DIVERSITY OF ECOSYSTEMS
Desert |
Antarctic Polar Region |
Rocky Shore and Tide Pools |
Wetland |
Forest |
Forest
stream
and waterfall |
Coral reef |
African Savanna |
Grassland |
Wetlands |
Meandering river |
Bison on plains |
Grassland savanna |
Swamp |
Forest Floor |
Forest lake in winter |
Pool in cave |
Mt. Saint Helens Volcano |
Wildflower meadow
|
Beaver dam creek |
Bamboo forest |
Wild river ecosystem |
Spring
in the mountains |
Mineral springs vent |
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The biodiversity,
interactions, and functions within ecosystems have developed and
evolved over countless years. Changes that have occurred ever
so slowly over time have allowed for adaptation of species and
ecosystem survival. But, catastrophic and rapid changes can
have a disastrous effect on ecosystems and biodiversity of species.
Among these are natural events such as volcanic eruptions, floods,
tsunamis, and hurricanes. Other disruption and destruction of
the natural environment and biodiversity occurs through rapid and
harmful human activities. |
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"As virtually no surface of the earth
today is free of human contact,
all ecosystems can be more accurately considered as human ecosystems"
(Wikipedia online encyclopedia)
The ecosystems on
Earth that are most remote from the effects of human activities are
the places where incredible amounts of species are as yet to be
discovered by humans. Once discovered, this could be for better or worse. Worse, if these
ecosystems should then become compromised by their very discovery,
and harmful human activities begin. |
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Enter - The Human...
For Better or Worse
Click
link to continue to Urban Ecosystems
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