The Woodland Trust’s Post

Biological diversity refers to the variety of species, genes, and ecosystems on Earth. It is essential for the health of our planet, providing resilience to environmental changes. #Biodiversity #Ecosystems 🌿🐝🌍

Everything in the ocean is connected on some level🌊 When one group of organisms is affected it can lead to a chain reaction through the ecosystem. How can pollutants have long-term effects on organisms? Learn about biomagnification and bioaccumulation with this National Geographic infographic⬇️

Absolutely! The interconnectedness of ocean life is one of the most fascinating aspects of our planet's ecosystem. When we consider the impact of pollutants, it's crucial to understand that they can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects on marine organisms. Firstly, pollutants can directly harm organisms by contaminating their habitats. For example, chemical pollutants like oil spills can coat the feathers of seabirds, making it difficult for them to fly and regulate their body temperature. Similarly, marine life can ingest pollutants, leading to internal damage or even death. Moreover, pollutants can accumulate in the food chain through a process known as biomagnification. This means that even small amounts of pollutants present in lower trophic levels can become increasingly concentrated as they move up the food chain. Predators at the top of the food chain, such as sharks or dolphins, can thus end up with dangerously high levels of toxins in their bodies, leading to reproductive issues, weakened immune systems, and even population decline. Additionally, some pollutants can persist in the environment for decades, if not centuries. Substances like heavy metals or certain pesticides can remain in ocean sediments or be stored in the fatty tissues of marine organisms for extended periods. This persistence means that the effects of pollution can linger long after the initial contamination event, continuing to impact marine ecosystems and the organisms within them. Furthermore, pollutants can alter the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, affecting interactions between species and disrupting ecological processes. For example, excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities can cause algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion in the water and the death of marine life in affected areas. In essence, the long-term effects of pollutants on marine organisms are multifaceted and can manifest in various ways, from direct harm to subtle but profound disruptions in marine ecosystems. Recognizing and addressing these impacts is essential for the health and sustainability of our oceans and all the life they support. https://lnkd.in/dx2ZNpHR

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of #mercury, a highly hazardous chemicals, is the most common pathway for mercury poisoning leading to the devastating "Minamata disease" in millions of people, including Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women and youth who are disproportionately affected. This is an example of our actions on Nature leading the deterioration of a vital ecosystem service - the provision of safe food. This is also why it is so important to discuss the impacts of mercury #pollution the interlinkages between #biodiversity and #health in the context of the UN Biodiversity #SBSTTA26 meeting happening this week in Nairobi, Kenya. #makemercuryhistory #BiodiversityPlan Minamata Convention on Mercury

Here is a good explanation in how can pollutants cause long term effects on organisms and therefore affect an entire ecosystem.

🌍🔬 Discover the amazing world of organisms! From the tiniest microbes to the grandest trees, every living thing plays a crucial role in our ecosystem. Let’s celebrate the incredible diversity of life that surrounds us Dive into https://turito.me/3uWVtXi #turitolearn #learningturito #learnfromturito #onlinelearning #onlinetutoring #learnonline 

Red maples 🍁: the cancer of ecosystems: Anthro-nitrogen & synthetic nitrogen ■Ecologists know anthropogenic nitrogen and artificial nitrogen are creating way more ecological damage in urban forests, in waters, in air, and soils. ■Nitrogen is not discussed in any serious way ecologically, socially, or politically because the $ is on carbon. ■Carbon is not destroying or degrading the forest ecosystems. Nitrogen is. #nitrogenpollution #forests

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible power of nature's tiniest superheroes - friendly soil and water microbes! These microscopic organisms have a hidden talent for fighting chemical pollution and making our world a cleaner, safer place. In this blog post, we will dive into the fascinating world of these pint-sized cleanup crews and how they are making a big difference in our environment. Meet the Microbe Heroes: Get ready to meet our microscopic allies who possess extraordinary abilities! These amazing soil and water microbes have a knack for breaking down harmful chemicals like hydrocarbons, herbicides, and pesticides, transforming them into less harmful substances. It's like having little environmental warriors on our side! The Magic of Microbe Cleanup: These friendly microbes have a secret weapon in the form of special enzymes that allow them to break down toxic chemicals naturally. They work silently and efficiently, leaving no trace behind. It's like having a cleanup crew that works in perfect harmony with nature, without causing any harm.

Climate change could impact the hybridization dynamics of two Marten species in the northern Rockies. My colleague at the USFS RMRS, Dr. Helen Chmura, used non-invasive genetic samples to look at the distributions of each Marten species near where their ranges overlap. Helen's work predicts that overlapping, suitable habitat for the two species, Pacific and American Marten will likely decrease, reducing the probability that they could reproduce (hybridize) in the future. ⬇ You can read the paper with the whole story https://lnkd.in/g7pfhxsB

the movement of the earth and its effect on In living organisms