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[[Image:LocationUSA.png|right|thumb|The United States is part of [[North America]].]] |
[[Image:LocationUSA.png|right|thumb|The United States is part of [[North America]].]] |
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The '''[[environment (biophysical)|environment]]''' of the '''[[United States]]''' comprises diverse biotas, climates, and geologies. Environmental regulations and the [[environmental movement]] have emerged to respond to the various threats to the environment. |
The '''[[environment (biophysical)|environment]]''' of the '''[[United States]]''' comprises diverse biotas, climates, and geologies. Environmental regulations and the [[environmental movement]] have emerged to respond to the various threats to the environment. |
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===Animals=== |
===Animals=== |
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There are about 21,717 different species of native plants and animals in the United States. More than 400 mammal, 700 bird, 500 reptile and amphibian, and 90,000 insect species have been documented.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://biology.usgs.gov/error.html | title=Our Living Resources | publisher = U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Biological Service| accessdate=2006-06-14}}{{Citation broken|date=December 2007}}</ref> Wetlands, such as the Florida [[Everglades]], are the base for much of this diversity. There are over 140,000 invertebrates in the United States which is constantly growing as researchers identify more species. Fish are the largest group of animal species, with over one thousand counted so far. About 13,000 species are added to the list of known organisms each year. Most of these animal species have become extinct or only survive in captivity.<ref> |
There are about 21,717 different species of native plants and animals in the United States. More than 400 mammal, 700 bird, 500 reptile and amphibian, and 90,000 insect species have been documented.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://biology.usgs.gov/error.html | title=Our Living Resources | publisher = U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Biological Service| accessdate=2006-06-14}}{{Citation broken|date=December 2007}}</ref> Wetlands, such as the Florida [[Everglades]], are the base for much of this diversity. There are over 140,000 invertebrates in the United States which is constantly growing as researchers identify more species. Fish are the largest group of animal species, with over one thousand counted so far. About 13,000 species are added to the list of known organisms each year. Most of these animal species have become extinct or only survive in captivity.<ref>Osborn, Liz (n.d.) [https://www.currentresults.com/Environment-Facts/Plants-Animals/number-of-native-species-in-united-states.phpCurrentResults.com Number of Native Species in United States] currentresults.com </ref> |
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===Fungi=== |
===Fungi=== |
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===Plants=== |
===Plants=== |
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With habitats ranging from tropical to Arctic, U.S. plant life is very diverse. The country has more than 17,000 identified native species of [[flora]], including 5,000 in California (home to the [[Sequoia sempervirens|tallest]], the [[Sequoiadendron giganteum|most massive]], and the [[Bristlecone pine|oldest]] trees in the world).<ref>{{cite |
With habitats ranging from tropical to Arctic, U.S. plant life is very diverse. The country has more than 17,000 identified native species of [[flora]], including 5,000 in California (home to the [[Sequoia sempervirens|tallest]], the [[Sequoiadendron giganteum|most massive]], and the [[Bristlecone pine|oldest]] trees in the world).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Morse, L. E., Kartesz, J. T., & Kutner, L. S.|title=Our Living Resources: a report to the nation on the distribution, abundance, and health of US plants, animals and ecosystems|date=1995|publisher=US Department of the Interior, National Biological Service|location=Washington, DC|pages=205-209|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-a3HjWpMWuMC|chapter=Native vascular plants}}</ref> Three quarters of the United States species consist of flowering plants. |
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===Human impacts on biota=== |
===Human impacts on biota=== |
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The country's [[ecosystems]] include thousands of nonnative [[exotic species]] that often harm indigenous communities of living things. Many indigenous species became extinct soon after first human settlement, including the [[Pleistocene megafauna#North America|North American megafauna]]; others have become nearly extinct since European settlement, among them the [[American bison]] and [[California condor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/megafauna_extinctions.htm |title=Pleistocene Megafauna Extinctions |publisher=Cpluhna.nau.edu |accessdate=2010-01-31 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308123523/http://cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/megafauna_extinctions.htm |archivedate=2010-03-08 |df= }}</ref> Many plants and animals have declined dramatically as a result of massive conversion and other human activity. Humans have impacted the environment through several ways such as overpopulation, pollution, and deforestation.<ref> |
The country's [[ecosystems]] include thousands of nonnative [[exotic species]] that often harm indigenous communities of living things. Many indigenous species became extinct soon after first human settlement, including the [[Pleistocene megafauna#North America|North American megafauna]]; others have become nearly extinct since European settlement, among them the [[American bison]] and [[California condor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/megafauna_extinctions.htm |title=Pleistocene Megafauna Extinctions |publisher=Cpluhna.nau.edu |accessdate=2010-01-31 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308123523/http://cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/megafauna_extinctions.htm |archivedate=2010-03-08 |df= }}</ref> Many plants and animals have declined dramatically as a result of massive conversion and other human activity. Humans have impacted the environment through several ways such as overpopulation, pollution, and deforestation.<ref>10 Ways Humans Impact the Environment. (2016, June 10). Retrieved June 15, 2017, from http://interestingengineering.com/10-ways-humans-impact-the-environment/</ref> |
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==Climate== |
==Climate== |
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Following [[World War II]], the West's cities experienced an economic and population boom. The [[population growth]], mostly in the [[Southwestern United States|Southwest]], has strained water and power resources, with water diverted from agricultural uses to major population centers, such as [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and [[Los Angeles]]. According to the [[California Department of Water Resources]], if more supplies are not found by 2020, residents will face a [[water crisis|water shortfall]] nearly as great as the amount consumed today.<ref>[http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/policymk/conf/2002/0827water.htm A World Without Water -Global Policy Forum- NGOs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712174955/http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/policymk/conf/2002/0827water.htm |date=2007-07-12 }}</ref> |
Following [[World War II]], the West's cities experienced an economic and population boom. The [[population growth]], mostly in the [[Southwestern United States|Southwest]], has strained water and power resources, with water diverted from agricultural uses to major population centers, such as [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and [[Los Angeles]]. According to the [[California Department of Water Resources]], if more supplies are not found by 2020, residents will face a [[water crisis|water shortfall]] nearly as great as the amount consumed today.<ref>[http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/policymk/conf/2002/0827water.htm A World Without Water -Global Policy Forum- NGOs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712174955/http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/policymk/conf/2002/0827water.htm |date=2007-07-12 }}</ref> |
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The United States mainland contains a total of nine distinct regional climates. Those include Northwestern region, the High plains, Midwest/Ohio valley region, New England/mid Atlantic, Southeast, Southern region, and Southwestern region. Each region contains different states and has their own climate and temperatures throughout the year.<ref> |
The United States mainland contains a total of nine distinct regional climates. Those include Northwestern region, the High plains, Midwest/Ohio valley region, New England/mid Atlantic, Southeast, Southern region, and Southwestern region. Each region contains different states and has their own climate and temperatures throughout the year.<ref>[http://traveltips.usatoday.com/regional-climates-united-states-21675.html Regional Climates in the United States] 03.21.2018 USA Today </ref> |
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==Geology== |
==Geology== |
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{{main|Geology of the United States}} |
{{main|Geology of the United States}} |
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The [[Continental United States|lower 48 states]] can be divided into roughly five [[physiography|physiographic]] provinces: the [[American cordillera]], the [[Canadian Shield]], the stable platform, the coastal plain, and the [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] [[orogeny|orogenic]] belt. The richly textured landscape of the United States is a product of the dueling forces of plate tectonics, weathering, and erosion. Tectonic upheavals and colliding plates have raised great mountain ranges while the forces of erosion and weathering worked to tear them down. The plate tectonic history of a region strongly influences the rock type and structure exposed at the surface, but differing rates of erosion along with changing climates can also have impacts on the land.<ref> |
The [[Continental United States|lower 48 states]] can be divided into roughly five [[physiography|physiographic]] provinces: the [[American cordillera]], the [[Canadian Shield]], the stable platform, the coastal plain, and the [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] [[orogeny|orogenic]] belt. The richly textured landscape of the United States is a product of the dueling forces of plate tectonics, weathering, and erosion. Tectonic upheavals and colliding plates have raised great mountain ranges while the forces of erosion and weathering worked to tear them down. The plate tectonic history of a region strongly influences the rock type and structure exposed at the surface, but differing rates of erosion along with changing climates can also have impacts on the land.<ref>[https://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/province Geologic Provinces of the United States: Records of an Active Earth] US Geological Survey.</ref> |
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[[File:US Geological Provinces.png|thumb| geology map]] |
[[File:US Geological Provinces.png|thumb| geology map]] |
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The [[Endangered Species Act]] of 1973 protects [[threatened species|threatened]] and [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species|endangered species]] and [[Protected areas of the United States|their habitats]], which are monitored by the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]. |
The [[Endangered Species Act]] of 1973 protects [[threatened species|threatened]] and [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species|endangered species]] and [[Protected areas of the United States|their habitats]], which are monitored by the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]. |
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In 1872, the world's first [[national park]] was established at Yellowstone. Another fifty-seven national parks and hundreds of other federally managed parks and forests have since been formed.<ref>{{cite web| |
In 1872, the world's first [[national park]] was established at Yellowstone. Another fifty-seven national parks and hundreds of other federally managed parks and forests have since been formed.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baker|first1=Maverick|title=10 Ways Humans Impact the Environment|url=https://interestingengineering.com/10-ways-humans-impact-the-environment|website=interestingengineeering.com|accessdate=24 March 2018|date=2016}}</ref> [[Wilderness area]]s have been established around the country to ensure long-term protection of pristine habitats. Altogether, the U.S. government regulates 1,020,779 square miles (2,643,807 km<sup>2</sup>), 28.8% of the country's total land area.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://johnshadegg.house.gov/rsc/Federal%20Land%20Ownership--May%202005.pdf | format=PDF | title=Federal Land and Buildings Ownership | publisher=Republican Study Committee | date=2005-05-19 | accessdate=2006-06-13 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524171319/http://johnshadegg.house.gov/rsc/federal%20land%20ownership--may%202005.pdf | archivedate=2010-05-24 | df= }}</ref> Protected parks and forestland constitute most of this. As of March 2004, approximately 16% of public land under [[Bureau of Land Management]] administration was being leased for commercial oil and natural gas drilling;<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/27/bloomberg/bxbeer.php | title=Abuse of Trust: A Brief History of the Bush Administration’s Disastrous Oil and Gas Development Policies in the Rocky Mountain West | publisher = Wilderness Society | date=2007-05-28| accessdate=2007-06-11}}</ref> public land is also leased for mining and cattle ranching. |
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{{expand section|date=June 2017}} |
{{expand section|date=June 2017}} |
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As with many other countries there are a number of environmental issues in the United States. Topical issues include the [[Arctic Refuge drilling controversy]] and the [[Climate change policy of the George W. Bush administration|Bush Administration's stance on climate change]]. |
As with many other countries there are a number of environmental issues in the United States. Topical issues include the [[Arctic Refuge drilling controversy]] and the [[Climate change policy of the George W. Bush administration|Bush Administration's stance on climate change]]. |
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Climate change, species conservation, invasive species, mining, pesticides, and waste are just some of the environmental issues in the United States. Global warming is the greatest cause of impact to the environment. |
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{{expand section|date=June 2017}} |
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==Protected areas== |
==Protected areas== |
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{{expand section|date=July 2009}} |
{{expand section|date=July 2009}} |
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The Nature Conservancy works with public and private partners to ensure our lands and waters are protected for future generations. They work in all 50 states, protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs and addressing threats to conservation.<ref> |
The Nature Conservancy works with public and private partners to ensure our lands and waters are protected for future generations. They work in all 50 states, protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs and addressing threats to conservation.<ref>United States of America. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2017, from https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/index.htm</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Environment Of The United States}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Environment Of The United States}} |
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[[Category:Environment of the United States| ]] |
[[Category:Environment of the United States|Environment of the United States]] |