Environmental Impacts
Biological weapons pose legitimate threats to the environment and many living organisms. Biological warfare could result in ecocide or the intentional destruction of the environment. The loss of biodiversity is one such consequence that could radically take a species with an important niche, thus affecting other organisms in the process.
Domesticated animals and plants are also at risk of extinction when they have been exposed to dangerous biological agents. For example, Axis powers during the First World War exposed Allied cattle to anthrax, which not only spread the disease but also killed many domesticated cattle. This shows that the availability of food can diminish when biological agents are widespread in lower trophic species. Without the proper balance of energy at each trophic level many animals would find themselves dead.
The species which survive would most likely migrate with or without human intervention. The endangered species would, in turn, become invasive species, threatening even more ecosystems. However, biological agents are not the sole cause of negative environmental effects, but rather a combination of many such as human intervention and climate change.
Habitat Degradation
The inhabitants of any habitat on Earth ultimately mold their environment in many positive ways. For example, earthworms are decomposers, meaning that they break down rotting waste and convert it into rich, fertile soil. The fertile soil then dictates hoe plant life develops.
The loss of species, especially keystone species, caused by the intentional or unintentional use of biological agents can change an entire ecosystem. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations notes that disease caused by biological agents can cause desertification. The loss of plant life will most likely cause habitats to turn into wastelands or deserts as soil slowly erodes due to plant roots not holding down the soil.
The loss of species and their majestic habitats can be as dangerous as global warming. By taking care of wildlife by not introducing new substances into their ecosystems people can prevent biological agents from destroying life. Biological agents can disrupt the delicate equilibrium of an entire ecosystem. Prevention and decontamination are the best allies when it is time to deal with these new dangers.