Biomes And Ecosystems Questions Medium
The major threats to freshwater ecosystems include pollution, habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, invasive species, and climate change. Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, as well as urban runoff, can introduce harmful chemicals and excess nutrients into freshwater systems, leading to water quality degradation and the loss of biodiversity. Habitat destruction, such as the draining of wetlands or the construction of dams, disrupts the natural flow of water and can result in the loss of critical habitats for many species. Overexploitation of freshwater resources, such as excessive fishing or excessive water extraction for agriculture or industry, can lead to the depletion of fish populations and the alteration of water availability. Invasive species, introduced either intentionally or accidentally, can outcompete native species and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Lastly, climate change is causing shifts in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, all of which can have significant impacts on freshwater ecosystems, including changes in water availability, increased water temperatures, and altered species distributions.