(a) Define Ecosystem (b) Describe four ways in which man has interfered with the ecosystem (c) Outline three consequences of man's interference with the ecosystem.
Explanation
(a) Ecosystem is the community of plants and animals living together in harmony and interacting with their physical environment (b) Ways in which man has interfered with the ecosystem: (i) Modification of weather and climate through cloud seeding, deforestation (ii) Agricultural activities (iii) Fishing and hunting (iv) Industrialisation/ Urbanization (v) Reclamation to create terrestrial ecosystem in place of aquatic bush burning. (vi) Mining (c) Consequences of man's interference with the ecosystem (i) Soil erosion resulting from overgrazing (ii) Destruction/depletion of forest resources (iii) Extinction of animal species due to excessive hunting and over fishing (iv) Pollution of air/water, e.t.c. through emission of gases and introduction of industrial effluents. (v) Damage :o ozone layer with its attending danger-skin cancer destruction of bacteria, damage to ocean life and reduction in crop yield. (vi) Alteration of weather and climate, e.g. cloud seeding.