The animal kingdom never ceases to amaze. In addition to their extraordinary diversity and beauty, animals play a fundamental role in shape the planet we live in. The study “Global diversity and energy of animals that shape the earth’s surface”, published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Pnas), revealed The surprising impact that different animal species have on geomorphological processesthat is, those processes that shape the earth’s surface.
Led by the professor Gemma Harvey Queen Mary University in London, the research team identified Ben 603 animal species, including insects, mammals, fish, birds and reptileswhich actively contribute to modifying the landscape. These “natural engineers” play a crucial role in different ecosystems, from terrestrial ones to those of fresh water, with a collective energy impact estimated in At least 76,000 Gigajouule per yeara figure comparable to that produced by hundreds of thousands of extreme floods.
Who are the engineers of nature
The study highlighted the incredible variety of animals that contribute to modeling the earth. In addition to known examples such as i beadfamous for the construction of dams that transform the waterways, and salmonwhich during reproduction remodel the beds of the rivers, the research has identified hundreds of other species with an equally important role.
Among the most fascinating examples we find the termitewhich in Brazil build huge Termitai visible from space, some of which extend thousands of square kilometers for thousands of kilometers. Also the hippopotamiwith their movements and their behavior of pasture, contribute to sculpt the land drainage systems. Even the antswith their small but countless actions, alter the soil structure, favoring their drainage.
The key role of fresh water ecosystems
Despite covering only 2.4% of the earth’s surfacefreshwater ecosystems host over a third of the animal species identified in the study. This figure underlines the importance of these habitats for biodiversity and geomorphological processes. The deposition of the salmon eggsfor example, can move a quantity of sediment equal to that transported by an induction.
A surprising energy impact
The collective energy produced by these “engineers” is impressive. How, anticipated, it is estimated that their contribution to the formation of the earth’s surface equal to at least 76,000 gigajouule per year. This estimate is probably conservative, since there are still significant gaps in knowledge, in particular in the tropical and subtropical regions where biodiversity is higher but the research is limited.
The importance of conservation
Unfortunately, Almost 30% of the species identified in the study are rare, endemic or threatened of extinction. This means that vital geomorphological processes could cease before the meaning is fully understood, with potentially serious consequences for the ecosystems and landscapes that depend on them.
The research conducted by Professor Harvey and his team underlines the importance of the conservation of biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems. Safeguard these “natural engineers” and the processes that guide could prove to be crucial to face environmental challenges such as erosion and floods.
Rewilding: a solution for the future?
The reintroduction projects of species and rewildinglike the reintroduction of beavers to restore wetlandsdemonstrate how to exploit these natural processes can help mitigate environmental problems. Rewilding, in particular, focuses on the restoration of ecosystems through the reintroduction of key species and the promotion of natural processes, with the aim of creating more resilient and self -sufficient landscapes.
Towards greater awareness
In addition to the direct effects on the morphology of the landscape, the actions of these animals they also influence water quality, The fertility of the soil and the resilience of ecosystems to extreme events. Understanding their impact means not only recognizing the ecological value of the species, but also developing more effective environmental management strategies.
For example, biologists suggest that studying the construction strategies of termite could provide Useful indications for sustainable architecture. Their structures, in fact, are capable of self -aging temperature and humidity without the need for external energy. Likewise, the catstories dams offer ideas on how design more natural and efficient water retention systems.
The study published in Pnas offers a new perspective on the role of animals in shaping our planet. These “natural architects” play a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystems and in the supply of essential ecosystem services.
