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Antarctica Ecosystem Article
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Ecosystem Disruption
from:Ecosystem disruption can be defined as the affect on the environment where human subsistence has altered the face of the environment to the extent that survival of a species is threatened. In this environment the ecosystem disruption can be a seen in the fragile ecosystem where plants, insects, grasses, fungi and animals are in crisis. The survival of any species other than man, in an area of ecosystem disruption shows an amazing ability to survive despite crippling odds.
The interaction of humans may cause ecosystem disruption in an environment too harsh for the aquatic loving species of plants. Without the abundance of water in an ecosystem dominated by humans many plants are unable to survive. Those that do survive have adapted or found themselves in an area of ecosystem disruption. Ecosystem disruption can be seen in an environment where species cope with high levels of toxins in the water table. They may have adapted to harsh conditions. High diurnal range of temperatures due to the levels of human activity and building and environmental development make survival difficult for many animals, insects and plants. Those that do survive in any number are often classed as vermin. Rodents are peculiarly adaptable and are often the last to leave an area prone to ecosystem disruption. Cockroaches, rats, possums, ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders are all able to adapt to the ecosystem disruption. Plants that are able to withstand periods of drought, harsh treatment underfoot or under tyres, are often so tough that they too are classed as weeds.
It is the ability to survive that makes those plants and animals numerous in the ecosystem disruption. Cultivated gardens need care, and where lawns and manicured shrubs are able to survive with constant care, where there is signs of ecosystem disruption only the toughest species survive.
In worst cases of ecosystem disruption it is the humble survivor that forms the food chain. The hardy grass, the indestructible cockroach the every present fly can survive where ecosystem disruption has begun. Those creatures and plants that are able to exist and propagate where life is toughest are the species that will thrive and populate despite ecosystem disruption.
Concrete, paving, tarmac and high density buildings alter the ground water flow and drainage of the landscape. With high volume run off, low volume absorption and with limited open landscape, grassland or trees, the overall consumption of water for the disrupted ecosystem is minimal. Despite a high annual rainfall, much of the precipitation can be lost as storm- water. Having so much fresh water wasted makes ecosystem disruption more likely. Species that once relied on abundant rainfall and absorption of run off must alter their areas of scavenging or leave the area suffering ecosystem disruption.
Antarctica Ecosystem Specific links
Antarctica Ecosystem News
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