How living things interact with their environment has always been important, but now peering through the lens of climate change and other concerns means that it is gaining in importance, according to the British Ecological Society. Experts note the tremendous significance of the interrelationship between these vital systems and how they might alter the future, otherwise known as Ecology.
Why exactly is it important?
The knowledge gained through ecology helps enrich the lives of human beings and generate prosperity. This includes life-sustaining resources like clean air and water, sustaining biodiversity despite a changing climate and the ability of food production.
Is it possible to conserve a habitat and its biodiversity?
Indeed, it is. Ecology is the essential foundational element for nature conservation, pivotal to maintaining the habitats that ensure the survival of species.
“For instance, heathland is a valued landscape that is fast disappearing throughout much of Western Europe, but studies have helped identify how to preserve its ecological characteristic,” according to the article.
Experiments Allow for Scientists to Anticipate Impacts
The hazards of atmospheric pollution and climate change are being noticed by people and governments all over the world. Scientists are now able to garner essential information about pollution level response and make estimations about future climate change thanks to large-scale experiments on plants and animals who are exposed to different ecological conditions in carefully controlled atmospheres.
Is ocean fishing possible without depleting it?
While possible, it does depend on where the fishing is taking place, according to the article. The marine ecosystem in the Antarctic, for example, is managed in its entirety under an international agreement to conserve living resources.
“This makes it easier to understand marine communities and their interactions, as well as help monitor threatened species more closely,” according to the article.
How are birds impacted by forest destruction?
Nearly one-third of forest bird species cannot live in small patches of forests. This is problematic as forests across the globe are cleared and converted for different land uses.
“”For example, by 2005, over 80% of the high-forest in Ghana had been cleared in just 100 years,” according to the article. Researchers are now able to use ecological studies to advise on the impacts of land-conversion on native species.
What about mangroves, should they be protected?
Mangroves do a number of things, including serving as a nursery site for young fish and working to fix sediments. Mangrove forests function as firewood, medicine and as a source of food for local populations. The result is that mangrove forests are multipurpose ecosystems and as ecologists garner further understanding of the uniqueness of this ecosystem they are understanding that mangrove trees are sensitive to change and “require sustainable management to preserve their biodiversity.”