What might be a cause that would break the bargain between plant and animals?

The "bargain" between plants and animals is a metaphorical way of describing the symbiotic relationship that exists between them. Plants provide food and oxygen, while animals provide carbon dioxide and help with pollination and seed dispersal. This mutually beneficial relationship is vital for the survival of both plants and animals.

Here are some potential causes that could disrupt this balance and break the bargain:

Environmental Changes:

* Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt plant growth and alter animal populations.

* Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion destroy habitats and disconnect plant and animal communities.

* Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution can damage plants and harm animals, disrupting their interactions.

* Invasive Species: Introduced plants or animals can outcompete native species, disrupting the ecosystem and the bargain between them.

Human Activities:

* Overexploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and logging can deplete animal and plant populations, disrupting the balance.

* Monoculture Agriculture: Large-scale farming of a single crop reduces biodiversity and eliminates habitats for many animals, disrupting the intricate web of interactions.

* Pesticide Use: Pesticides can kill pollinators, disrupt the food chain, and negatively impact plant growth, leading to a breakdown of the bargain.

Evolutionary Changes:

* Coevolutionary Arms Race: As plants evolve defenses against herbivores, animals may evolve counter-adaptations, creating an ongoing evolutionary arms race that could disrupt the balance.

* Extinction: If one party in the bargain goes extinct, the other party will be negatively affected, potentially leading to further extinctions and a complete collapse of the symbiotic relationship.

Disease Outbreaks:

* Plant Diseases: Disease outbreaks can decimate plant populations, impacting the food supply for animals and disrupting the balance.

* Animal Diseases: Diseases can affect animal populations, altering their behavior and interactions with plants, impacting the balance of the ecosystem.

It's important to remember that these are just some potential causes, and the specific consequences of disrupting the bargain between plants and animals will vary depending on the specific context. However, it's clear that any action that disrupts the balance of the ecosystem can have significant negative repercussions for both plants and animals.