Environmental Science- Understanding-Ecosystems.pdf

Lectures in Environmental Science - GE10

1. Understanding
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with
each other and their physical environment. These interconnected
systems have a unique structure, types, and important functions that
maintain the balance of life on Earth.
by Berlene Caccam
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2. Levels of Biodiversity
Genetic Diversity
The variety of genes within a single
species, which allows organisms to
adapt to changes.
Species Diversity
The variety of different species
within an ecosystem, from plants to
animals to microorganisms.
Ecosystem Diversity
The variety of different ecosystems,
such as forests, deserts, and
wetlands, each with unique
characteristics.
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3. Ecosystem Roles
1Producers
Organisms that can make
their own food, like plants
through photosynthesis.
2Consumers
Organisms that eat other
organisms, like animals
that feed on plants or
other animals.
3Decomposers
Organisms that break down dead matter and recycle
nutrients, like fungi and bacteria.
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4. Signs of Unhealthy Ecosystems
Loss of Biodiversity
A decline in the variety of
species in an ecosystem is a
clear sign of imbalance.
Invasive Species
The introduction of non-
native species that
outcompete and displace
native species.
Pollution and
Contamination
The presence of harmful
substances that degrade the
quality of the environment.
Habitat Destruction
The loss or fragmentation of
natural habitats, often due
to human activities.
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5. Threats to Species
Habitat Loss
Destruction or fragmentation of natural habitats due to
human activities.
Overexploitation
Unsustainable harvesting or hunting of species, leading
to population declines.
Invasive Species
Non-native species that outcompete and displace native
species in an ecosystem.
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6. Ecosystem Services
Water Purification
Ecosystems filter and regulate
water resources, providing clean
drinking water.
Carbon Sequestration
Forests and other ecosystems
absorb and store carbon
dioxide, mitigating climate
change.
Pollination
Ecosystems support pollinators
like bees, which are essential for
plant reproduction.
Flood Control
Wetlands and other ecosystems
can absorb and regulate excess
water during floods.
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7. Biodiversity Indicators
1
Species Approach
Monitoring the population and conservation status of
specific indicator species.
2
Deforestation
Tracking the rate of forest loss, which can indicate the
health of terrestrial ecosystems.
3
Biodiversity Indices
Calculating the diversity and abundance of species in a
given area.
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8. Abiotic and Biotic Components
Abiotic
Non-living components of the
ecosystem, such as air, water, soil,
and sunlight.
Biotic
Living components of the
ecosystem, including plants,
animals, fungi, and
microorganisms.
Interactions
Abiotic and biotic components
interact to create the complex web
of life in an ecosystem.
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9. Types of Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems Forests, grasslands, deserts,
tundra, etc.
Aquatic Ecosystems Freshwater (rivers, lakes,
wetlands) and marine
(oceans, coral reefs)
Managed Ecosystems Farmlands, urban areas, and
other human-modified
environments
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10. Ecological Concepts
1Interdependence
The interconnectedness
of all living and non-living
components in an
ecosystem.
2Nutrient Cycling
The movement of
nutrients through an
ecosystem, from
producers to consumers
to decomposers.
3Succession
The gradual changes in
the composition of an
ecosystem over time,
leading to a stable climax
community.
4Resilience
The ability of an
ecosystem to recover
from disturbances and
maintain its essential
functions.
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