Biome And Ecosystem Essay: Pick A Biome And Ecosystem And Cr

Biome And Ecosystem Essaypick A Biome And Ecosystem And Create A 500 7

Pick a biome and ecosystem and create a word essay addressing the following: Refer to the infographic provided and choose a biome to describe with an example ecosystem. Provide one example of a keystone species found in the biome/ecosystem. Why is this keystone species important to the biome/ecosystem? What defines it as a keystone species? Provide an example of an invasive species found in the biome/ecosystem. What are some of the negative impacts this invasive species has on the ecosystem? What is being done to mitigate impacts? Provide one example of an endangered species found in the biome/ecosystem. Briefly discuss the causes of the decline in the species and what is being done to help. Please include at least 3 academic sources and make sure all sources are cited in your essay.

Paper For Above instruction

The biome selected for this essay is the temperate rainforest, a distinctive and vital ecosystem characterized by high rainfall, dense vegetation, and rich biodiversity. The temperate rainforest spans regions such as the Pacific Northwest of North America, parts of New Zealand, and southern Chile, offering complex ecological interactions and unique environmental challenges. An example of an ecosystem within this biome is the Olympic National Park ecosystem in Washington State, which exemplifies the diversity and ecological significance of temperate rainforests. This essay explores the keystone species, invasive species, and endangered species within this ecosystem, emphasizing their roles and the conservation efforts in place.

One critical keystone species in the temperate rainforest ecosystem is the Douglas fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii). As a dominant tree species, it provides essential habitat for numerous organisms, influences soil composition, and impacts water cycling. The Douglas fir's importance lies in its ability to sustain the forest’s structural integrity and biodiversity. According to Paine (1969), keystone species are those whose impact on their environment is disproportionately large relative to their abundance. In this case, the Douglas fir maintains the ecological balance by supporting a multitude of species, including fungi, insects, and mammals, ensuring the ecosystem's stability.

Invasive species pose significant threats to the temperate rainforest ecosystem. The Spanish ivy (Hedera helix), although initially introduced for ornamental purposes, has become an invasive species in many temperate rainforests, including in parts of North America. This invasive plant species outcompetes native understory vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity, altered fire regimes, and impaired habitat for native fauna. The dense ivy covers trees and understory plants, blocking sunlight and inhibiting natural regeneration. To mitigate these impacts, conservation organizations are engaging in removal efforts such as manual pulling, herbicide application, and ecological restoration projects aimed at controlling ivy spread and promoting native plant recovery (Hidalgo et al., 2020).

An endangered species within the temperate rainforest is the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). This owl's decline is primarily due to habitat loss resulting from logging, urban development, and forest fragmentation. The destruction of old-growth forests deprives the species of its primary nesting and foraging habitats. Conservation measures include legal protections, habitat preservation, and the establishment of protected reserves such as the co-managed national forests. These efforts aim to stabilize and increase the owl populations by ensuring suitable habitats and reducing human disturbances (Thomas et al., 1990).

In conclusion, the temperate rainforest ecosystem is a complex and delicate environment where keystone species like the Douglas fir maintain ecological balance. Invasive species such as Spanish ivy threaten native biodiversity and require concerted management efforts. Endangered species like the northern spotted owl highlight the importance of habitat conservation and sustainable management practices. Protecting these ecosystems relies on understanding these dynamics and implementing effective conservation strategies to preserve their richness for future generations.

References

• Hidalgo, B., Casenave, J. L., & Fernández, D. (2020). Managing invasive plants in temperate forests: Impacts and control strategies. Forest Ecology and Management, 462, 117935.
• Paine, R. T. (1969). A note on trophic complexity and community stability. The American Naturalist, 103(929), 91-93.
• Thomas, J. W., Forsman, E. D., Lindsay, K. E., & Meslow, E. C. (1990). Singlespecies management guidelines for northern spotted owls. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report. PNW-GTR-293.
• Franklin, J. F., & Dyrness, C. T. (1973). Natural Vegetation of Oregon and Washington. Oregon State University Press.
• Horton, J. L., & Brandeis, T. J. (2017). Ecology of temperate rainforests. Ecological Monographs, 87(3), 440-462.
• Carey, A. B. (2000). The ecological role of residual trees in managed forests of the Pacific Northwest. Conservation Biology, 14(4), 919-930.
• Wilkins, R. J., & Beale, C. M. (2019). Invasive species impacts on temperate forest ecosystems. Biological Invasions, 21(7), 2515-2530.
• Reyes, J., Santos, A. M., & Torres, F. (2018). Conservation strategies for endemic and endangered forest species. Environmental Conservation, 45(1), 22-33.
• Benton, T. G., Solan, M., & Travis, J. M. (2007). Microhabitat variability and ecosystem stability in temperate forests. Nature, 448(7159), 280-283.
• National Forest Service. (2015). Management plans for temperate rainforest conservation. USDA Forest Service.