Free Custom «An Ecosystem» Essay Paper

An ecosystem is a living community consisting of the biotic component (living things) and abiotic components (non-living things) that interact with each other to sustain their environment.  For scientists a healthy ecosystem refer to the one that is sustainable, meaning that organisms are able to live in balance and reproduce. However, various human activities disrupt the balance in the ecosystem hence threatening to destroy it. Consequently, if one part of the ecosystem is destroyed, it affects all other parts within it (Rana, 1998). Because of the threat posed by human activities, the ecosystem needs to be protected. This report sheds some light on the persisting threat of destruction of the ecosystem and gives suggestions that can be employed to preserve the ecosystem.

Causes

There is a myriad of human activities that lead to the destruction of the ecosystem. They include deforestation, pollution, rapid urbanization among others. To start with, cutting down trees along rivers and streams results in catastrophic rise in temperatures that may threaten the aquatic life and wildlife. In addition, it leads to destruction of water catchment areas that are fundamental for rainfall and serene environment (Jordan, 2001). Logging also causes siltation of water bodies smothering fish and wildlife. Extreme deforestation causes streams, springs, ponds and rivers to dry up and predisposes the adjacent areas to arid and semi arid conditions.

 

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Secondly, pollution caused by various activities that humans engage in, damages living organisms and depletes resources. Water pollution, for instance, caused by oil and chemical spills on water bodies may suffocate marine life. In other instances, introduction of chemical toxins from industries may lead to green house effect causing unbearable temperatures. Development of sea lines has led to the crowding of the ocean with commercial ships and fishing boats, which dump plastics,  waste oil, and other toxics that disrupt the aquatic ecosystems (Kimmins, 1997).

Recent studies have shown that uncontrolled urbanization has diverse effects on the ecosystem. According to Jordan (2001), with urbanization, more land is cleared for road construction, cultivation, more settlements and construction of industrial plants. The downside is that it has led to environmental degradation in some places, where the whole forest full of wildlife is destroyed to set up a factory.

Finally, resource exploitation has contributed to the destruction of the ecosystems. For instance, places rich in natural resources such as minerals, building stones, and precious stones have been overexploited to the extent that the entire activity has become retrogressive. When these resources are extracted excessively through logging, oil drilling and mining, the ecosystem is destroyed (Rana 1998).

Possible Solutions

In view of the major ways through which destruction of ecosystems is evident, creation of marine reserves will provide protection for aquatic organisms and wildlife by prohibiting fishing and mineral extraction (Drude de Lacerda, 2002). Secondly, regulation of land use and development may help with the protection of the ecosystem. Application of scientific knowledge in land use and development may help protect the coastal areas and forests better. Information about the impact of coastal development on marine habitats should be revealed to the policy makers .

In addition, reforestation should be the primary course of action to ensure wild life is brought back to the ecosystem. Drude de Lacerda (2002) further argues that relevant authorities tasked with managing forests and other wild habitats should mobilize the available resources to plant trees and restore the cleared lands. It should also ensure that policies governing environmental protection are adhered to. Furthermore, public education offered by both the government and other relevant institutions should provide a platform though which individuals are encouraged to protect their environment (Kimmins, 1997).

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the destruction of the environment has been largely due to human actions. Therefore, more needs to be done to ensure beneficial coexistence of the human race and the wildlife. By doing this, a balance in the ecosystem is achieved leading to a safe and sustainable ecosystem for both humanity and animals.