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9999 BCE
Introduction: Abiotic Factors of an Ecosystem
Many factors affect an ecosystem. Abiotic factors can have profound impacts on the environment. In this timeline, we will be looking at some of these abiotic factors, trends in the ocean, and their effects on the ecosystem! -
Burning of Fossil Fuels
The Industrial Revolution started around 1760. It led to the burning of fossil fuels. It was and still is being used as our main fuel source. It has been used to the point that it is almost fully depleted. -
Increased Carbon Dioxide
Humans have been using fossil fuels for decades. It has been scientifically proven that burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. One of these gases is carbon dioxide. At the current rate humans have been burning fossil fuels, there has been and will continue to be a sharp increase in the levels of carbon dioxide. When the levels of carbon dioxide are too high, it can cause a variety of devastating effects. -
Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Leading to Decreased pH in the Ocean (Ocean Acidification)
The carbon dioxide levels have been rising. The carbon dioxide combines with the water forming carbonic acid. This acid has become more prevalent due to the increased carbon dioxide. This starts to make the pH level slowly decrease. In laments term, it is better known as oceanic acidification. -
Effects of Ocean Acidification
Oceanic Acidification has many effects on organisms in the ocean. The acid starts to erode the shells of calcifiers. It affects acid-sensitive creatures like the algae that live in coral. This starts to change the food chain. This food chain change can be devastating. It could make many species go extinct from lack of prey, weak shells, etc. -
Coyotes in the City
This entire timeline exemplifies how fragile ecosystems are and that a little change can be a big deal. As we edge further into their territory, the coyotes are going to be more vulnerable and unchanging. They are used to being where they are with the same resources. We, then, came along and started messing with that. This is just nature pushing back.
