Final Assignment
Now use Write It to write an essay or Infograph It to create a diagram for your final assignment. Choose one type of disruption featured in the lesson—habitat loss, loss of primary prey, or the introduction of invasive species—and answer the question:
What do you think might happen if this disruption occurred in an ecosystem near you?
If you are using Infograph It, open the notes below before you begin.
I will choose the disruption of habitat loss to focus on for my final assignment.
Habitat loss is a significant threat to ecosystems around the world, including those near where I live. If habitat loss were to occur in an ecosystem near me, the consequences could be severe. One immediate result would be the displacement of native plant and animal species that relied on that habitat for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. This could lead to a decrease in biodiversity and potentially the loss of certain species from the area.
Additionally, habitat loss can disrupt the delicate balance of an ecosystem, as different species rely on one another for survival. For example, if the habitat of a certain plant species is destroyed, it could impact the insects that pollinate it, which in turn affects the birds that feed on those insects. This ripple effect can lead to a decline in overall ecosystem health and stability.
Furthermore, habitat loss can also result in increased competition among species for limited resources, such as food and space. This can lead to population declines for certain species, as well as potential conflicts between wildlife and humans as animals are forced to encroach on urban areas in search of food and shelter.
Overall, if habitat loss were to occur in an ecosystem near me, it would have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and the communities that depend on it. It is important for us to recognize the importance of preserving habitats and taking steps to protect and restore them in order to maintain the health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems.