Good Example Of Essay On Colorado Montane Forest Ecosystem

AbstractThe Colorado Montane forest exhibits a diverse ecosystem through its flora and fauna. From south facing slopes to ponderosa pines, Montane ecosystem has it all. But growing human population in these areas is threatening the very existence of this incredible ecosystem. Although the pine beetles have been seen as a cause for the death of forests in this State, human beings have proven to be a major contributing factor. A study shows us that deforestation of land has a direction relationship with population. As more land is cleared, wildfires break out, threatening the ecosystem. During the past 20 years, Colorado has also seen a marked increase in the number of wildfires and the amount of land burning  (Tasha Eichenseher p1)  Studies also show that deforestation is the key reason for the growth in pine beetle population. Several species have been marked as ‘endangered’ in this area. It is terrifying to know that most humans live in ‘bio diversity hotspots’, that is, areas under threat. Unlike human population, forests take millennia to grow. When these are cleared, an increase in demand for oil cannot be met. Also, constantly uprooting trees and clearing vegetation causes soil erosion, making it unavailable for growth of foliage. Forests not just consist of trees and plants, but also of other species which are directly affected by the growing human population. Forests offer them a habitat, a shelter and a home. When these are taken away from animals and birds, they are forced to move into urban areas or forced into extinctions. This causes an ecological imbalance. An ecological balance not only upsets the foliage and the wildlife but also the humans invariably. Another ill effect of deforestation is that, the water cycle is disturbed. Tree roots contain absorbed water which is generally transferred to other components of the ecosystem. When these trees are cut, the cycle is disturbed and the water bodies tend to dry up causing drought. In addition to this, climate change is witnessed in those areas where forests are degrading (Bob Beryn p1).  This is because; enough oxygen is not given out. Due to this, a loss of biodiversity has been seen in the Colorado forests. All in all, reforestation in this State seems to be the only solution to this problem.

Reference links

Rocky Mountain Forests (n.d) Retrieved from < http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2012/06/28/in-rocky-mountain-forests-more-fires-and-more-people/ >
Effects of deforestation (n.d) Retrieved from < http://eschooltoday.com/forests/problems-of-deforestation.html >