...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...
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...("What Is Sustainable Furniture", 2013). However, there are two sides to every coin. Sustainable furniture still has an impact on the environment by utilizing fossil fuels for the necessary operations and the potential to damage the ecosystems and habitats within the forest. Native trees can be cut down to grow the sustainable varieties which disrupts the natural processes of the ecosystem. Tree farms can be treated with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers and can be genetically modified in order to grow more sustainable trees. Practices that lead to deforestation and clear-cutting, where whole forests are leveled at once and the ecosystem is demolished are not very sustainable. Bamboo is not a tree at all, it is an incredibly fast-growing and versatile grass that has become the unofficial poster material of environmental designers and builders. The majority of bamboo comes from China and is often grown with no pesticides, however, there are some growers that do use pesticides and other chemical inputs. Bamboo also uses a lot of water because it is so fast growing, it and harvesting it too fast can deplete soil fertility ("How To Go Green: Furniture", 2013). When bamboo is grown outside of its natural habitat it disturbs that areas ecosystems and food webs and has an accelerated potential for soil erosion because of the excessive amount of care to keep the soil clear of undergrowth. Even though it...
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...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...
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...Virginia is an environmentally diverse state and has five regions known as the Blue Ridge Mountain, Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau. The population of Virginia relies on natural resources and drives the economy through ecotourism, beautiful sceneries, mining, hunting, and fishing. With all the resources come challenges; State of Virginia stresses and urges the public and organizations in protecting environmental quality and preserving natural resources. Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the national parks in Virginia providing a variety of resources to the population and the government aims for its restoration. Assateague Island National Seashore is part of the Coastal Plain Region also known as the Tidewater region of Virginia. The Coastal Plain Region is an important ecological part of Virginia and is home to many productive agriculture, residents, and businesses. Assateague Island National Seashore is comparatively small with less than 18,000 acres, but a surprising range of resources and habitats can be found on the park. The national park stretches for about 37 miles along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the eastside. Assateague Island National Seashore holds prosperity of natural features and habitats. Within the park, there is a variety of ponds that provide water for the natural world well into the dry summer months. These ponds form during rainy periods providing fresh water to the...
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...pristine environment left on the earth. Unfortunately this is no longer the case because of multiple human activities that have led to environmental issues and concerns such as pollution, ozone layer thinning, global warming etc. Human impact is a serious threat to ecosystem and food chain of Antarctica. In the last few decades, various marine species of Antarctic ecosystem have been brought close to extinction because of human activities in various forms such as pollution from sewage and other contaminants, overfishing and other mixed activities and interference like global climate change caused by human emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, ozone layer depletion, global warming etc. This all leads to damage of food web and ecosystem of the Antarctica. Another serious impact of emission of carbon dioxide is ocean acidification, which is serious damage to the marine ecosystem of Antarctica. These activities are the main causes of disturbed environment of marine ecosystem of Antarctica. Another factor contributing to Antarctica's ecosystem disturbance is the commercial aspect of human activities. Human are harvesting krill to feed their animals and fishes which is negatively affecting the ecosystem of Antarctica. It is affecting the volume of krill and other fishes which are important source of food chain of Antarctica. Because of less krill, food chain of Antarctica is getting disturbed. Researches have shown that due to global warming, sea temperate is rising...
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...“Green energy, our planet needs you” The Earth is our home, but it has been contaminated. Scientifics are concern with our planet which is dying everyday. It is our responsibility to take care the planet. The temperature has increased since the middle of the 20th century as a result of increasing concentrations of greenhouse due to human activity. As a consequence of the global warming many ecosystem are affected, has created climate variation, and many health diseases in the population. First of all, global warming has affected many ecosystems .The marine ecosystem is dying, many fishes and mammals that live in the ocean is disappearing due to the high temperature. The arctic is defrosting and the bear polar can not found what to eat. For polar bears to stay alive, they need sea ice. Not to eat the ice itself, of course, but because the animal that represents their main victim item, the ringed close, requires sea ice as its primary habitat for resting. Another ecosystem that is affected is the coral reefs. The coral reefs, which are the filter of the sea, are bleaching. The bunch of bleaching incident that followed kill a fifth of coral communities worldwide. And while many have recovered the global loss is attributed to the mass bleaching stand. At the instant the reefs seem to be recuperating fine, but it's only an issue of time prior to another mass of bleaching. The temperature has demonstrated high level of records since 1980.The increase...
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...An important ecosystem service provided by forests is the ability to counter-act the effects of global warming. Carbon dioxide, a contributing factor to global warming, is taken up by the plants and vegetation contained in forests through photosynthesis and the resulting carbon is stored in both living and dead plant biomass. This process, known as carbon sequestration, greatly reduces the potential for global climate change (IPCC 2001). Forest cover also affects the albedo, that is, the proportion of incident solar radiation that is reflected by the earths surface. The dense green coloured canopy of tropical forests have a low albedo when compared with grasslands or deforested areas. This allows for more incident solar radiation to be absorbed and cooler air termperatures (O’Brien 1996). Perhaps the most important ecosystem service provided by forests, which is a basic requirement for life, is the supply of clean water. Forests facilitate the storage of clean water through filtering precipitation through the tree canopy. This, in effect, slows the rate at which precipitation collects at the ground surface allowing it to remain unsaturated. It is estimated that over 2/3 of the clean water supply is United States is contained within stream water, which was filtered through forests, with a direct value exceeding $27 billion per year (Snail 2009). This clean water can be captured and stored in watersheds that in turn, can be used for variety of purposes including agriculture,...
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...biodiversity for the tundra forest is low. For each organism that sees any kind of fluctuation, you will see fluctuation in the organisms that consume it. For example, if a hare’s population, for whatever reason, was to decrease, you would also see a decrease in population for the Brown Bear, Arctic Fox, and Polar Bear. The variation of plant and animal life in the tundra is important in order to sustain life as well as a means to control the population of each organism. Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of all living things. It is made up of the following: Genetic Diversity -The raw material that makes adaptation and microevolution possible in an environment. Species Diversity - The variety of species in an environment. Ecosystem diversity - The organisms and abiotic factors of an environment. Trophic Structure A trophic structure is the feeding relationship among the various species in a community. Producers use light energy to power the synthesis of organic compounds. They are called autotrophs and are the base for all food chains. Consumers, also known as heterotrophs, depend on producers, either directly or indirectly. Herbivores are plant eating consumers and primary consumers. Carnivores, meat eating consumers, and omnivores, both meat and plant consumers, are secondary consumers. Tertiary consumers are carnivores that eat secondary consumers and quaternary consumers are carnivores that eat tertiary consumers. Not all consumers eat other living organisms...
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...It contains all the living things in the world: plants, animals and bacteria. It includes other layers of the atmosphere which are called the lithosphere, the troposphere and the hydrosphere. The lithosphere is the other region of the earth, the troposphere is the lower region of the atmosphere and the hydrosphere is the region of lakes, oceans, streams, ice and clouds that make up earth's water resources. There are over 30 millions species on this region of the planet, and the number of different organisms in an ecosystem is called biodiversity. The more biodiversity the more stable the ecosystem is.But it is still inevitable for each and every organism to adapt to their surroundings and even change it at times. But the biosphere never remains the same, no matter what. And the effects can either be negative or positive. The top species on the biosphere are humans, and they affect the area in both good and bad ways. Humans are the only species that make their ecosystem adapt to them instead of the other way around. This is why they have the most effect on the biosphere. Some things humans have done that improves the condition of the biosphere would be selective breeding. By putting the best of the best together, which normally cannot occur in nature naturally, this gives species a better opportunity to survive. In regards to crops, this allows them to survive harsher weathers and insect invasions that they would normally die out in. It also improves taste, size and amount given...
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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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...Living organisms change as the abiotic and biotic components in their environment change. The process that makes change possible in living things is called natural selection. Scientists use the term adaptive radiation to describe the change from a common ancestor into a number of different species that “radiate out” to inhabit different niches. Ecological succession is the term scientists use to refer to changes that take place over time in the types of organisms that live in an area. Primary succession occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock. Pioneer species is the term scientists use to describe the lichens and other plants that are the first organisms to survive and reproduce in an area. The process of primary succession leads to the development of a mature community, which is sometimes called a climax community. Flooding occurs in coastal areas, rivers, and lakes, when the volume of water exceeds the ability of the water body to contain it. Tsunami is the term used to describe a huge, rapidly moving ocean wave and it is usually caused by large earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions. Drought is a recurring event in many parts of the world, it usually occurs when there is a below-average amount of precipitation in an area over a period of many months or years. Land use refers to the ways we use the land around us for urban development, agriculture, industry, mining, and forestry. Resource use refers to the ways we obtain and use these materials...
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...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...
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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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...Have you ever looked in an aquarium and seen a bright green plant that made the aquarium look very pretty? Don’t let this plants pretty color fool you; it is an invasive species in the wrong habitat. An invasive species is essentially an invasion altogether. In terms of ecology an invasive species is when either a plant or animal is introduced to a different area from their natural habitat and cause environmental or economical harm. Giving this definition I will discuss Caulerpa Taxifolia. Caulerpa Taxifolia is a macro algae invader that is a multicellular plant native to warm saltwater. It is one of the most invasive green alga in the seas. It is considered invasive because it has the ability to spread over large areas in the ocean while forming dense mats, causing ecological and economic issues such destroying sea weed, sea grasses, fishes, commercial fishing, boating. Caulerpa is a salt-water plant with structures that look jut like roots, stems and leaves. The roots of Caulerpa are called rhizoids, which grow into the ocean floor to absorb water and nutrients. Caulerpa have leaf like structures that stick up called fronds, which are a bright green color and are photosynthetic. The stems of Caulerpa are called stolon, which grow above the ocean floor; the stolon when fragmented grows a new Caulerpa plant. Its normal habitat is in tropical waters around the world such as the Indian Ocean. Caulerpa taxifolia is not invasive in its native habitat and reproduces sexually. Grazing...
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...Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change: Options Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change: Options The Colorado Phantom Canyon Preserve is a beautiful preserve located in North-Central Colorado in the Laramie foothills about 30 miles Northwest of Fort Collins. The Phantom Canyon Preserve is among the greatest Front Range Landscapes totaling about 1,700 acres including six miles of the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River. The Phantom Canyon Preserve is one of the last remaining canyons without a road among the Colorado’s Front Range. This preserve is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including species of special concern and hundreds of plant species. The Nature Conservancy protects the Phantom Canyon Preserve since 1987. The main reason this preserve is protected is the ecosystem supports the Larimer Aletes which is a rare member of the parsley family. This particular plant is hard to find and can only be found in Larimer and Boulder counties with its highest concentration in the Phantom Canyon Preserve. Some other native plant species that can be found in this ecosystem are Bells Twin Pod, Needle-and-Thread Grass, and One-sided Penstemon. The Phantom Canyon Preserve serves as a habitat for species of special concern such as the Black Bear, Mountain Lion, and the Bobcat. This preserve is also home to Bald Eagles in the winter, Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, and Red Tail Hawks who make the high canyon walls their home. Only six elements out of ninety-two produced...
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