Why is ecological balance important?

Atta sp. Leaf cutting ants are among the most advanced of all the social insects. Leaf-cutters prune the vegetation, which stimulates new plant growth. The broken down material decomposes and enriches the soil.
© WWF-Canon / Roger LeGUEN

All kinds of life forms on this planet are interconnected in some way or the other. Some may be part of a food chain, while others may help in production and pollination and contribute to reproduction.

There is a fine balance between living things, non-living things, food webs, and environmental conditions of an area.

The ecosystem a fragile web of life
This balance ensures that none of these are disturbed in any way and that they can live, nourish and reproduce in that system. This is the 'web' of life, the fragile ecosystem that we are just beginning to understand.

An ecosystem is usually defined as a large area where materials and energy flow takes place between different organisms and non-living things. Balance is extremely important in an ecosystem. Slight disturbances and fluctuations can threaten the lives of delicate species living with in the system. An ecosystem is basically self-sufficient. Soil, air, water, sunlight, minerals, and nutrients are all important components of a healthy ecosystem.

Inter-relationships between species in an ecosystem
Many species in an ecosystem exist in a symbiotic relationship with each other. For example, the clownfish stays within the tentacles of tropical sea anemones. The fish and the anemone protect each other from their predators. Another example is the Egyptian Plover bird that feeds on the parasite that feed on crocodiles.

By staying so close to the crocodile, the bird is protected from its predators, while the crocodile welcomes the bird that helps to clean it of the parasites. In most cases, the term symbiotic is used to define a relationship that is mutually beneficial to the involved parties.

Humans need it too!
It is worthwhile to notice that we, the humans, are totally dependent on the ecosystem for our survival. We depend upon biodiversity in our everyday lives to supply us with a healthy environment and many natural materials from which we make our food, medicine, and other economically important products like housing material and furniture. It is our lifeline.

Humans the biggest threat to our ecological balance
Human activity is the biggest threat to ecological balance. From illegal hunting, to deforestation, to overfishing, humans have contributed to the loss of ecological balance in many ecosystems around the world.

Upsetting the balance
To create hydro electricity, humans create dams across rivers. This leads to flooding of low-lying areas and upsets the balance in the area. Sometimes non-native plants or animals are introduced into the system, either for commercial gain or recreation. This upsets the balance in the system if the introduced species is a dominant one.

In some systems, native species of weeds or plants that are the source of food for some animals have been replaced by the introduced species. Consequently, the native animals that were dependent on the native food source are threatened.

Too late for some - but not too late to change
Many species have already become extinct and some are on the verge of extinction as a result of the loss of ecological balance due to human activities. There is severe degradation of land and deforestation. Humans can restore some part of the balance, but some of the damage we have caused is irreversible.

We cannot bring back extinct species or restore some ecosystems to their original state. Climate change is threatening the balance of regions across the world and there is very little that is being done about it. New generations have only begun to realize the extent and seriousness of the problem.

Already unsustainable agricultural practices and lack of environmental education has led to serious food shortages and increased pressure of natural resources. Pollution has created new health problems. It is important for us to realize how crucial it is to maintain the ecological balance of the world we live in. We must not forget that we are living in it, not out of it.

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