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Savanna 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.
Savanna Ecosystem Specific links
Savanna Ecosystem News
Urban Outdoors: Saving open-grown oaks - 77Square.com
Urban Outdoors: Saving open-grown oaks 77Square.com Saving open-grown oaks, those that were once part of a savanna ecosystem, is one place where urban outdoors residents can be involved in saving a part of outdoors history. An open-grown tree -- usually a white, bur or swamp white oak -- is one that had ... |
The Greening of West Africa - CO2 Science Magazine
The Greening of West Africa CO2 Science Magazine ... that "the continent is also characterized by a fast growing human population (up to 3% per year; FAO, 2007), which is imposing an increased pressure upon ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen forest to deciduous forest, savanna and grassland. |
Scientists gather for 10th Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting in Kruger - Kruger Park Times (press release)
 Kruger Park Times (press release) | Scientists gather for 10th Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting in Kruger Kruger Park Times (press release) “This meeting has grown from one encouraging scientific dialogue around biological research in the Kruger National Park (KNP) to one now encouraging a broader social-ecological savanna focus”, commented SANPArks, scientific services head of department, ... |
Montessori School of Lake Forest Receives National Wildlife Certification - TribLocal
 TribLocal | Montessori School of Lake Forest Receives National Wildlife Certification TribLocal The land is adjacent to the Lake County Forest Preserves'25-acre Middlefork Savannah, a high-quality tall grass savanna recognized as a globally threatened ecosystem. MSLF's OLDP has been actively in development for many years, and completion of the ... |
Restoring a safe haven for endangered species - Mail Tribune
Restoring a safe haven for endangered species Mail Tribune The Whetstone property abuts the ODOT land, making the combined 224 acres the largest intact oak savannah ecosystem in the Rogue Valley. The goal for each of the two plant species is a minimum of 2000 individuals, with success counted only when a plant ... |