Changes in an Ecosystem Can Affect the Ability of an Area to Do What?

Ecosystems change naturally over time. However, the rate and impact of change is exacerbated by human and environmental factors. This affects the ability of an ecosystem to replenish itself, to support other forms of life and to safeguard the overall environment. In 2002, the U.S. Global Change Research Program dedicated $199 million toward research into effective ecosystem management.

Ecosystems

• An ecosystem is described by the functional relationship among biota, or plants, animals, and microorganisms, and how they interact with the surrounding environment. Ecosystems vary in size and composition, and range from rainforests to small ponds. Energy is recycled within this system according to specific patterns, and natural changes occur over time, such as species domination or migration.

Ecosystem Changes

• Ecosystems undergo succession or natural change, such as forest regrowth. Yet due to human input, negative changes are rapidly occurring, particularly in developing countries. Human activities have altered the natural cycling processes of water, nitrogen and carbon. For example, in intensive animal farming, actions including high water consumption, chemical fertilizer use and deforestation detrimentally impact on the dynamics of land and water ecosystems.

Habitat Destruction

• Ecosystem changes upset the natural balance, thus restricting its ability to support life. Activities such as deforestation and eutrophication directly destroy land and aquatic habitats of numerous animals and plants. Climate change also contributes to these effects. Between 50 and 1,000 more species are extinct now compared to what would have occurred naturally. Approximately one quarter of all mammalian species face the threat of extinction.

Environment Protection

• Ecosystems offer an essential protection service to the environment. For example, rainforests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and their root systems help to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. Removal of surface vegetation by deforestation eliminates this vital carbon bank, and leaves soil vulnerable to rain and wind erosion.