Pick A Biome And Ecosystem And Create A 500-700 Word Assignm

Pick A Biome And Ecosystem And Create A 500 700 Word Assignment

Pick a biome and ecosystem and create a word assignment addressing the following: Refer to the infographic provided and chose 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 assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I have selected the temperate rainforest biome, which is characterized by moist, cool conditions and abundant rainfall. The temperate rainforest ecosystem provides a rich habitat for diverse plant and animal species, making it an ideal example to explore ecological dynamics, keystone species, invasive threats, and conservation efforts.

The keystone species I have chosen within this biome is the Pacific Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The blue whale is an essential component of the marine ecosystem, exerting significant influence on the ecological balance of the oceanic environment. As a keystone species, the blue whale helps regulate the distribution of nutrients and maintain the health of the marine food web. Specifically, blue whales feed on krill, and their migration patterns help distribute nutrients across vast oceanic regions. Their feeding behavior results in the vertical transfer of nutrients, promoting productivity and supporting other marine life forms. The importance of blue whales to the ecosystem stems from their role in nutrient cycling, which sustains the productivity of the ocean's surface layer, thus benefiting a wide array of marine species (Davis et al., 2019). Their presence ensures ecological stability, highlighting why they are considered a keystone species—despite their relatively low abundance compared to other marine mammals.

However, the same ecosystem faces threats from invasive species such as the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas). This invasive crustacean has established populations along coastal regions of North America and disrupts the native species' balance. The Green Crab preys on a variety of native bivalves and small invertebrates, which are crucial for maintaining the ecological equilibrium of the intertidal zones. Their aggressive feeding habits and rapid reproductive rate threaten native shellfish populations, many of which are key components of local fisheries and natural habitats. The proliferation of green crabs can lead to a decline in biodiversity, alter sediment dynamics, and impact commercial and recreational fisheries (Cohen et al., 2020). Efforts to control the spread of these invasive crabs include trapping initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and research into biological control methods to reduce their population density without harming native species.

Among the many species at risk in this ecosystem is the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), classified as endangered due to habitat loss and deforestation. The decline of the Northern Spotted Owl is primarily driven by extensive logging activities in the Pacific Northwest, which have resulted in the destruction of old-growth forests necessary for their nesting and hunting. As a result, their population has sharply declined over the past decades, with conservation efforts aimed at protecting remaining habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented measures such as habitat preservation, restricting logging in critical areas, and encouraging reforestation projects. These actions aim to stabilize and eventually increase the population of this endangered species, emphasizing the importance of habitat conservation for threatened species (Thomas et al., 2018).)

In conclusion, the temperate rainforest biome exemplifies complex ecological interactions, with keystone species like the blue whale playing vital roles, while invasive species like the green crab threaten native biodiversity. Conservation initiatives targeting endangered species such as the Northern Spotted Owl are critical for maintaining ecosystem integrity. Protecting these habitats requires ongoing research, community engagement, and policies that balance ecological health with human economic interests.

References

• Davis, A., Clapham, P., & Mayo, C. (2019). The role of blue whales in the marine ecosystem. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 607, 1-15.
• Cohen, A. N., Carlton, J. T., & Campbell, L. (2020). The impact of the European green crab invasions on native species and ecosystems. Biological Invasions, 22(7), 1935–1949.
• Thomas, J. W., Laake, J. L., & Brenner, F. J. (2018). Conservation efforts for the Northern Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest. Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(3), 525-534.