1. Causes of Unbalanced Ecosystems

2. Natural Disasters Unnatural Disasters Biomagnification Deforestation
Global Warming
Eutrophication

3. Biomagnification
Increase in concentration of a pollutant from 1 link in a food chain to another
Due to –
Bioaccumulation: increase in concentration of toxins in an organism or population
DDT & Eagles

4. Pollutants have in common: Long – lived Mobile Soluble in Water
Even small amounts of toxins can make it into organisms in high enough levels to cause problems
Pollutants have in common:
Long – lived
Mobile
Soluble in Water
Biologically active
Heavy metals like lead & mercury

5. Deforestation Alteration of Local and global climates Global warming
Removal of indigenous forests & woodlands
Results in:
Alteration of Local and global climates
Global warming
Drier Climate (less plants, land holds less water)
Soil Degradation (erosion & silting of water)
Extinction/loss of Species
Desertification
Urban Development
Increased Farming

6. Eutrophication
Process where bodies of water receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth
Especially nitrogen

7. Natural Causes/Sources
Global Warming
Causes of Global Warming
Industrialization
Deforestation
Pollution
Natural Causes/Sources

8. Ave. Temperatures have risen 1.4oF/0.8oC Arctic Ice Disappearing
Results of Global Warming
Ave. Temperatures have risen 1.4oF/0.8oC
Arctic Ice Disappearing
Coral Reefs Bleaching due to warmer ocean
More extreme weather events
(wildfires, heat waves, tropical storms)
Glaciers Melting