...WHAT IS ECOSYSTEM An ecosystem consists of the biological community that occurs in some locale, and the physical and chemical factors that make up its non-living or abiotic environment. There are many examples of ecosystems -- a pond, a forest, an estuary, grassland. The study of ecosystems mainly consists of the study of certain processes that link the living, or biotic, components to the non-living, or abiotic, components. Energy transformations and ecosystem components are the two main topics that comprise the field of ecosystem ecology. COMPONENTS OF ECOSYSTEM ABIOTIC COMPONENTS | BIOTIC COMPONENTS | Sunlight | Primary producers | Temperature | Herbivores | Precipitation | Carnivores | Water or moisture | Omnivores | Soil or water chemistry (e.g., P, NH4+) | Detritivores | etc. | etc. | These include the non-living, physico - chemical factors such as air, water, soil and the basic elements and compounds of the environment. Abiotic factors are broadly classified under three categories. Climatic factors which include the climatic regime and physical factors of the environment like light, humidity, atmospheric temperature, wind, etc. Edaphic factors which are related to the structure and composition of soil including its physical and chemical properties, like soil and its types, soil profile, minerals, organic matter, soil water, soil organisms. It comprises the living part of the environment, which includes the association of a number of interrelated...
Words: 507 - Pages: 3
...University of Phoenix Material Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change Select and complete one of the following assignments: Option 1: Ecosystem Components Paper Option 2: Ecosystem Components Video and Summary Option 1: Ecosystem Components Paper Select a representative natural ecosystem in your area or one that you are interested in—such as a lake, preserve, or park—that is managed for native species. • Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper explaining the following: o The major structural and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including change over time o How humans may have affected biogeochemical cycles in that ecosystem, including impacts to the nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon cycle o How knowledge about that ecosystem’s structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management and restoration o The implication of species interactions in ecosystem management and restoration • Include two outside references. • Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Option 2: Ecosystem Components Video and Summary Select a representative natural ecosystem in your area or one that you are interested in—such as a lake, preserve, or park—that is managed for native species. • Shoot a 7- to 10-minute video chronicling the following: o The major structural and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including change over time o How humans may...
Words: 309 - Pages: 2
...Balancing Ecosystems Nasirah Halstead ENV/100 August 25, 2014 Sharon White, Instructor Balancing Ecosystems Dear City Council: I am writing you concerning matters of restoring balance to the city's ecosystem. An ecosystem is a factor in the biological community that consists of occurrences locally, chemical factors, as well as physical, make up the environment non-living or abiotic. The unbalanced ecosystem in Sparksville's aquatic system is the situation at hand. The boundaries of this ecosystem are being addressed for reasons having to do with the goal of restoring the lake back to normal. The invasions of Grass Carp have made it almost impossible for the rest of the underwater community to be in existence. The changes in the ecosystem in the lake have influenced all components of living for the community and life under water within the lake. Bass fish are at an all-time low for the community. The resources of Bass fish are so small that the city cannot hold the annual Bass Tournament, leaving the city bankrupt of resources that help the economy. Grass Carp are known as an invasive species meaning it is a non-native species within the Lake. The Carp introduced when the city decided to use an eco-friendly fertilizer to help with the crops. The plants began to grow healthier; however, the Grass Carp begin to come to the Lake and take it over and out-competing the native species. The native species are usually more aggressive in their race to get adequate resources...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
...instrumental value a biotic community may have to human beings, it is also of paramount importance to preserve biotic communities based on our “obligations to land”2. This concept of a prima facie responsibility to protect our environment and the communities within it is known as the preservationist intuition3. We certainly attribute this value to our fellow man, putting laws in place to prevent harm and maltreatment in our communities, and breaking these laws would indeed render the culprit to be considered morally wrong. We attribute value (be it intrinsic or instrumental) to sentient animals, even plant-life. But what of ecosystems? Can we consider ecosystems to be morally considerable, and therefore attribute any value to them? It is a question that has many variables, and in this essay I will be evaluating various arguments for and against the premise that ecosystems command any value with regards to an environmental ethic. First we must consider what it means for something to be morally considerable. It would appear that this definition would depend on what moral determinant we deem appropriate in pursuing an environmental ethic. Many philosophers, including K.E.Goodpaster adopt Joel Feinberg’s view that a thing may be morally considerable if and only if it is a living thing4. Those things which do not have the necessary condition of life are not morally considerable, and are known as ‘mere things’5. This eliminates any inanimate object from our moral consideration, as inanimate...
Words: 2960 - Pages: 12
...composition of an ecosystem following a disturbance. Ecology The study of how organisms interact with their environments. Ecosystem All the organisms that live within a given area and all the abiotic features of their environment. Exponential growth A model of population growth in which a population grows at a rate proportional to its size. Life history strategy The position a population of organisms occupies on the continuum between producing a large number of “inexpensive” offspring and a small number of “expensive” offspring. Logistic growth A model of population growth in which growth slows as the population approaches the carrying capacity of its habitat. Niche The total set of biotic and abiotic resources a species uses within a community. Population A group of individuals of a single species that occupies a given area. Producer An organism that makes organic molecules from inorganic materials and energy. Symbiosis A situation in which individuals of two species live in close association with one another. Trophic level One of the feeding levels in a food chain, including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, and so forth. Review Questions 21.1 Organisms and Their Environment 1. What is ecology? 2. Does an organism’s environment include only nonliving components? yes 3. What is the difference between a community and an ecosystem? The difference between a community and an ecosystem is one (community)...
Words: 716 - Pages: 3
...writing about the abiotic components, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and the ecosystem function and structure. Also discussing the disturbance and how natural can bounce back after these types of disturbance. 3 Tropical Rainforest The ecosystem of the Tropical Rainforest is a community of living organisms such as plants, animals and microbes in conjunctions with the nonliving components of their environment such as air, water and mineral soil, interacting as a system. (http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystem.com) Ecosystems are controlled both by external and internal factors. The external factors such as climate, this is the material which forms the soil and topography, and control the overall structure of an ecosystem and the way things work with in it. Other external factors are time, potential biota. The internal factors not only control ecosystem processes but are also controlled by them and are often subject to feedback loops. The resource inputs are generally controlled by external processes like climate and parent material. (http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystem.com) The ecosystem processes, is when the energy and carbon enter ecosystems through photosynthesis, are incorporated into living tissue, transferred to other organisms. The biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. The energy, water, nitrogen and soil minerals are other essential abiotic components of an ecosystem. The energy that flows...
Words: 480 - Pages: 2
...bacteria to processes that span the entire planet. Ecologists study many diverse andcomplex relations among species, such aspredation and pollination. The diversity of life is organized into different habitats, from terrestrial(middle) to aquatic ecosystems. | Ecology (from Greek: οἶκος, "house"; -λογία, "study of"[A]) is the scientificstudy of interactions among organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment. Topics of interest to ecologists include the diversity, distribution, amount (biomass), number (population) of organisms, as well as competition between them within and among ecosystems. Ecosystems are composed of dynamically interacting parts including organisms, the communities they make up, and the non-living components of their environment. Ecosystem processes, such asprimary production, pedogenesis, nutrient cycling, and various niche construction activities, regulate the flux of energy and matter through an environment. These processes are sustained by organisms with specific life history traits, and the variety of organisms is called biodiversity. Biodiversity, which refers to the varieties of species, genes, and ecosystems, enhances certain ecosystem services. Ecology is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology and Earth science. The word "ecology" ("Ökologie") was coined in 1866 by the German scientistErnst Haeckel (1834–1919). Ancient Greek philosophers such as Hippocratesand Aristotle laid...
Words: 989 - Pages: 4
...Disturbance are disturbances caused by Mother Nature. Anthropogenic caused disturbances are man’s way of harming the ecosystem. Nature has a way of recovering with and without help. Estuary Ecosystem The United States of American is a country that consists of many different ecosystems in a relatively small space. From the arid desert climate with scorching temperatures to mountainous areas that stay frozen year round, the United States has many different ecosystems to offer. One ecosystem in particular is the estuary system. Normally found along coastal lines, estuaries offer a safe haven for water, air and land creatures alike. It also offers a great area for many different types of vegetation to grow. One state with a plethora of estuaries is the state of Florida. Florida, having a relatively warm climate year round and having a coast line that almost surrounds the entire state, gives these ecosystems a great environment to flourish. One flourishing estuary in particular is located in the Tampa area and is known as the Tampa Bay Estuary. This 400 square mile protected area is home to many different types of animals to include a winter home to migratory birds. This refuge allows these many different types of animals the opportunity to thrive. This estuary is also home to many different types of plants and trees, giving this estuary many different biotic components in a relatively small area. This, of course, is also amplified by the...
Words: 1224 - Pages: 5
...Biotic Component Paper The ecosystem consists of functional systems which includes the organisms of natural communities within an environment (Jones, 2008). The human race would not exist if it was not for natural resources, such as plants, water, food, etc. The health and sustainability of our ecosystem have been negatively impacted due to everyday poor decision making. Therefore, groups, such as Virginia Conservation Network, represents more than 100 non-profits and community organizations working together to preserve the ecosystem to prolong a quality life. Every living and non-living things are connected in some way. An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things working together. The functioning of an ecosystem is often described by the flow of energy, via food chains and the cycling of elements biogeochemical (Chambers, 2000). The major component of an ecosystem includes soil, atmosphere, heat, and light from the sun, water and living organisms. Soil provides nutrients for plants, which provide oxygen. The atmosphere consists of oxygen and carbon dioxide for plants and living organism to survive. The sun’s heat helps water evaporate and return to the atmosphere where it turns into water. Light from the sun provides photosynthesis for plants to make food. Water is a large percentage of the cells that make up all living organisms. Without the existence of water, all and any form of life would be non-existent. Furthermore, without water, there...
Words: 1185 - Pages: 5
...ECOSYSTEMS ECOSYSTEMS Ecosystem is a living thing. It is a community of animals, and them interacting with each other in an environment. Everyone is in it. It a place where the plants grow and, also there are animal in it, people are part of the ecosystem too. If one thing is taken away can affect the other. There is a component called abiotic and biotic. Plants and animal and also people are part of the ecosystem. An ecosystem means ecological system. Each organism has its niche. Plants are important or other animal. We are part of an ecosystem. Plants are important to animal that eats plant. It is because the animal gets energy from plant. Animal are not the only that is there it’s also people. People are also part of ecosystem. People are everywhere when you walk on the street, when you go to the park too. Something part of the ecosystem can also be underwater too. If you take away one thing it affects the other. For example, if you take away the plants it will affect the animals that eat plant; also, the plant eater would be extinct. Also the carnivores would be extinct. It is like if you take away one stick from under, it will pull the others. It’s also like how you take the leg from the table the whole table won’t be straight. Abiotic components are sunlight, temperature, precipitation, soil or water chemistry, etc. The biotic components are primary producer, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, detritivores, etc. In conclusion, an ecosystem is a living thing. It...
Words: 323 - Pages: 2
...A single ecosystem holds all the food chain and this is called a food web. Every living creature in the ecosystem is a component of multiplex food chains. Every food chain is a possible pathway that nutrients, and energy could take on while they travel throughout an ecosystem. Each and every one of the overlapping, and organized food chains in the same ecosystem create a food web. "A food web is a graphical description of feeding relationships among species in an ecological community, that is, of who eats whom"( J. Duffy, 2013 ). Trophic levels consist of a group of organisms in the food webs. Also, this trophic levels are divided into three levels and this levels are decomposers, consumers, and producers. The first trophic level is known as Producers. Also, they create their food and they don't turn to other organism, and they also called autotrophs. Normally autotrophs create food using a process known as photosynthesis, and that create a nutrient known as glucose, and these consist of water , carbon dioxide, and sunlight. There are different types of autotroph but plants are the most known type. One larger plant that's known as seaweed is a autotroph. Also, tiny organisms living in the deep-sea called Phytoplankton, are also autotrophs. There are various bacteria that are autotrophs. Example, in a lively volcanoes exist bacteria and they use sulfur to put together its own food. This procedure is known as chemosynthesis. The following trophic levels consist of organism...
Words: 730 - Pages: 3
...Ecosystem and Human Activity SIX KEY ASPECTS OF ECOSYSTEM BASED MANAGEMENT October 27, 2013 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Six Key Aspects of Ecosystem Based Management……………………………………3 Integration of ecological, social, and economic goals and recognition of humans as key components of the ecosystem………………………………………………………..............3 Consideration of Ecological Not Just Political- Boundaries………………………………5 Accounting for the Complexity of Natural Processes and Social Systems and Using an Adaptive Management Approach in the Face of Resulting Uncertainties………7 Engaging Multiple Stakeholders in a Collaborative Process to Define Problems and Find Solutions………………………………………………………..…………………….8 Incorporating Understanding of Ecosystem Processes and How Ecosystems Respond to Environmental Perturbations…………………………………………….....9 Concern with the Ecological Integrity of Coastal-marine Systems and the Sustainability of Both Human and Ecological Systems………………………………10 Conclusion ….12 References 13 Introduction Human activities on land and in the ocean are changing ecosystems and threatening their ability to provide important benefits to society, such as healthy and abundant sources of food, clean air, and fresh water. The argument that the ecosystem ought to be managed in whole ecological units based on integrative biological, physical and/or socio-economic assessments is not a new one. However the argument is gaining urgency as a result...
Words: 3397 - Pages: 14
...Biodiversity a.Biodiversity- is the degree of variation of life. It is a measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems. This can refer to genetic variation, ecosystem variation, or species variation (number of species) within an area, biome, or planet. Terrestrial biodiversity tends to be highest near the equator, which seems to be the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity. Biodiversity is not distributed evenly on Earth. It is the richest in the tropics. Marine biodiversity tends to be highest along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest and in the mid-latitudinal band in all oceans. There are latitudinal gradients in species diversity. Biodiversity generally tends to cluster in hotspots and has been increasing through time but will be likely to slow in the future. b. bioinformatics-is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data. As an interdisciplinary field of science, bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to study and process biological data. c. endangered species-is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to become extinct. "Endangered" is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR). d. threatened species- are any species (including animals, plants...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change paper Zachery Thursday, February 12, 2015 SCI 256 Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change paper Prior to restoration the area now known as the Chamna Natural Preserve was used to facilitate illegal dumping and racing. It was not until 1997 that cleanup of this shrub-steppe ecosystem began. Area such as this have begun to be maintained by associations with the intentions of restoring or maintaining these natural reserves. We will discuss the major structural and functional dynamics for the Chamna Natural Preserve. Along with how humans may have affected the cycling of matter in the ecosystem, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon. How knowledge can or has helped to develop plans for restoration or management. Then finally about the implications of species interactions in this specific ecosystem. Structures and Functions of the Chamna Natural Preserve The Functional dynamics of this shrub-steppe ecosystem are undergoing change, and people are involved. According to Smith (2001), “Climate change will alter the nitrogen cycling in the fragile soil of semi-arid desert regions.” Since nitrogen loss is more prevalent in warmer, drier areas then cooler, wetter areas. The microbial processes related to the cycling of nitrogen are more related to the changes is climate, then by plant competition for nitrogen. Meaning that the stability of this shrub-steppe ecosystem is highly dependent on the ecosystems ability to adjust to changing...
Words: 719 - Pages: 3
...Biology Biome: the largest division of the biosphere. Biosphere: the thin layer of air, land, and water on or near Earth’s surface in which all living things on Earth exists. Climatograph: A graph of climate data for a specific region. Ecosystem: a part of a biome in which abiotic components interact with biotic components. Biodiversity: the variety of all living species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms on Earth. Niche: The special role an organism plays in an ecosystem, including the way in which it contributes to and fits into environment. Structural adaptations: a physical feature of an organism’s body having a specific function that contributes to survival of the organism. Physiological: a physical and chemical event that occurs within the body of an organism that enables survival. Behavioral: what an organism does to survive in the unique conditions of its environment. Species: a group of closely related organisms. Population: all members of a particular species. Community: all the population of the different species. Bioremediation: the use of organisms (micro or plants), to break down chemical pollutants in water or soil to reverse/lessen environmental damage. Decomposition: breaking down of organic wastes and dead organisms. Biodegradation: action of living things such as bacteria to break down dead organic matter. Decomposer: change wastes and dead organisms into usable nutrients. Detrivores: consumers that obtain their energy by eating bodies...
Words: 858 - Pages: 4
