By Hope Elena Sardella, 2019
The vast plains have evolved due in large because of fire, but most importantly the ecology of the plains cannot survive without the natural occurrence of fires and the practice of prescribed burnings. When invasive species “take over”, or takes succession over a particular ecosystem the invasive plant overpopulates the ecosystem and consequentially deprive the land of the ability to cultivate any other diverse species (Bird, R., Bird, D., Codding, B. (2016). pg. 6. para. 4). One invasive species in particular that has become a significant nuisance in the Great Plains of Oklahoma is the woody Red Cedar tree. When a woody invasive species like Red Cedar begin to encroach on the lands of the great plains, it divides the complex diversity of species that rely on natives grasses to survive. Further evidence suggests that Smith & Smith (2015), report that in succession of a plant species drastically impacts an ecosystem, but when fire affects a community although it virtually kills everything and drives all life out, fire also has the miraculous ability to regenerate life (pg. 19.1, para. 1). Thus the occurrence of fire or natural hazards can invigorate the development of species successions, and can commonly improve habitats by leveling the playing field.
Another case in point I would like to my peers to consider is; Why are these invasive trees developing at such a rapid rate, and do we as humans have the right to eradicate them if we cannot control our pollution production.
I am especially familiar with Juniper (red cedar) and have written an essay or two about this species of trees. I have personally found a unique love and fascination with them because I feel like they are the underdogs – and are poorly misunderstood. It is in my educated opinion that these invasive tree species are developing in response to increased levels of carbon dioxide, as well as an attempt to retain water in the ground. Current evidence shows only neutral and positive responses to increased CO2 levels, although it may take a much more extended period of study to make a more conclusive determination on links to rising C02 levels and invasive species development (Sheppard, C. & Stanley, M. (2014). As it stands, Oklahoma indeed does not have a method of calculating the number of emissions the citizens produce, because there are no emissions regulations on vehicles in the state of Oklahoma. Furthermore, if one is familiar with the Great Dust Bowl, the state has a long track record of drought due to overexploitation of natural resources.
References
Bird, R., Bird, D., Codding, B. (2016). People, El Nin˜o southern oscillation and fire in Australia: fire regimes and climate controls in hummock grasslands. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 371: 20150343. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2015.0343
OKSTATEDSNR. [Screen name]. (2013, April 9). Fire Effects on the Prairie [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlzW6PdrhX4
Smith, T. M., & Smith, R. L. (2015). Elements of Ecology (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Sheppard, C & Stanley, M. (2014). Does Elevate Temperature and Doubled CO2 Increase Growth of Three Potentially Invasive Plants?,” Invasive Plant Science and Management 7(2), https://doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-13-00038.1
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