Sunday, April 27, 2008

Endangered Habitats

Topic: Endangered Habitats

In addition to individual species needing protection, researchers have begun to identify entire ecosystems which have almost disappeared. If these habitats are lost, the many kinds of plant and animal species which depend upon the habitats will also disappear. Below are examples of some of the most critically endangered ecosystems:
  • Atlantic white-cedar stands in Virginia and North Carolina
  • California native grasslands
  • Eastern U.S. old-growth forests
  • Florida dry prairies
  • Louisiana wet coastal prairies
  • Midwestern tallgrass prairies and oak savannas
  • Southeastern U.S. coastal longleaf pine forests
  • Vermont lake sand beaches
  • Wisconsin sedge meadows
Question to Ponder: Why should we care about these endangered habitats? Is it a big deal habitats are disappearing?

Please answer this in at least one paragraph 4-6 sentences.