Ecosystems are comprised of flora, fauna and the non-living components of the environment that support life. Ecosystems supply food for plants and animals. Trees give shelter, living space, breeding and sleeping locations for animals and human beings. Tree branches provide shade and scale down the impact of rain and wind, moderate extreme temperatures, and regulate humidity. Despite these beneficial factors, humans remain the biggest threat to the ecosystem co-existence and balance.
Basis of Life
Water is the basis of life for humans and other organism on earth, and the most precious of all natural resources. Coastal mangroves and marshes play a major role in supporting diversity in the ocean by providing nurseries and spawning ground for shellfish and saltwater fish caught for commercial purposes worldwide. Wildlife, birds, fish, plants and other organisms are sources of food. Forests support energy flow, reduce soil erosion, absorb and release water and store atmospheric carbon. They also provide fuel, wood, recreation, jobs and lumber. Furthermore, more than half of the world's estimated 10 million species of animals, plants and insects live in tropical rain forest. Trees provide shade and habitat for mammals, amphibians, water birds and wildlife. Deposits of soil from rivers provide anchoring and nutrients for plants and trees.
Prevention of Floods
Wetlands perform a major role in preventing floods by retaining rainwater for release during the dry season. They also absorb runoffs and melting snow, so control floods. Wetlands also filter out contaminants, and some communities create it for the purpose of treating sewage water.
Medical Research
Ecosystems have proved valuable in medical research by supplying plant and animal products that treat diseases, infections, tumors, inflammations; pain, viruses among other health conditions. Sea animals like stonefish, cone shells and sea snakes contain toxic poisons in nature. Such toxins offer non-addictive solutions to the treatment of pain and other medical conditions. Some chemicals in sea slugs and sponges are useful insecticides. Glucosamine, a compound found in the shells of crabs, is effective in treating osteoarthritis.
Tourism
Coastal, sea and land ecosystem contribute to tourism. According to a study by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, whale watching has become a $4.8 billion industry worldwide. At least 87 countries sponsor whale watching trips in 500 countries, allowing 9 million people to view these great mammals in 1998. Reptiles and invertebrates although less popular feature as a tourist attraction for you, specific reptile and invertebrates attractions include komodo dragons, turtle nesting areas, Galapagos iguanas, alligators and crocodiles
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