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Welcome to today's discussion on the interconnectivity of various ecosystems. Ecosystems are made up of living organisms and their physical environment, which interact with each other to form a delicate balance. This balance is crucial because it supports biodiversity and provides essential services such as clean air, water purification, and climate regulation. Environmental changes, such as climate change and habitat destruction, pose significant threats to these ecosystems. They disrupt the balance, leading to loss of species and degradation of natural resources. It's important to recognize how different ecosystems are interconnected; for instance, deforestation in one area can impact water cycles and weather patterns in another. Understanding these connections helps us in conservation efforts, as protecting one ecosystem can lead to positive outcomes in others. Therefore, public awareness and policy changes are vital to ensure the health of our planet.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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