Local Ecology My Local Ecosystem Can Be

Local Ecology

My local ecosystem can be characterized as high desert. The environment is thus characterized by both aridity and altitude. There is a relatively low amount of rainfall, and a lot of sunshine. The temperature swings between night and day are substantial, as much as 30-40 degrees. As a result, the flora consists of desert plants like chamiso, pinon trees, juniper and ample sage. Urban areas may have trees planted, but they are relatively sparse except around water sources. The local fauna include coyotes, rabbits, small birds, and the occasional bird of prey. The mountains are at present covered in a thin layer of snow, but the ground at lower elevations is bare. Because the snowfall sticks on the mountains there are more trees there, until the elevation gets too high and the trees begin to thin out. Right now, the arroyos are bare but in spring they can contain water as the winter snows melt from the mountains.

Human activity in my area is minimal compared with most parts of the United States. There is very little industry here and as a result of that only roads and settlements affect the ecosystem. The skies are bright and blue and there is no shortage of stars at night. Human activities here have largely focused on water, such as taking water from the ground and using some natural water sources for limited agriculture. Roads cut off pathways for larger animals like deer, whose migration patterns are affected. In general, though there are not that many humans in this area, it is one of the more sparsely-populated areas of the U.S. As a result, human activity has not had a significant impact on the ecosystem outside of settlements. In settlement areas, of course, the ecosystem has changed and the traditional flora and fauna have either been eliminated or adapted into park settings.

Global warming can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. If it brings more rain, then the area will see its agricultural potential improve. Rising temperatures should extend the growing season as well. However, higher temperatures may also increase aridity, and that would have a devastating impact on life here. There would be fewer trees on the mountains, hotter temperatures in the summer afternoons, and more water evaporation. Life would become more difficult for most animals if global warming increased the temperature and aridity.