Question

“before the American chestnut disappeared, it made up 25% of all of the hardwood forests in the Appalachians, the main mountain range in the eastern United States. The disappearance of the chestnut tree had several negative consequences for the people in this region. Previously, their houses had been built out of chestnut wood. They had relied on the trees for nuts. They had sold the lumber from the trees to make money to support themselves and their families.”

How does this support my claim that animals and plants play a critical role in maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystem

Answer 1

This information supports the claim that animals and plants play a critical role in maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystem because the disappearance of the American chestnut tree had negative consequences for the people in the region. Without the presence of this tree, which made up 25% of the hardwood forests in the area, people lost important resources and sources of income. This highlights the interdependence between humans and the natural environment. The chestnut tree provided materials for building houses, nuts for food, and lumber for economic activities. The loss of this tree disrupted the balance and health of the ecosystem, showcasing the vital role plants and animals play in sustaining human communities and their livelihoods.