Science Common Sense
385 - How does urbanization affect local ecosystems?
Imagine a city growing like a big puzzle, covering more and more of the surrounding nature. This growth is called urbanization. It affects the local ecosystem in several ways:
- Loss of habitats: When cities expand, they destroy homes for animals and plants, making it hard for them to survive.
- Water pollution: Buildings and roads can lead to dirty water flowing into rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life.
- Disruption of food chains: Urbanization can affect what animals eat and where they find food, making it hard for them to survive.
- Changes in climate: Cities can become warmer than surrounding areas because buildings absorb heat, and this affects local plants and animals.
We need to be aware of these effects and try to find ways to build cities that work with nature, not against it.