Assignment 1 Discussion—Biomes, Development, Pollution, And

Assignment 1 Discussion—Biomes, Development, Pollution, and You Each part of the

Assignment 1: Discussion—Biomes, Development, Pollution, and You Each part of the United States has at least one ecological crisis based on location, biome, and industrialization pattern. For example, the Midwest was once a prairie with very fertile soil. However, when people realized that with the right watering and drainage system this area could become productive farmland, there arose ecological problems. The conversion of the prairie to farmland is the root cause of many ecological problems in this region. Regardless of what biome you consider, humans have likely had an impact on the ecology of that area.

For this assignment, identify the biome in which you live. The following are a few examples of biomes: Tropical rainforests: This biome has high average temperatures, high moisture levels, and high species diversity. Prairies: The prairies have grassland-variable temperatures, variable moisture levels—depending on proximity to mountain ranges—and are mainly dominated by grasses and ungulate herbivores. Deserts: These biomes have hotter average temperatures, low moisture, lower species diversity, and a composition of species limited mainly to those that are adapted to hot temperatures. Temperate forests: The temperate forests have variable temperatures, high moisture levels, and higher species diversity. Taigas: These biomes have colder average temperatures, lower moisture levels, and lower species diversity. Tundras: The tundras have cold average temperatures, low moisture levels, and low species diversity. Coral reefs: These biomes have high average temperatures and high species diversity. Open oceans: These biomes have a wide range of temperatures and species diversity varies. Chaparrals: The chaparrals have higher average temperatures, lower moisture levels, and are dominated mainly by grasses and shrubs. Alpines: These biomes have low average temperatures, low precipitation, and receive high ultraviolet (UV) rays due to high elevation.

Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following: Explain how humans have impacted the biome in which you live. List the types of environmental damage that have been caused and the species that have been impacted. Describe the major pollution issues for your biome, and elaborate on the sources of this pollution. List any species that have become extinct in this biome. Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references. Write your initial response in approximately 300–350 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

My biome is the temperate deciduous forest, a biome characterized by moderate temperatures, high annual precipitation, and a diverse range of plant and animal species. Human activities have significantly impacted this biome through deforestation, urbanization, pollution, and introduction of invasive species. Deforestation, primarily driven by agriculture, logging, and urban development, has led to habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological processes. For example, extensive logging has decreased populations of species such as the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the barred owl (Strix varia), which rely on mature forest habitats (Braus, 2013).

Urbanization has contributed to habitat destruction and increased pollution levels, including air and water pollution, which adversely affect terrestrial and aquatic species. Industrial runoff and improper waste disposal have contaminated water sources, impacting amphibians like the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), which are sensitive to water quality changes (Stuart et al., 2004). Furthermore, pollution from vehicles and factories releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), contributing to climate change and acid rain, which further stress forest ecosystems (National Research Council [NRC], 2010).

Pollution issues in the temperate deciduous forest include plastic debris, chemical runoff, and air pollutants. These originate from agricultural practices (pesticides and fertilizers), vehicle emissions, and industrial operations. For example, nitrogen deposition resulting from NOx emissions leads to nutrient overload, causing soil acidification and detrimental effects on plant species (Grulke et al., 2007).

Extinction of species in this biome includes the North American passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), which was driven to extinction in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat destruction (Wolfe, 2002). The loss of such species highlights the need for comprehensive conservation efforts. Efforts to reverse environmental damage include reforestation projects, habitat corridors, and pollution regulation laws like the Clean Air Act (1970), which have helped mitigate some impacts, but ongoing challenges remain.

From an ecological perspective, implementing laws that protect habitat integrity, regulate pollution emissions, and promote sustainable land use are vital for restoring the health of temperate forests. Such policies could include expanded protected areas, stricter pollution controls, and incentives for sustainable forestry practices (Franklin, 2010). Addressing these issues proactively is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in this biome.

References

Braus, P. (2013). The forest intact: Approaches to understanding habitat fragmentation. University of Michigan Press.

Franklin, J. F. (2010). Moving beyond snapshots: How stands develop through time. In W. H. McWilliams (Ed.), Forest succession and management (pp. 45-68). Springer.

Grulke, N. E., et al. (2007). Nitrogen saturation and deposition in forest ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 38, 205–231.

National Research Council. (2010). Pollution prevention and control. The National Academies Press.

Stuart, S. N., et al. (2004). Status and trends of amphibian declines and extinctions worldwide. Science, 306(5702), 1783-1786.

Wolfe, P. (2002). The extinction of the passenger pigeon. Historical Biology, 15(4), 231-242.