In the early 1950’s to a decade later, most renowned ornithologist questioned question the ignored effects of the application of insecticides to the population of the birds in the western side states of the US. The intention of their research was to analyse and determine the relationship between in the decline in birds’ numbers and the inception of insecticides such as DDT and heptachlor. With the introduction of the application of pesticides in numerous states to curb the Dutch elm disease, a significant decline in birds’ population was observed. The excessive birds’ activities that accompanied the beginning of a new season in the area declined. Research conducted by the ornithologists to establish the interference in the birds’ nature life cycle and habitat was focused on the disastrous harm of the chemicals applied. It entailed the analysis of the vicious cycle of the chemicals from the targeted beetles in the elm trees to the birds’ organs.
Upon discovering the hazardous harm of the chemicals on the birds’ population, ornithologist sought out to determine further the specific effects of the chemicals on the birds’ bodies as opposed to the earlier study that associate the birds decline to food poisoning. The ornithologist tried to determine the outcome of chemical intake by evaluating the surviving birds. In this regard, their main interest was the effect of chemicals on the productivity and life span of the birds. In addition, the birds’ behaviour was observed to have changed considerably in that the normal expected migration of birds and breeding was adversely affected. This phenomenon was a major concern especially to the researchers who conducted detailed analysis of the numerous chemicals that had been disposed in the environment.
The ornithologists researched on the various harmful effects of applied chemicals on the birds’ population. This process involved the identification of the specific birds’ niche and its gradual changes after the introduction of chemicals. The classification of the birds based on their feeding habits contributed significantly to the progress of the whole research agenda. The research on ground feeders’ involved the analysis of food consumed for example, earthworms that contained some deposits of the DDT and heptachlor in their organs. An analysis of the possibility of snow or rain washing away the chemicals proved unsuccessful considering the deposit of chemicals found in the bark feeders’ organs. On the same note, treetops feeders’ and predators’ analysis was done to indicate the adverse effects of the chemicals. Of main interest was the observation of a rapid decline in the predators’ population such as the eagles, owls and hawks. Moreover, an investigation was conducted to determine whether the chemicals had partly interfered with the sterility of the birds.
A critical approach was adopted in investigating the various effects that the chemicals had had on the birds ranging from their foods to the niches. This whole process involved the identification of the individual species type of food and their location, which in most cases were their nests. Notably, it was realised that some states that had not fully embraced the strategy of spraying chemicals to counter the Dutch elm disease like New York, had contrasting birds’ population sizes compared with those states that had adopted the chemical application approach. This observation brought concern to the ornithologist to try to explain why such disparities existed in the birds’ population. With the use of chemicals to counter the beetle-breeding elm trees, ornithologist tried to pinpoint the short-term advantages that could accrue in comparison to the long-term effects, which could be adversely affect the birds’ population.
From the numerous researches done, most ornithologists concluded that continuous application of chemicals on the elm trees was disastrous to the birds’ population. Research established that most birds had changed their modes of living and their productivity level had decline. With the decline in the population of birds contributed by the shortage of healthy food, the birds’ procreation was significantly affected. Not only did the the population size of the birds change, but the presence of chemicals in their organs affected their natural behaviours. Although birds were the main concerned in undertaking the research, it was later discover that the chemicals also affected most of the biodiversity. In addition, the ornithologist made a conclusion that adequate measures must be put in place to prevent a further loss of the birds’ population. Of essence is the fact that immeasurable harm had been impacted on the birds population and the other living organisms that inhabited the area of concern.
The logic of the research was to discourage the utilisation of chemicals, which had a hazardous effect on the population of birds and other living organisms in the ecosystem. This research discussed other better ways that could be adopted to curb vices like diseases without necessarily involving the use of chemicals. Establishment of the fact that chemicals are harmful in the environment, made the general public to adopt other measures that could ensure environment conservation and sustainability. The research also offered a means of evaluating the benefits of the utilisation of chemicals over the loss of biodiversity. In conclusion, it is ethical to respect the environment and the living things inhabiting it.