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  1. Ecosystem

An ecosystem is the system of relationships between all living organisms and their surroundings and how they affect each other.

Organisms are linked by food chains which show how larger organisms depend on smaller ones. For example, grass is eaten by cows, and humans consume the milk cows produce and eat their meat. The connection between living things means that any threat to the environment could have serious after- effects.

  1. Endangered Species

Many species of animals and plants are classified as «endangered», which means that they are in danger of becoming extinct. These species are usually affected by threats to their environments caused by human activity: their habitats are destroyed or polluted or the numbers taken from the wild by hunting or fishing are too great to be replaced. Many new housing developments are springing up (urban expansion) and becoming a threat to the habitats and breeding grounds where animals live. Rhinos are hunted by poachers for their horn, and tigers for their skin. Rainforests are cleared for agriculture or just for the timber, and so the habitats for millions of species are destroyed. Certain seals and turtles are endangered because humans disturb the beaches where they breed or lay their eggs, causing many of the young to die. Dolphins are disturbed by motor traffic in the seas. Whales are hunted for their oil, and fish-eating birds are poisoned by eating polluted fish.

  1. Extinction

This is the total disappearance of a species either from one place or all over the world. Dinosaurs are the most famous example of an extinct species, due to environmental changes.

Many species have recently become extinct: insects, flowers, animals and birds. We should not allow species to become extinct. Many life forms could prove valuable in ways we don’t yet know, for instance in providing new medical substances.

  1. Steps to help save wildlife

Long and short term steps need to be taken to preserve and protect plants and animals for the future. In the short term, sanctuaries and parks can be established to protect the species.

National parks are designated to conserve wild areas by stopping development and therefore preserving the wildlife. Animals can also be bred in captivity in zoos, and be released later into the wild to repopulate the area.

People have to be educated so that they no longer want to buy animal products. If there is no demand, then the poachers will have no reason to hunt, as there will be no profit.

Stricter measures could be taken on factories which pollute the environment. We also need to make sure that cars are cleaner in the future so that the ozone layer is not destroyed any further.

3. Match the animals with their habitats, then say the reason these animals are hunted.

polar bears river fur/eggs

Indian elephants icebergs skin

penguins jungle fur

crocodiles savannah ivory

tigers Arctic

trophy/fur

eg. Polar bears live on icebergs and they are hunted for their fur.