Human activities like overfishing and habitat destruction can damage ecosystems in many ways.
Overfishing: When too many fish are caught, it can lead to fewer fish in the ocean. This hurts the balance of the ecosystem. For example, if a certain fish species is removed too quickly, its predators may struggle to find food, and this can create problems throughout the food chain. In places like the North Atlantic, overfishing has led to a decline in fish populations and affects all marine life.
Habitat Destruction: When humans cut down forests, drain wetlands, or build on coastlines, they destroy the homes of many plants and animals. For example, clearing rainforests for agriculture removes important habitats, leading to the loss of many species. This also affects the air and water quality because trees help clean the air and support rainfall patterns.
These activities can lead to fewer species overall, making ecosystems less stable and resilient to changes. Healthy ecosystems rely on diverse plant and animal life to function well, so protecting them is crucial for our planet’s health.