How can understanding cause-and-effect relationships help someone to understand the danger of a threat to an ecosystem? Use evidence from both articles to support your answer
What image comes to mind when you think of a swamp? How about a marsh or a bog? Chances are you had a similar image in your mind for all of these. That’s because these are, in fact, very similar environments. In everyday use, it is common to use these terms interchangeably, and while there are minute differences among the three land areas, they all belong to the same general category: wetlands. A wetland is an area of land that is filled or covered with water for at least part of the year. Wetlands are neither completely dry nor completely underwater. They are known as “transition zones” because they are the link between water and land, and they have a unique combination of the characteristics of both. The special characteristics of these “transition zones” enable them to support plant and animal life not found anywhere else. A common nickname for wetlands is “nurseries of life.” Chances are, however, when you envisioned a swamp (or a marsh or a bog), you conjured up an image of a rather unpleasant place: creepy and shadowy, muddy, overrun with snakes and insects. Would it ever occur to you that this could be the kind of place we would want to save and preserve? Probably not. Wetlands have historically been regarded as wastelands and centers of disease and insect infestation, and humans have sought to avoid or eliminate them when possible. Since the 18th century, more than half of the original wetlands in the United States have been degraded or destroyed. In the 19th century, there was a massive push to drain the wetlands, which harbored malaria-bearing mosquitoes, after a series of yellow fever epidemics. Since then, further destruction has occurred as a result of human activities, such as agriculture, industrialization and development. Wetlands have been drained and converted to farmland, filled in to provide more opportunities for residential and industrial development, or used as dumping grounds for waste. Other human activities, such as pollution, while not directly targeted at eliminating wetlands, have also played a role in the process. However, in recent decades, attitudes about wetlands have changed. People have begun to realize that wetlands are valuable and productive ecosystems that fulfill an essential function for both humans and wildlife. Due to their unique characteristics, wetlands can support a wide diversity of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. They also control floodwaters and protect us from storms and hurricanes. Wetlands also improve water quality by filtering, cleaning and storing water. Lastly, many people rely on wetlands for their livelihood, as they are important centers for hunting.
What image comes to mind when you think of a swamp? How about a marsh or a bog? Chances are you had a similar image in your mind for all of these. That’s because these are, in fact, very similar environments. In everyday use, it is common to use these terms interchangeably, and while there are minute differences among the three land areas, they all belong to the same general category: wetlands. A wetland is an area of land that is filled or covered with water for at least part of the year. Wetlands are neither completely dry nor completely underwater. They are known as “transition zones” because they are the link between water and land, and they have a unique combination of the characteristics of both. The special characteristics of these “transition zones” enable them to support plant and animal life not found anywhere else. A common nickname for wetlands is “nurseries of life.” Chances are, however, when you envisioned a swamp (or a marsh or a bog), you conjured up an image of a rather unpleasant place: creepy and shadowy, muddy, overrun with snakes and insects. Would it ever occur to you that this could be the kind of place we would want to save and preserve? Probably not. Wetlands have historically been regarded as wastelands and centers of disease and insect infestation, and humans have sought to avoid or eliminate them when possible. Since the 18th century, more than half of the original wetlands in the United States have been degraded or destroyed. In the 19th century, there was a massive push to drain the wetlands, which harbored malaria-bearing mosquitoes, after a series of yellow fever epidemics. Since then, further destruction has occurred as a result of human activities, such as agriculture, industrialization and development. Wetlands have been drained and converted to farmland, filled in to provide more opportunities for residential and industrial development, or used as dumping grounds for waste. Other human activities, such as pollution, while not directly targeted at eliminating wetlands, have also played a role in the process. However, in recent decades, attitudes about wetlands have changed. People have begun to realize that wetlands are valuable and productive ecosystems that fulfill an essential function for both humans and wildlife. Due to their unique characteristics, wetlands can support a wide diversity of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. They also control floodwaters and protect us from storms and hurricanes. Wetlands also improve water quality by filtering, cleaning and storing water. Lastly, many people rely on wetlands for their livelihood, as they are important centers for hunting,
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Understanding cause-and-effect relationships in ecosystems is crucial for recognizing the dangers of threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change. By comprehending how certain actions can lead to direct consequences in environmental systems, individuals can better advocate for and implement protective measures for ecosystems like wetlands.
In the text, wetlands are described as "transition zones" that support a diverse array of life and provide essential ecological functions. This highlights the intricate relationships within the ecosystem; for instance, the destruction of wetlands through drainage for agriculture or urban development leads not only to the loss of specific species that depend on these habitats but also disrupts broader ecological functions like flood control and water filtration. When wetlands are degraded, the cause (human activities) directly results in critical effects: an increase in flooding risks and a decrease in water quality.
Moreover, the article explains that historically, wetlands have been viewed as wastelands due to associations with disease and unpleasantness. This cultural perception contributed to widespread destruction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Recognizing this cause (misunderstanding and underappreciation of wetlands) and effect (the degradation of over half of U.S. wetlands) underscores the need for education and advocacy. As attitudes towards wetlands shift, the cause-effect framework helps clarify why preserving these ecosystems is essential, not just for biodiversity but also for human safety and economic activities.
In conclusion, by understanding the cause-and-effect relationships within ecosystems, individuals can better grasp the threats posed to vital habitats like wetlands and articulate compelling reasons for their preservation. This understanding is essential in fostering a culture of conservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of sustainable practices.
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