The recent earthquake and resulting tsunami in the Pacific has been an environmental disaster on multiple levels both for Japan and other parts of the region. Aside from the terrible human toll we see everyday on CNN there has also been a massive and heart-breaking impact on the animal population. On both the Japanese archipelago and the surrounding islands there has been a significant impact on various populations of birds (i.e. albatross and petrels) and fish. Much of the harm to these animal populations has come from being washed out to see or washed up on shore. Around the Pacific further devestation has occured. As far away as the Galapagos Islands the impact can be felt. Iguanas on the islands suffered losses due to heavy tsunami waves.
This relates to the population dynamics we have studied in recent classes. What we are seeing is an example of dynamic change events that leave an impact on population levels. The question remains whether the changes will be permanent of temporary. Of course, much of that will be determined by the conditions on the respective islands and the how much of each population remains.
It is my belief that the impact on the environment from this disaster will be a challenge that the whole world will have to overcome together. Though it may seem distant it truly affects us all. It is important to keep a close eye on how all these different populations of animals fair across the Pacific in order to reduce the long-term impact of these disasters. It will require hard work and great care to ensure that the permanent effects on the environment will be as minimal as possible.
photo credit: ibid.
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