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| PICTURE: This image shows what used to be a forest, but it was taken under construction. Many habitats have been lost because of this destruction. |
Summary:
There are many
causes of habitat loss (in the United States) such as natural weather occurrences,
construction, destruction, and fragmentation. When humans dramatically
influence an ecosystem, that ecosystem may no longer be able to provide food,
water, coverage, and areas to raise their young. It is sad to say that there are
fewer places left in the wild that can be called a home for these animals.
The different
types of habitat loss are mainly caused by destruction, fragmentation, and
degradation. An example of habitat destruction would be a bulldozer pushing
down trees; many organisms live in and on trees, so by taking these trees down,
animals and plants are being killed and taken away. Habitat fragmentation is
when terrestrial wildlife is cut into fragments by roads and other types of
development. Aquatic animals may no longer have a home due to building dams or
water diversions. Habitat degradation is when a habitat is polluted or
disruption by invasive species. The loss of habitat makes it difficult for
species to find places to feed their young and rest.
Other leading
factors of habitat loss in the U.S. include agriculture, land used for development,
pollution, global warming, and water development. All of these things are
slowly wearing away habitats of animals and they have nowhere to live their life.
My Opinion/Reflection:
I always knew
that humans are the main reasons for habitat loss. It’s so sad to think that
innocent animals have no homes because of us, but it’s not like humans
purposely take away their habitats. Humans need to continue with their lives
too, but I think we also need to be aware or how our actions shape the world
around us. Before people go taking a bulldozer and taking down a handful of
trees, I think environmentalists or scientists should inspect the trees and
area around them for habitats and organisms; if there are animals and
endangered species near there, the bulldozers should just leave! No way should
they kill animals especially if they
are endangered.
Questions:
1 1. Although there is probably not much you can do
physically to end so much habitat loss, what other ways can you think of
that we can do to save these animals?
2. Do you think it is important that the government
kicks in before bulldozers kick down?
3. How does agriculture affect habitat loss?
Explain.
4. Since we cannot control the weather, what can
humans do after a natural disaster happens to preserve habitats?
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ReplyDeleteThis is definitely another incredible example of the impact humans have on the environment. If there are problems like this, why can't the people who are causing them see what they are doing? Are they really blinded by their greed and business? Do they really put money over the lives of innocent animals? We as the next generation need to understand what is happening in order to be the ones to put an end to it. We can't do it alone. We need to put our trust in each other and what we are learning and seeing about the environment. If we fail to accomplish that task, our consequences will be irreversible.
ReplyDeleteIn response to question 2:
Absolutely. I completely agree that the government needs to do something right away. It is essential that these negative effects are reversed as soon as possible. Destroying ecosystems and lowering biodiversity in the environment is only the beginning of the chain reaction it causes. Soon after will come natural disasters, putting our own lives in danger. Anyone who has ever seen the movies Wall-E, Naussicaa of The Valley of the Wind, Happy Feet, The Simpsons Movie, Avatar, The Day After Tomorrow, or have ever read The Lorax, should see the effect that is occurring today. But how will we show the government they need to do something? And if the government has an epiphany, what can they do to limit other citizens' free will? After all, it is America. The road ahead is not pretty, but I figure that with the education the states now teach, the representatives we elect in our near future may be sensible enough to recognize the problem and create a solution that satisfies it.
Expand: I have a question.
What right does the American government have on limiting the powers of companies to buy land?
In response to question
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ReplyDeleteI agree that we should be careful about what we destroy because several species are losing their homes every day, just so we can improve our society. As a result, many of them are becoming threatened, endangered, or extinct. This is really sad, but it’s not completely our fault! Homes, roads, parks, malls, companies, etc. are important and are still being built, even during the current economic crisis. Bulldozers should just leave if there are any organisms depended on area they are about to destroy. Everyone needs to realize how our actions can affect the world us. We should dedicate some areas to wildlife habitat.
ReplyDeleteExpand:
I found an article that describes MARINE habitat destruction more in depth.
http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-marine-habitat-destruction/
Dredging, draining, pollution, logging of wetlands and coastal development are all reasons why marine habitat destruction is still occurring. Fishing methods like poisoning and bottom trawling can destroy habitats near shores and oceans. Tourism brings lots of boats, scuba divers, and snorkelers to go near reef ecosystems and delicate wetlands. Hulls and anchors can damage growing wildlife. Spills of crude oil and other toxic chemicals can kill several fish and birds. The burning of fossil fuels causes carbon dioxide which is then absorbed by oceans. As a result, the high acidity can disturb many organisms. Scientists agree that humans are the number one reason why many species are losing their homes.