04 | Wildlife ecosystems

Today you will learn 5 new English words related to "Wildlife ecosystems"

Author

SEWT Team
April 03, 2025

“Wildlife ecosystems” offer a captivating and relevant topic for ESL learners, like yourself. Understanding the challenges facing wildlife and the efforts to protect them can foster a sense of global citizenship and inspire learners, just like you, to take action to preserve our planet's biodiversity. Today’s vocabulary will not only deepen your understanding of this topic but also heighten your awareness. Let’s jump right in!

5 TERMS

  1. Trophic (Noun): Relating to the feeding relationships in an ecosystem, often used to describe levels in the food chain (e.g., producers, consumers).

  2. Keystone species (Noun): A species whose presence and role in an ecosystem have a disproportionate effect on the structure and function of the community.

  3. Migration (Noun): The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, typically for breeding or feeding.

  4. Pollution (Noun): The presence or introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, which can negatively affect wildlife and ecosystems.

  5. Invasive species (Noun): Non-native species that are introduced to an ecosystem and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

  1. Trophic

    1. The trophic structure of an ecosystem determines how energy flows through different organisms.

    2. Herbivores are at the second trophic level, feeding on producers like plants.

    3. The disruption of trophic levels can lead to imbalances in ecosystems, affecting food sources for many species.

  2. Keystone species

    1. Sea otters are considered a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems, as they control sea urchin populations.

    2. Wolves are a keystone species in the Yellowstone ecosystem, helping to maintain balance by controlling herbivore populations.

    3. Protecting keystone species is essential for maintaining the overall health of ecosystems.

  3. Migration 

    1. Many bird species undertake long migrations to find food and suitable breeding grounds.

    2. The migration of monarch butterflies is one of the most well-known phenomena in the animal kingdom.

    3. Climate change is affecting migration patterns, causing some species to arrive too early or too late in their destinations.

  4. Pollution

    1. Industrial pollution has led to the contamination of rivers, endangering fish and other aquatic species.

    2. Air pollution can disrupt migration patterns and the health of animals living in affected areas.

    3. Plastic pollution in the ocean is a major threat to marine ecosystems, harming animals like turtles and seabirds.

  5. Invasive species

    1. The introduction of invasive species can lead to the displacement of native plants and animals.

    2. The spread of invasive species like the zebra mussel has caused significant damage to freshwater ecosystems.

    3. Efforts to control invasive species are essential for protecting the integrity of natural ecosystems.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH

Wildlife ecosystems are complex systems that support a diverse range of species. However, these ecosystems face numerous threats, including invasive species that disrupt native food chains and pollution that contaminates habitats. Many species rely on migration to access essential resources, but climate change and human activities can disrupt these patterns. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance, and their decline can have far-reaching trophic consequences.

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