What is a Keystone Species: Definition, Types, Characteristics, Importance, Examples, and Ecological Role

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 Introduction:      A keystone species is an organism that plays a disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure, stability, and functioning of an ecosystem. Another definition of keystone species is a species whose impact on its ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance or biomass. They are named after the keystone in a stone arch, the central wedge-shaped stone that holds the entire arch together. In 1969 zoologist Robert T. Paine used this architectural term as a metaphor to describe the critical role of these species. Although keystone species are often low in abundance, their removal can cause major changes throughout an ecosystem. Not all dominant or abundant species are keystone species. A keystone species is identified by the magnitude of its ecological impact rather than by its population size. Some keystone species are abundant, while others are relatively rare. Keystone in a stone arch History of keystone species concept...
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Ozone Layer Depletion: Causes, Impact and solutions for the future Environmental Protection

What is Ozone Layer?

    The region of earth in the lower portion of stratosphere where high concentration of ozone
molecule (O₃) is located is called ozone layer. It is approximately15 to 35 kilometers above the earth's surface. Ozone is allotropic form of oxygen. It is formed by the bonding of one oxygen atom and one molecule of oxygen.

What is the importance of Ozone Layer:

    Ozone layer acts as shield around the earth.
1. Ozone layer absorb harmful ultraviolate radiations that comes from sun.
2. It also helps to maintain temperature of atmosphere by absorbing majority of solar energy.
 It is very important for life in ecosystem. Without the ozone layer, life on earth would be impossible.

What causes of Ozone Depletion?

Ozone depletion occurs when human activities cause the ozone layer to thin.

Causes:

    Ozone depletion is due to major compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These compounds are used in air conditioner, refrigerator and in printing machine. These compounds leak and diffuse in stratosphere.
Ultraviolet radiations breaks C-Cl bond from CFCl₃ and release free radicals of chlorine.

Free radicals are very reactive. They react with ozone molecule.

These reaction known as ozone oxygen cycle.  This cycle cause result in the depletion of ozone.

What is Ozone Hole:

   "Ozone hole" doesn't means a hole but the region in which ozone layer is thin is called ozone hole. First ozone hole was found in Antarctica in 1980. Second hole was discover in 1990 over the Arctic.

what is the defects of Ozone Hole?

       Due to ozone depletion harmful radiations come from sun may cause harmful effects. Such as:
  • Ultraviolate radiation causes skin cancer to human beings and other animals.
  •  It can change the life cycle of plant.
  •  It increase the temperature which is cause increase in chemical reaction occur in atmosphere.
  •  It also can change wind patterns causes climatic changes in the world.
  •  Decrease in ozone layer will increase infectious disease such as malaria.
  •  It damage the crops as a result of reduce agriculture productivity.
  •  It can dangerous for terrestrial and marine ecosystem ( highly effect on plankton).
  •  Animals are very sensitive for U-V radiations and reduced their development.

Human Activities:

     There are many human activities which causes ozone depletion such are:
  •  Uses of CFCs in different machines have great effect on ozone layer.
  • Waste of agriculture and industries have toxic chemicals danger for atmosphere.
  • Some pesticides such as methyl bromide release bromine which is dangerous more than chlorine.
  • Air jets release nitrogen oxides (NOx) in stratosphere, it also destroy ozone layer.
  • Uses of halons (chemicals that deplete ozone layer) are also causes ozone depletion.
  • Carbon tetrachloride used as cleaning reagents deplete ozone layer.

Conclusion:

    Ozone depletion can be less by adapting some habits.
  •  Less use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
  • Replace toxic chemicals from eco friendly substances.
  • Introduce 3R cycle to lessen air pollution.
  •  Introduce speeches and magazines for awareness about air pollution.
  •  Industries should escape their waste after filtration. 












































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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