Global View
Ecosystems are inherently tied into Earth systems. The nature of the interaction between the earth material and living material means an impact on one will impact the other. Many geologists are considered with the human impacts of polluting or altering landscapes and knowledge of ecosystems are necessary for understanding how pollution occurs and how to prevent pollution.
The invasive species kudzu is seen growing across a field, up trees, and over an abandoned cabin (the lump in the middle of the field). Kudzu has overtaken cars parked for long periods of time within months (USDA).
A key component of environmental science which closely relates to geology is understanding how chemical systems cycle through both living and non-living components of Earth. Imbalance in the phosphorous, nitrogen, and carbon cycles leads to many unintended and detrimental consequences.
Extinctions and invasive species would happen regardless of whether humans were ever present on Earth. However, humans have had a profound impact on Earth, drastically altering the landscape in a short period of time. Failure to understand how ecosystems function often leads to poor choices on how to best preserve landscapes and conserve resources.
To help you to make connections between what we are studying and your own experiences, answer the following question in the class chat room: Where do you live? What type of development is it? Do you see evidence of ecosystem fragmentation where you live? This is not a graded assignment.
