Biology 280 - Describing and Comparing Illinois Ecosystems

Describing and comparing Illinois ecosystems

Steven Randall

Biology/280

10/03/2016

Dr. Kathleen Ramsey

Describing and comparing Illinois ecosystem

Since the dawn of time the earth, much like ourselves continue to evolve. The evolution of its precious ecosystems continues, some changes performed naturally, some unnaturally. We have been one of the worst custodians of our precious ecosystem, only implementing serious conservation efforts in the late 20th century. In the 21st century, many countries only implement well educated and funded conservation initiative when the conservational respect become law. It is important to understand that many times legislation has to step in to regulate a situation or issue because the government has lost the trust that an average man will make common sense decisions. In any other part of our education system, we cling to grammar, mathematics, history and basic sciences. While basic subjects are important, the basic levels of scientific understanding are subpar. Conservation Management should make up a large part of a basic science book, it needs to be taught at such a young age that the lessons resonate for a lifetime.

Illinois Rivers

The Illinois systems of rivers can be found in any section of the state. They are very important for the ecosystem here because they are responsible for everything from wildlife habitat to aquatic commerce. One of the more popular rivers in my area is the Missisippi. The Mississippi River is the nation’s third largest river system flowing 2,300 miles from its source at Lake Itasca through the center of the continental United States to the Gulf of Mexico. ("Mississippi River Facts", 2016). The river carves the state of Illinois western border from the south where it marries with the Ohio river, then the Missouri river in the south central all the way north and out to Wisconsin. Rivers like the Mississippi are essential for land locked states such as Illinois because it allows for the discharge of the inland water systems into the ocean. Many animals and plants can only survive due to the rivers existence. The river can dilute a lot of contaminates introduced, but it can only resist certain amounts. In many cases, pollutants can cause over growth which upsets the balance of the aquatic ecosystems. (Hunter, Jr & Gibbs, 2007, p.155) The species that depend on the river system are unfortunately the bearers of the degradation. In Illinois, multiple species of plant and animals are listed as threatened or endangered. One bird that is endangered is the Whooping crane, the whooping crane is a migratory bird that’s habitat is many North American waterways. The crane's numbers were thought to be reduced by an avian disease. The Crane species got to the point where only 15 birds existed from one flock. Conservation efforts along with federal and local agencies had increased the numbers of cranes from 57 in 1970 to 214 in 2005. ("Whooping Crane- World Wildlife Foundation", 2016). The State of Illinois also has problems with invasive species, an invasive species is one that many times is a species of plant or animal that hinders the existence of an another plant or animal. The introduction of a non-native species can have unfavorable consequences. The non-native Asian carp has plagued the waterways here in Illinois, creating havoc in many forms. The Asian carp was introduced into American waterways to filter pond water when the ponds were flooded after a torrential rain the carp was introduced into the river systems. The carp is destructive because of its ability to eat up to 20% of its body weight and could rapidly grow upward of 100lbs. They are basically out eating all the native species while having no known predators. The invasive species isn’t just limited to animals, the black locast tree is stiring up problems too. The black locast tree makes the list because it grows so rapidly that it doesn’t allow for other native species to reproduce and grow.