...Ecosystems and Economics Paper BIO/280 Ecosystems and Economics Paper Our society has come to a point in time where we are more concerned about having the latest thing. While humans choose to consume natural resources our ecosystems are diminishing. In this paper I will discuss degradation, loss, effecst humans have on our planet, and the cost and benefits of human enterprise in terms of ecosystems. Degradation and Loss In past years, people have reshaped ecosystems, faster and more ample than in any time in history. While meeting fast growing request on food, fresh water, timber, and fuel. Resulting in a permanent loss in diversity of life on this planet. “These alteration we have made to our ecosystem have contributed to considerable net gain in human well-being and economic development, these gains have been achieved at growing cost in the form of the degradation of many ecosystem services” (Leemans, 2003). Effects of human activity on ecosystems Humans and technologies are disturbing the trophic structure, energy flow and the chemical balance of ecosystems worldwide. Humans move nutrients from one place to another in an ecosystem. Example; Soil from a farm can be transported into streams, and lakes, diminishing nutrients in an area causing excess to develop in another area, and disturbing chemical cycles in both areas. Introduction of toxic chemicals by humans into ecosystems have caused these chemicals to be consumed and metabolized by organisms. These chemicals...
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...ECOSYSTEMS PAPER (LAKE TAHOE) SCI/256 Lake Tahoe is a large and a very beautiful lake in Nevada region of the United States. The surface are of the lake is about 191, 500 square miles. The average depth of the lake is about 300 meters. The lake is surrounded vegetation which supports a variety of plant life and animal life. The diversity of the organisms living around the lake is great. The vegetation around the lake consists of rain forests including species of Jeffry Pine, lodgepole Pine, white and red first. Vegetation also includes dry meadows and brush fields. The brush field Ceanothus has the capability of fixing nitrogen that makes the soil of the surrounding lake more fertile. There are several processes that prevail inside and outside the lake. The lake is under threat from eutrophication that can severely affect the aquatic life living in it and the surrounding vegetation. It has been estimated that there has been changes in the populations of the various aquatic animals living in the lake’s waters. Zooplankton population has faced the greatest changes. The lake experiences winter and summer seasons with full might. Temperatures can go as high as 25.9 degrees Celsius in the summer and as low as sub-zero in the winter. The vegetation surrounding the lake experiences these temperature changes and responds to this stimulus by the change in leaf colors and leaf numbers. The seasonal changes...
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...Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change Paper (Great Lakes) Shantera Bell October 26, 2015 SCI/256 UOP The Great Lakes region is rich with life and full of native species well adapted to survival. However, since the early 1800s, many non-native plants, animals and microscopic organisms have been introduced into the Great Lakes, either accidentally or intentionally. Great Lakes native species are diverse and interesting and contribute to a healthy ecosystem. There are many unique and interesting birds, fish and plants found in Michigan and throughout the region that are integral to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. More than 140 species of birds depend on Michigan’s coastal habitat during their life cycle. Coastal wetlands, beaches, sand dunes and remote islands provide food and shelter for both resident and migratory species. Waterfowl such as Canvasback and Scaup are among the many species that use coastal wetlands as stopover sites to rest and refuel. Shorebirds including the endangered piping plover fly thousands of miles to nest on undisturbed beaches and remote Great Lakes islands. Because of their use of the coastal lands, there are thousands of great locations to see both resident and migratory bird species throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. State parks, national parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries throughout the state all provide good bird-watching opportunities. Some sites along Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline are even...
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...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...
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...Biotic Component Paper Biotic Components Paper In this paper I will conduct research on the Bolsa Chica Wetlands that are located in an area of lowlands in Orange County California, adjacent to the city of Huntington Beach. The area is managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), whose mission is to” protect and enhance; migratory shorebird, seabird, waterfowl overwintering habitat; protect natural habitat for shorebirds and seabirds; protect nesting and foraging conditions for threatened or endangered species” The Bolsa Chica Conservancy (BCC) is a local volunteer organization that assists in maintaining the area. Its goals are to ensure the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the area (2010). This dynamic, yet fragile, ecosystem has been preserved since 1965, flourishing under diligent and careful management. Coastal ecosystems include marshes, coastal waters, estuaries, and lands located at the lower end of drainage basins, where rivers and streams meet the sea or ocean (United States FWS, 2010). These complex ecosystems are composed of biotic communities; plants, animals, birds, and microbes, and the abiotic community; nonliving, chemical, and physical. According to Wright (2008) the type of biotic community found in a given area, is largely determined by the abiotic factors, such as the amount of water, climate, the salinity, or type of soil. Bolsa Chica has a wealth of plant and animal species including Sea Lettuce, Pickleweed...
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...Established in 1920, Ecology publishes research and synthesis papers on all aspects of ecology, with particular emphasis on papers that develop new concepts in ecology, that test ecological theory, or that lead to an increased appreciation for the diversity of ecological phenomena. Theoretical, analytical, experimental, empirical, historical, and descriptive approaches are all appropriate, though preference is given to research and synthesis that leads to generalizations potentially applicable to other species, populations, communities, or ecosystems. Included within the journal are papers on physiological responses of individual organisms to their biotic and abiotic environments, ecological genetics and evolution, the structure and dynamics of populations, interactions among individuals of the same or different species, the behavior of individuals and groups of organisms, the organization of biological communities, landscape ecology, and ecosystems processes. Papers reporting ecological research on all kinds of organisms and ecosystems are welcome. New methodologies with a potential for broad use in ecology are also of interest. Papers that are well grounded in ecological theory and have broad implications for environmental policy or resource management may be well suited for publication in Ecological Applications, but are also welcome in Ecology if they meet the general criteria described above. Papers must be original and not be work previously published in the primary literature...
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...ECOSYSTEMS PAPER (LAKE TAHOE) SCI/256 Lake Tahoe is a large and a very beautiful lake in Nevada region of the United States. The surface are of the lake is about 191, 500 square miles. The average depth of the lake is about 300 meters. The lake is surrounded vegetation which supports a variety of plant life and animal life. The diversity of the organisms living around the lake is great. The vegetation around the lake consists of rain forests including species of Jeffry Pine, lodgepole Pine, white and red first. Vegetation also includes dry meadows and brush fields. The brush field Ceanothus has the capability of fixing nitrogen that makes the soil of the surrounding lake more fertile. There are several processes that prevail inside and outside the lake. The lake is under threat from eutrophication that can severely affect the aquatic life living in it and the surrounding vegetation. It has been estimated that there has been changes in the populations of the various aquatic animals living in the lake’s waters. Zooplankton population has faced the greatest changes. The lake experiences winter and summer seasons with full might. Temperatures can go as high as 25.9 degrees Celsius in the summer and as low as sub-zero in the winter. The vegetation surrounding the lake experiences these temperature changes and responds to this stimulus by the change in leaf colors and leaf numbers. The seasonal changes...
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...Affects on Biodiversity Biodiversity is defined as “The range of variation found among microorganisms, plants, fungi, and animals. Also the richness of species of living organisms” (ESA). It the diversity among ecosystems, species and genetics. Biodiversity provides organisms,including humans; food, homes, and nutrients for healthy living. It provides clean air, water and nutrient rich soil. Biodiversity allows for animals to adapt to their changing environments. There are many different human activities that have had a negative impact on biodiversity globally. Fossil fuels is one the major factors influencing the changes in our ecosystems. “Many of the factors leading to the accelerating loss of biodiversity are linked to the increasing use of energy by society” (Ash, 2007) The emissions of fossil fuels is a direct link to global warming. The climate changes have an effect on habitats, reproduction, water temperatures, and genes. It also has effects on economies and health policies. Pesticides is another element that has an negative impact on biodiversity. Pesticides can influence the nutrients in soil, and health of animals and water supplies. A group of chemicals often used for pesticides, endocrine disrupters, have many corrupting effects on animals, and habitats. “Endocrine disrupters are especially dangerous to wildlife - not only do they cause instability and increased mortality in the population, but their long-term effects severely dampen their ability...
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...Biodiversity Biodiversity is important in ecosystems because every life form works together in order for them to function. When these ecosystems are disrupted or altered, or even lacks biodiversity, it poses major threats to all the life forms in it, whether it happens quickly or over a long period of time. When we lack biodiversity, our ecosystems become unstable, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to disasters and they cannot contribute to our well being. Although policy makers may be faced with challenges, many considerations need to be taken into account to preserve biodiversity and to protect these areas so that these ecosystems can function properly and prosper. When we hear the word ‘biodiversity’, it pretty much explains itself. It is the amount of variation of life forms within a given biome, ecosystem, species, or even the entire plant. Many considerations need to be taken into account to preserve biodiversity and to protect these areas so that these ecosystems can function properly and prosper. With respect to the ecosystem and biodiversity, we need to remember that once our natural resources run out and when most ecosystems are destroyed, it is very hard to restore it to what it was. We need to consider our well being, as well as all the other organisms that we share the earth with. We use biodiversity all the time, whether it is direct or indirect. In order for us to live happy and healthy, we need a healthy ecosystem and it is our job to preserve it as much...
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...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...
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...The biodiversity of the given ecosystems may also be influenced by the human influence whereby the disturbance caused by human beings on the ecosystems may adversely affect the native plants while favoring the existence of the invasive species of plants. Since the ecosystem existed in equilibrium where by the number of deer were in proportional to the number of the native plants, the increase in the number of deer results in the decrease in the number of native species of plants while favoring the increase of the number of the invasive species (Knight...
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...NEWS FEATURE Vol 460|16 NATURE|Vol 460|23 July 2009 RAGAMUFFIN EARTH A small group of ecologists is looking beyond the pristine to study the scrubby, feral and untended. Emma Marris learns to appreciate ‘novel ecosystems’. J oe Mascaro, a PhD student in a T-shirt and floral print shorts, is soaking in the diversity of the Hawaiian jungle. Above, a green canopy blocks out most of the sky. Aerial roots wend their way down past tropical trunks, tree ferns and moss-covered prop roots to an understorey of ferns and seedlings. The jungle is lush, humid and thick with mosquitoes. It is also as cosmopolitan as London’s Heathrow airport. This forest on Big Island features mango trees from India (Mangifera indica); Cecropia obtusifolia, a tree with huge star-shaped leaves from Mexico, Central America and Colombia; rose apples (Syzygium jambos) from southeast Asia; tasty strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) from the threatened Atlantic coast of Brazil; and a smattering of Queensland maples (Flindersia brayleyana) from Australia. It also has candlenuts (Aleurites moluccana), a species that humans have moved around so much that its origins have become obscure. There is at least some native Hawaiian representation in the form of hala, or screwpine (Pandanus 450 tectorius), which is pictured on the crest of Punahou School, where US President Barack Obama studied. There are no Hawaiian birds here though. Mascaro sees plenty of feral pigs, descendants of those brought by settlers...
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...Scaling Inclusive Business Models leveraging a partnership ecosystem at the nexus of poverty and environment Scaling Inclusive Business Models leveraging a partnership ecosystem at the nexus of poverty and environment Markus Dietrich,Director, ASEI Sahba Sobhani, Programme Advisor Private Sector BPPS, UNDPASEI Project Team: Mary Grace Santos, Lead Consultant Lorenzo Cordova, Jr., Environmental Impact Specialist Marcos Perez, Jr. Social Impact Specialist Markus Dietrich,Director, ASEI Sahba Sobhani, Programme Advisor Private Sector BPPS, UNDPASEI Project Team: Mary Grace Santos, Lead Consultant Lorenzo Cordova, Jr., Environmental Impact Specialist Marcos Perez, Jr. Social Impact Specialist Contract No. BPPS/2014/IC/0012 Project Name: Scaling Inclusive Business Models leveraging a partnership ecosystem at the nexus of poverty and environment 1st phase Report Developing an inclusive and green eco-system framework 2nd phase Report Initial case studies and eco-system in the Philippines 3rd phase Report Final Draft Authors Markus Dietrich, Director, ASEI Sahba Sobhani - Programme Advisor Private Sector BPPS, UNDP ASEI Project Team: Mary Grace Santos, Lead Consultant Lorenzo Cordova, Jr., Environmental Impact Specialist Marcos Perez, Jr. Social Impact Specialist Version 1: 21 March 2015 Version 2: 13 April 2015 Version 3: 02 June 2015 Version 4: 30 July 2015 Version 5: 25 August 2015 Content 1 Introduction to inclusive and...
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...Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper on natural resources and energy. Include the following: • Choose a specific ecosystem, such as a forest, grassland, or a marine or freshwater aquatic ecosystem. • Identify impacts associated with agriculture. • Identify and discuss the effects that a growing human population may have on that ecosystem’s resources, including loss or harm to populations of wild species. • Discuss one management practice for sustainability and conservation of natural resources in that ecosystem. • Identify the risks and benefits of extracting or using one type of nonrenewable and one type of renewable energy resource from that ecosystem, or in areas near that ecosystem. • Assess management practices for sustainability and conservation of natural resources and energy. Include two outside references. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Forests conversion involves removing natural forests to meet other land needs, such as plantations, agriculture, pasture for cattle settlements, and mining. Unfortunately after the process of farming is complete the outcome is irreversible. The outcome is irreversible since deforesting land for farming; the soil is depleted of its nutrients. As the population grows more and more lands are being stripped to provide wood and land use for agriculture. One management practice is logging and which are located on steep slopes, the effects of these activities on watersheds will depend mainly...
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...change itself, says a new study published in Conservation Letters by Conservation International's Will Turner and a group of other leading scientists. The paper "Climate change: helping nature survive the human response," looks at efforts to both reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and potential action that could be taken by people to adapt to a changed climate and assesses the potential impact that these could have on global ecosystems. In particular it notes that one fifth of the world's remaining tropical forests lie within 50 kilometers of human populations that could be inundated if sea levels rise by 1 meter. These forests would make attractive sources of fuel-wood, building materials, food and other key resources and would be likely to attract a population forced to migrate by rising sea levels. About half of all Alliance for Zero Extinction sites -- which contain the last surviving members of certain species -- are also in these zones. "There are numerous studies looking at the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, but very little time has been taken to consider what our responses to climate change might do to the planet, " Turner said. The paper notes that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by constructing dams for hydropower generation can cause substantial damage to key freshwater ecosystems as well as to the flora and fauna in the flooded valleys. It also notes that the "generally bogus concept" that biofuels reduce carbon emissions is still...
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