act like a big sponge that soaks up rainwater. Wetlands conservation is also critical to protect a number of animal species, especially birds, that require wetlands to survive. The Everglades were the first federally-protected wetlands in the U.S., and they were only set aside in the second half of the 20th century.

Grasslands/Prairie - Grasslands, especially in the American West, were converted very easily into pastures or farmland. In doing so, native animals such as bison, prairie dogs were forced out. The black-footed ferret nearly went extinct as a result of prairie dog extirpation.

Desert - Intensive agriculture in poor soil can cause desertification, i.e. the conversion of one habitat into desert. Although certain species live in deserts and can benefit from them, the result is generally not beneficial to mankind. Much of northern Africa and the Middle East that is now desert was once lush farmland in historic times.

Waterways - Overfishing is a major problem in the world's oceans. Pollution and ocean temperature changes can quickly kill entire coral reefs. Placing dams on rivers can control water levels, but can be harmful to fish that migrate upstream to spawn.

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