The Ecosystem Around Us By: Dave Mullinix

Bird Nest In this picture birds made their nest on a building. The birds have gathered a piece of cloth that they will probably try to incorporate into their nest. When they birds make their nest here, it is protected from the elements and makes it easier for the adults to see predators.

Decomposition These pictures show how bugs help break down materials so that they can decompose and turn back into soil. The first photo shows the banana peal when it was thrown outside. The second picture shows what happens after just 12 hours. Already, the bugs have begun to use the banana peal as a food source and accelerated the process of decomposition.

New Shelter When animals are forced out of their normal habitat they then have to find shelter in other areas. In this example an animal has removed a corner of the building so that it could use the portable for shelter.

Frozen Plant This photo shows damage that was done to the plant when the temperature dropped below freezing. Because part of the plant is now dead it will not produce as many flowers this spring. Thus, there will be less nectar for the bees to eat.

What happens to the organisms in an ecosystem when the ecosystem is destroyed by some form of construction or pollution?