Write a 3-5 paragraphs and provide examples. Prompt #3 : Plants and animals do n

Question

Write a 3-5 paragraphs and provide examples.

Prompt #3: Plants and animals do not operate independently of one another. In fact, it is how these organisms interact that often defines form and function. Ecology is the branch of biology that focuses on these species interactions with each other in the habitats that they live. In light of the many human- induced changes to the environment, it would be impossible to study ecology without accounting for anthropogenic effects. Assume you are an ecologist studying local flora and fauna in San Diego. Describe the effects of human development in a local habitat (e.g. coastal, desert, chaparral, grassland, wetland, etc.). How will continued global climate change effect species adapted to a specific environment? What conservation and management measures could be implemented to protect native species in San Diego?

Explanation / Answer

With the advancement in Science and technology and the development of nations, there has been an adverse effect on our environment . The effects of pollution and other problems created by humans, like deforestation , has begun to take its toll. A proof of this is the climate change all over the world and the frequency of natural calamities like unseasonal floods and ravaging cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons in various countries of the world. We are lucky that we still have time and can work together to undo some of the damages that we have caused to our beautiful planet.

Let us make a case study by considering the anthropogenic i.e man made adverse effects, on the flora, fauna and climate of San Diego.

San Diego is a county on the coast of the Pacific ocean in Southern California . It is adjacent to the border with Mexico.

San Diego county has a varied topography. On its western side is more than 110 km of coastline. There are snow capped mountains to the east and beyond is the Sonoran Desert. The famous Cleaveland National Forest spread across the central portion of the county. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park occupies most of the north east. Besides this hills, canyons and valleys are spread in the county.

The coastal region has a mild Mediterranean to semi arid climate and extensive chaparral vegetation. There are temperature extremes with with mountains in the east recieving frost and snow in the winters , while the desert region lies in the rain shadow. There are lushy forested mountains which are a home to varied animals . There are several protected forest areas, including lakes and rivers in the county.

The charecteristic fauna of coastal San Diego are spiny rush, cordgrass, golden bush while the common fauna of the region includes birds like the great blue heron, snowy egret, osprey , gulls and marine animals like clams and fish .The sage scrub , which is found from the sea level upto a height of 1500 feet, is unique . It is a sparse , low growing shrub mostly grey green in colour. During the dry summer months, they loose their leaves and appear dead. This is a draught resistance mechanism. With the onset of winter rains, they become lush and green again. Chapparel shrubs are similar to these except that they have tougher leaves and hard, woody branches.

On the county's northern coast , lies a special strip of coastal sage scrub which is home to the rarest pine trees n the country the Torrey pine. With rapid urbanisation, this strip has become endangered . To conserve this area, the government has declared this as a 'protected area' .

The coastal sage scrub houses animals like coyote, red tailed hawk , sage sparrow, rosy boa , horned lizard etc.

Chapparal is found inland in the higher , drier foothills . It often occurs on very steep slopes. This is the most widespread habitat in this county.It is characterized by impenetrable thicket of shrubs with a dense canopy. It is evergreen. Its leaves contain oils [ resins] that are very flammable and this along with high plant density and the long dry season makes chapparals somewhat fire prone. This is why there are cases of forest fires in San Diego almost every year , in the dry season. Sometimes, these forest fires invade the residential areas too causing harm to life and property. Animals found in this forest area include grey fox, spotted skunk, wood rat , alligators, rattle snake ets.

Chapparel covers almost 46 % of the total land area of this county.

Besides there are oak woodlands in the inland foothill canyons, riparian [ streamside vegetation] throughout the county, marshy forests in areas where the soil remains saturated with water the year -round, mixed conifer forests in mountain ranges above the height of 4,500 feet, and not to forget the desert vegetation in the eastern quarter of the county.

With such varied landforms, climate, flora and fauna , San Diego county is an ecologists dream. With the high speed of urbanization of the county, it has become urgent to take concrete steps to preserve the nature's bounty. Although the government has declared much of the area as restricted and protected, still a lot needs to be done to conserve the natural vegetatin. The ravaging forest fires which destroy thousands of acres of chaparal vegetation are a cause of serious concern. With the change in global climate, the summers are becoming hotter and drier. One of the main reasons for this is the green house effect. The long, hot and dry summers aid in the occurance of forest fires. The government should work for reducing the emission of green house gases like CO2 and methane .

Urbanisation should also be controlled so that human encroachment into the forest areas is stopped. There should be stringent laws against hunting and cutting trees in the protected areas. New industries should be allowed only if they are not damaging the local flora and fauna and meet the regulations of pollution control , as specified by the government. In short, development should not be at the cost of any damage to nature.

We have to follow rules and set limitation if conservation of nature and natural resources is to be achieved. If we do not do so then very soon our planet will not be able to sustain life any more. And this will be the end of everything that we are living for.

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