Ecosystems around us may appear stable, but they are constantly changing. Some changes occur rapidly or unexpectedly, while others happen very slowly, making them difficult to notice. These changes can pose threats to the survival of living organisms. What causes these changes in ecosystems?

Natural Phenomena:

Natural events such as volcanoes, hurricanes, and rainfall can alter ecosystems. Volcanic eruptions may fill valleys with ash, hurricanes can destroy coastlines, and intense rainfall can cause landslides, transforming hills into muddy rivers. Lack of rainfall, on the other hand, leads to drought. These cosmic events are mentioned in divine verses as reminders for humanity. The ecosystem requires long periods to recover from such changes.

Living Creatures:

Living organisms can also impact ecosystems. For example, locust swarms attacking plants can eliminate them. When locust swarms gather in search of food, their numbers can reach up to 50 million locusts, consuming all vegetation in their path, leaving the ecosystem without food. Some living creatures can be beneficial to ecosystems. For instance, the movement of crocodiles creates pathways and burrows in wetlands, quickly filling with water. During droughts, the stored water in these pits and gaps saves the lives of crocodiles, birds, and other animals.

Human Adaptation to Ecosystem Changes:

All living creatures, including humans, resort to adaptation, a distinctive characteristic that helps them survive and overcome various environmental conditions. Humans have adapted to the four seasons despite maintaining a constant body temperature. This is achieved through appropriate clothing, the use of cooling and heating devices, and the construction of heat-insulating homes. Human adaptation to different temperatures and humidity levels involves increasing oxygen intake through deep breathing during physical activities.

How Do Humans Alter the Ecosystem?

Humans can bring both harmful and beneficial changes to ecosystems. Deforestation, population density, and pollution are among the factors contributing to ecosystem alterations.

Deforestation:

Cutting down trees for construction and manufacturing eliminates the habitats of many living creatures in forests, destroying their shelters and food sources.

Population Density:

As the human population grows, the demand for resources such as land and water increases. Overcrowding in specific areas, known as population density, makes acquiring space and water challenging, leading to competition among living organisms.

Pollution:

Gases emitted from vehicles, factories, and other sources pollute the air we breathe. Pollution involves adding harmful substances to water, air, or soil, including waste disposal. Pollution can lead to the destruction of plants and animals in the ecosystem.

Protecting the Ecosystem:

Can the ecosystem be protected from the damages caused by humans? Yes, by reducing car usage, utilizing modern and eco-friendly vehicles, and treating waste to dispose of harmful materials. Planting new trees, recycling glass, paper, and plastic, and managing water consumption also contribute to protecting the ecosystem.

Consequences of Ecosystem Changes:

Imagine the behavior of animals when a fire breaks out, spreading through trees and the smell of smoke permeates the forest. Deer lift their heads to inhale the air, and the creatures in the forest enter a struggle for survival. How do plants and animals survive under such circumstances?

Adaptation:

God has granted some living creatures the ability to survive when the ecosystem changes. They may alter their behavior or habitats. Adaptation is the animal's response to sudden changes in its environment. Fires often destroy the main food source in forests, forcing some animals, like deer, to change their diet, consuming tree bark instead of leaves. Others may use new plants or materials as a shelter.

Migration to New Locations:

Not all living creatures can adapt to changes in ecosystems. Some opt to change their habitat, seeking new sources of food and water or a suitable shelter. Surprisingly, forest fires can sometimes be beneficial for forests and other creatures. By forcing some animals to leave, the remaining living creatures in the forest can access their needs abundantly, without the need to compete for survival.

Extinction:

If living creatures fail to adapt to environmental changes and cannot obtain their food and shelter needs, they die out. The entire species may disappear, becoming extinct. Scientists have identified many species that lived on Earth millions of years ago through the study of fossils found in rocks. Plant and animal species facing extinction may become entirely extinct over time without protection. The Arabian Peninsula is characterized by diverse living organisms, some of which are endangered, such as the Arabian Oryx, due to excessive hunting, and the Arabian leopard, facing the threat of extinction.

Conclusion:

Ecosystems are observed to be influenced by various and diverse changes, whether natural or resulting from human interventions. Natural phenomena, such as volcanoes and hurricanes, can bring about rapid and significant changes, while living creatures can also play a role in modifying ecosystems. Human activities, with their considerable impact on the environment, can adapt to and even cause changes. Taking care to protect the ecosystem and improving environmental behavior can contribute to maintaining the balance of nature. 

Experiment for yourself with Vlaby Virtual Science Worker platform