Anacostia River Ecosystems
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Anacostia River Ecosystems
What happens when part of an ecosystem changes? At Urban Adventure Squad we explored the answer. Food Webs What we found is if one food source goes extinct or shrinks then the entire ecosystem changes. It's the same if a consumer shrinks or goes extinct. And if a population getting too big it can have similar impacts. Humans have interfered largely with the ecosystems on our planet. For example we have chosen animals that we think look cool, or we fear, or even that we cmdon't like how it looks and forced it into extinction disrupting their ecosystem. We have also bred animals a certain way so that they provide more milk or so that they have more meat or so they don't have traits they naturally would. Humans greatly interfere with nature and often disrupt the balance. But there are ways to help maintain the balance. Humans have gotten to the point where keeping cows or other farm animals is necessary. But we can still leave plants and animals alone when they're in the wild. You can look but don't touch. This is a great way to maintain our ecosystems. Or even building a birdhouse so that animals who are losing their habitat can still find a home. There are lots of things we can do we just need to try. The Importance of Plants Why are plants important to our ecosystem? Plants unlike humans breathe Carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps keep the air cleaner and more breathable. Trees are also a source of food for bugs, animals, humans, plants etc. The fruits and nuts on trees provide humans, bugs, animals, etc. with food, and when those fruits fall to the ground they decompose and provide "food" to the other plants around it. As well as that trees allow humans to create many things and offer many bugs and animals a home. Despite all the things trees do for the world humans cut them down to make space for buildings, or build houses or furniture or make paper. When people cut down trees the carbon dioxide stored inside of them is released into the atmosphere. As well as that the tools used to cut down the tree release carbon. This is important because large amounts of carbon dioxide in the air has largely contributed to Global Warming. Trees and plants are very important for our planet. So we need to do what we can to stop deforestation. For example using less paper and plastic. And recycling whenever and whatever you can. As well as picking up trash when you see it on the ground. |
The Climate Future, a short video created by middle schoolers in "Investigating Life Along the Anacostia River."
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