How Human Activities Affect

NATURAL
ECOSYSTEM
Introduction
-Human activities have become a powerful force shaping the
natural world, with profound consequences for the delicate
balance of ecosystems. From industrialization to urbanization,
our actions have triggered a cascade of impacts on the
environment. This introduction delves into the intricate ways in
which human activities affect the natural ecosystem, exploring
the far-reaching consequences that alter biodiversity, climate
patterns, and the fundamental functioning of the
interconnected web of life on Earth.
 What is ecosystem?
-An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants,
animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and
landscape, work together to form a bubble of life.
Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as abiotic
factors, or nonliving parts. Biotic factors include plants,
animals, and other organisms. Abiotic factors include
rocks, temperature, and humidity.
 What is the role of humans in the
ecosystem?
Humans play a crucial role in the ecosystem as both
consumers and stewards. Our actions impact
biodiversity, climate, and overall ecological balance.
Responsible resource use and conservation efforts are
essential for sustaining a healthy and diverse
environment.
how human activities
affect the natural
ecosytem
 Human activities have significant and
often harmful impacts on natural
ecosystems. These effects can manifest in
various ways, leading to changes in
biodiversity, ecosystems, and the overall
balance of the environment.
Here are some key ways
in which human activities
influence natural
ecosystems:
Habitat Destruction and
Fragmentation:
 Clearing land for agriculture, urban development, and logging
leads to habitat destruction.
Deforestation not only destroys the habitats of many
species but also contributes to climate change, as trees that
absorb carbon dioxide are removed.
Habitat fragmentation, a result of human infrastructure like
roads and cities, can also isolate species populations, affecting
their survival and reproduction.
Pollutions:
Human activities such as industrial processes, agriculture, and
waste disposal release pollutants into the air, water, and soil.
These pollutants can include chemicals like pesticides, heavy
metals, and plastics.

Air pollution can lead to acid rain, which harms forests and aquatic
ecosystems.

Water pollution affects aquatic life and can lead to eutrophication,

where excess nutrients cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen in
water bodies, harming aquatic organisms.
Altered Water Flow:
 Flow alteration is any change in the natural flow regime of a river
or stream or water level of a lake or reservoir induced by human
activities.

Dams and water management modify river flows, impacting

aquatic ecosystems, fish migration, and nutrient cycling.

These activities collectively threaten ecosystem health, emphasizing

the need for sustainable practices and conservation.
Climate Change:
 Burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas emissions, causing
climate change. This affects temperature, sea levels, and weather
patterns, challenging ecosystem adaptation.

Addressing climate change and its impacts on ecosystems requires

global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to
changing conditions, and implement conservation strategies to
protect vulnerable species and habitats. Sustainable practices and
international cooperation are essential for mitigating the adverse
effects of climate change on natural ecosystems.
Overexploitation:
 -Over-harvesting of natural resources, such as overfishing,
deforestation, and excessive hunting, can deplete populations of
species and disrupt ecological balance.

Overfishing: Excessive fishing depletes fish populations,

disrupts marine food webs, and can lead to the collapse of
fisheries.
Overharvesting: Unsustainable logging, hunting, and gathering
of plants can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
 These human-induced changes to natural ecosystems
can result in loss of biodiversity, ecological imbalances,
and the degradation of essential ecosystem services,
ultimately impacting human well-being. Sustainable
practices, conservation efforts, and responsible resource
management are essential to mitigate these negative
effects and promote the health and resilience of natural
ecosystems.
Thank You!!!