Ecologies and Environments United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ecologies and Environments United States - Essay Example According to ecologists’ studies, the Rocky Mountains, despite having a snow cover, do have diverse biotic zones that start from tops and extend to the lowlands and plains (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The biotic zones usually serve as essential habitats for numerous animals and plants, for instance, Tundra in Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The wildlife available in the Rocky Mountains encompasses elk, mule, pronghorns, black bears, coyotes and grizzly bears. In addition, owing to the fact the U.S. seashores at both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the near states usually experience varying climate patterns compared to those of the interior regions (EPA, 2012). In addition, U.S like other industrial states has also experienced the increased predicament of obnoxious gas emissions from its chemical industries. However, as compared to the previous years the emissions have decreased because of the awareness the environmental authorities have created among the citizens to deal with the problem of global warming. For instance, the carbon monoxide emissions dropped from 114,465 in 2000 to 77,685 in 2008 despite minor fluctuations witnessed in between the years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The forest cover occupies approximately one third of the total U.S.’ land; it provides habitats for numerous wild animals, not to mention other organisms. Forests have also benefited the society through the provision of clean water, reaction sites (camping and touring) and absorbing excess CO2, especially that generated by different industries (Rahm, 2010). Presently, the U.S. is experiencing habitat range rifts where numerous species are relocating to the Northern colder latitudes, for example, boreal forests, which are almost replacing Tundra vegetation. (Christiansen, Markstrom & Hay, 2011). This has led to negative impacts on numerous species’ habitats and wildlife that rely solely on Tundra ecosystem like snowy owl, for example. The reason can be found in the fact that temperatures are constantly increasing, especially in the central regions, which have yielded to the extinction of some animal species like American Pika etc (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). List the specific factors that distinguish your local ecology and environment. 1. Range shifts - species are relocating to the Northern colder regions due to global warming and unpredictable climatic conditions. 2. Food web interruption due to the increasing rate of range shifts. 3. Precipitation, which has led to the increasing of the oceans’ water levels. 4. Forest cover, though it occupies the third of the U.S total land. 5. Rocky Mountains characterized by diverse biotic zones. Discuss how human activities have affected your local ecosystems Mining in US has become a serious threat to both the ecosystem and human life despite diverse state’s environmental agencies implementing strict rules and regulations to control it (Withington, 2012). The main threat lies in the release of obnoxious gases straight into the atmosphere and discharging of heavy metals into the water masses, which affects aquatic life (UGCRP, 2009). These heavy metals include cyanide, lead and mercury, which not only affect aquatic