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Understanding The Connection Of The Ecosystem In Animals
from:An ecosystem is a group of plants, animals and other living and non living things together in an environment. There are many different types of ecosystems and all the ecosystems of the world are interrelated. When pollution or any other disturbance occurs in one part of the world it affects all the other ecosystems as well. Tropical rainforests, grasslands, lakes, ponds, and forests are some of the different kinds of ecosystem. In animals such as the polar bear, who are endangered, major changes to the ecosystem can be life threatening and cause a serious decline in their natural habitats.
Everything within an ecosystem is reliant and dependent upon other various elements within that ecosystem. In animals there is a direct correlation between the predator and the prey and all organisms in an ecosystem are classified as producers, consumers or decomposers.
• An example of a producer would be a green plant that is able to produce its own food.
• A consumer is an animal that can not make its own food and must use other plants or animals for food.
• A decomposer is responsible for breaking down waste products and deceased animals for food.
There are different levels of consumers in the ecosystem. In animals that are classified as a first level consumer dinner may be a tasty shrub or root. First level consumers, such as mice, feed directly on the plants in the ecosystem. In animals that are classified as second level consumers’ lunch might consist of a juicy mouse. Snakes are one example of a second level consumer. An example of a third level consumer would be a hawk who would eat the snake for breakfast.
If a species is introduced to an ecosystem that is not native to that environment it can cause a lot of problems within the food chain. If, for instance, a new species of frogs are brought into an ecosystem it might not seem like that much of a problem. However the new species of frogs are going to start eating the bugs that other animals in the ecosystem are dependent upon. Also, with the addition of a prey additional predators may begin to enter the ecosystem and cause further problems.
There is a very delicate balance of producers, predators and prey within an ecosystem. In animals that balance is vital for their survival and it is imperative that the ecosystems in our communities are allowed to remain intact. By taking care of the ecosystems of the world and understanding how they work a healthier environment can be enjoyed by people and animals alike.
Ecosystem Animals Specific links
Ecosystem Animals News
Street lights disrupt ecosystem, study says - Mother Nature Network
 Mother Nature Network | Street lights disrupt ecosystem, study says Mother Nature Network The lights are beneficial to some species, but harmful to others, according to a new study that raises questions about human impact on wildlife. By Agence France PresseWed, May 23 2012 at 1:58 AM EST LIGHTS: Five species, including ants, ground beetles ... Street lights 'changing ecology' |
Street Lights Affect Delicate Ecosystems - RedOrbit
 RedOrbit | Street Lights Affect Delicate Ecosystems RedOrbit Civilization has long been derided for intruding upon the habitats of wild animals, and even man's smaller neighbors have been affected by the wheels of progress. Another measure of this impact can be seen in how street lighting is having a ... |
Deep-sea aliens hitched ride by submarine to pristine area - msnbc.com (blog)
 msnbc.com (blog) | Deep-sea aliens hitched ride by submarine to pristine area msnbc.com (blog) "I don't worry too much about deep-sea aliens taking over," lead researcher Janet Voight told msnbc.com, "but the worse-case scenario would in fact be a fundamental change in the ecosystem" if the new species brought with it a disease or parasite. Deep sea animals stowaway on submarines and reach new territory |
Street lighting is changing insect ecosystems, study claims - The Independent
 BBC News | Street lighting is changing insect ecosystems, study claims The Independent ... changing insect ecosystems in towns and cities, a study has found. Groups of invertebrates living near artificial lights include more predators and scavengers, say researchers. The effect could be impacting the survival rates of different species, ... Street lights 'changing ecology on the ground' Insect swarms near streetlights contain more predators and scavengers |
Wyoming's open hunting season on wolves could kill Colorado's chances of ... - Boulder Weekly
 Boulder Weekly | Wyoming's open hunting season on wolves could kill Colorado's chances of ... Boulder Weekly Their presence shapes an entire ecosystem: Studies have shown wolves keep elk and deer on the move, which allows for healthier tree and shrub growth, providing habitat for other species, and wolves cull sick, weak adult deer and elk, ... |