Identify one harmful activity that humans do that might change the percentage of water that is available as a resource? Predict the possible effects this activity could cause to the food chains in that area, the changes in the number and types of organisms, and on the populations of other organisms within that ecosystem.
Overpopulation. Increase population=decrease of natural resources.
One harmful activity that humans do that can significantly impact the availability of water resources is water pollution. This can occur when industrial or household waste is discharged into water bodies without proper treatment and when chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural activities find their way into water systems, among other factors.
Predicting the effects of water pollution on food chains, organisms, and ecosystem populations requires a detailed assessment of the specific pollutants and the ecosystem in question. However, there are some general effects that can be expected:
1. Impact on food chains: Water pollution can contaminate organisms living in the water and subsequently affect the entire food chain. For example, if pollutants enter a river and contaminate the fish, it can disrupt the aquatic food web, affecting other organisms that rely on those fish as a food source.
2. Changes in organisms: Different organisms have varying tolerances to pollutants, so the types and numbers of species in an ecosystem may change. Some organisms may be more sensitive to pollution and suffer population declines, while others that can tolerate or even benefit from pollution may increase in numbers. This disrupts the biodiversity and ecological balance of the ecosystem.
3. Population impacts: Pollution can directly harm or kill organisms, leading to a decrease in their population size. Additionally, the loss of certain species, such as aquatic insects or filter feeders, can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, as their roles in nutrient cycling and maintaining water quality are compromised.
4. Altered habitats: Water pollution can lead to the destruction or degradation of habitats, such as coral reefs, wetlands, or mangrove forests. This can further impact the availability of resources and disrupt the ecosystem's ability to support diverse organisms.
To accurately predict the specific effects of water pollution on food chains, organisms, and ecosystem populations, it's important to study the specific pollutants, the affected ecosystem, and consider other factors such as climate and habitat complexity.