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Morgan Dale
Mr. Cribley
Biology-3
18 May 2014
Human Activities
10,000 years ago, plants covered about 1/2 the earths surface. Now they cover less than
1/3. Humans are the real threat to the Earth (Human Impacts2014). Humans impact the Earth in
many different ways. One way is deforestation, the clearing of forests to make land available for
other uses. Another way is pollution, littering is an example. Lastly, urbanization, increase in
number of people living in urban areas. Over time humans have done a lot to impact the
ecosystems and there are ways to fix each impact the humans have done.
Deforestation is a permanent destruction. Around 18 million acres are lost a year
(LiveScience). Trees are usually cut down for farm land and cattle ranching. Deforestation is a
huge factor in global climate change. Trees absorb gasses and release oxygen which is necessary
for humans to survive. By clearing out trees, it takes away many species homes and food
sources. Many species are endangered and going extinct. Trees also play an important role in the
water cycle. Land is becoming dryer because trees arent there to release ground water from
their roots into the atmosphere. Lastly deforestation is causing soil erosion. Without the trees
blocking sunlight, the soil is drying out and has increased chances of flooding. It is more
important to have trees for oxygen then have room for other uses.
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Air pollutants are killing the wildlife and poisoning the soil. The pollutants we burn
cause acid rain which reduces the trees ability to fight off fungi and other dangerous diseases.
Littering is another thing humans do that impact the environment. Farmers use fertilizer that is
highly toxic. Humans leave trash laying everywhere. Animals eat the trash people leave laying
around and are suffocating and dying. There are many programs like Adopt A Highway that
clean up alongside of roads. To help with some trash in animals habitats use cloth towels
instead of paper towels.
Urbanization is a big threat to the biosphere. Each year more and more people move
from cities to urban areas. When people move they have to clear habitats to make room for
humans to build. Urbanization is the increase of people living in urban areas. People are
moving out of cities because of poor living styles. Eight percent of vertebra species have been
reported endangered and many more are on their way. To stop urbanization cities need to be
more suitable for living.
The environment is something that has been around forever. The forests are homes to so
many different species. Humans are ruining so much from: deforestation, pollution, and
urbanization. Each person needs to take responsibility and help clean up what doesnt belong in
the wild. Recycling is a simple thing that can do lots. Learning to reuse items is a huge thing.
When cutting a tree down be sure to plant two young trees in its place. These three simple things
can make the Earth a better place. Earth is the home of many, keep it clean.

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Works Cited
"Global Impact Of Urbanization Threatening World's Biodiversity And Natural Resources."
ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily. Web. 18 May 2014.
"Habitat Awareness Temperate Deciduous Forest." Habitat Awareness Temperate Deciduous
Forest. Web. 18 May 2014
"Human Impacts." Deciduous Forests. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014.
Szalay, Jessie. "Deforestation: Facts, Causes & Effects." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 06
Mar. 2013. Web. 16 May 2014.