...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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...Critically Review the Contention that the Science of Ecosystem Service Has Transformed the Way which we Value Nature and Conserve It. The way we value and conserve nature has dramatically changed over the course of time and the concept of preserving the natural environment which surrounds us is and old one while also still a relatively new one. During the time of pre-industrial evolution the benefits that were received by humans from natural ecosystems were often regarded as sacred and were entrenched into the way society lived (Costanza, 1987). After the industrial revolution much of western society adopted the ideology that nature was just something to be enjoyed if you could afford the time and cost to do so, all else was focused on the growth of the economy. Conservation came at a cost and the subject of environment vs economy was often used to describe the argument (Costanza, 2011). Today the science of ecosystem service is being developed, is rapidly becoming more widely accepted and is helping shape the way we think about nature today. With many global initiatives being ran such as the United Nations Environment Program: Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity the science of ecosystem service is rapidly gaining mass media coverage (Sukhdev, P, 2011). This is important because whoever we are and where ever we are our lives are influenced by the ecosystems that surround us. The benefits they provide to humans can be loosely defined as ecosystem services, they can be spilt into four...
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...Indonesia as a country that is rich with biodiversity. Not only that, the existence of plant and animal in nature will balance the natural ecosystem. Aceh is one of the areas that supply the biodiversity for Indonesia, especially in Seulawah Mountain and Leuser ecosystem. Many environmental problems like human activity occur in those of areas such as deforestation, opening the forest land...
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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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...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, Shoregrass, Jaumea, and many shore birds such as, Ducks, Grebes, Western Sandpipers, and Savannah Sparrows. According to Wright, (2008), ecosystems have the same structure, regardless of their diversity, consisting of autotrophs, or producers, which produce organic matter that becomes the source of energy for heterotrophs, consumers, detritus feeders, and decomposers. Amigos of Bolsa...
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...Balancing Ecosystems Shaneequa Wheatfall ENV/100 January 11, 2016 Rob Davie Balancing Ecosystems Dear City Council of Glimmerville, This letter is being written to assist you with effective options to help bring balance back into the ecosystem in Glimmerville in regards to the Grass Carp issue you are experiencing. I recently provided assistance to Sparksville and successfully restored the balance in their aquatic ecosystem and wanted to share a few suggestions with you. It appears that due to the Grass Carp issue, Glimmerville is experiencing an in-balance in the ecosystem. An ecosystem is “a community and its physical environment” (Berg & Hager, 2014, Chapter 5). Changes in the functionality of the ecosystem occur when we, as humans, increasingly alter the ecosystem for our use. As we did more research into the Grass Carp issue we found that the fertilizer that farmers were using caused a high growth in water supply which was backing up the waterways. To solve this problem, Grass Carp placed in the late to control this issue. Over the course of time, we found that this invasive species (Grass Carp) began to reproduce and overpopulate the lake, causing the native species (bass) to become fewer in numbers that result in laps in the energy flow of the ecosystem. The invasive species began to dominate the food chain of the native species. It is important that we, as humans, strive to restore and maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Every organism work together...
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...INTRODUCTION An invasive species is a species of any kind which is not native to an ecosystem and causes it harm.Species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively, with potential to cause harm, are given the label of “invasive”. An invasive species doesn't need to originate from a different country, but just a different ecosystem.Invasive species are primarily spread by human activities, often unintentionally. People, and the goods we use, travel around the world very quickly, and they often carry uninvited species with them. However sometimes a new species has been introduced into an ecosystem intentionally. This report we set out and analyse the impact of the Burmese python to the Everglades in Florida. The arrival of the...
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...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 the foundations of ecology in their studies on natural history. Modern ecology transformed into a more rigorous science in the late 19th century....
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...Issues in Ecology Number 4, Fall 1999 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes Issues in Ecology Number 4 Fall 1999 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes by Shahid Naeem, Chair, F.S. Chapin III, Robert Costanza, Paul R. Ehrlich, Frank B. Golley, David U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, Robert V. ONeill, Harold A. Mooney, Osvaldo E. Sala, Amy J. Symstad, and David Tilman Critical processes at the ecosystem level influence plant productivity, soil fertility, water quality, atmospheric chemistry, and many other local and global environmental conditions that ultimately affect human welfare. These ecosystem processes are controlled by both the diversity and identity of the plant, animal, and microbial species living within a community. Human modifications to the living community in an ecosystem as well as to the collective biodiversity of the earth can therefore alter ecological functions and life support services that are vital to the well-being of human societies. Substantial changes have already occurred, especially local and global losses of biodiversity. The primary cause has been widespread human transformation of once highly diverse natural ecosystems into relatively species-poor managed ecosystems. Recent studies suggest that such reductions in biodiversity can alter both the magnitude and the stability of ecosystem processes, especially when biodiversity is reduced to the low...
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...PROJECT IN SCIENCE 9 Submitted by: Rogie Marie C. Abecia Submitted to: Ms. Teresita Nanales March 20, 2015 THE FLOW OF ENERGY AND MATTER IN ECOSYSTEM When we think about ecosystems, we need to think both big and small. We need to consider the recycling of atoms between organisms and within their environment and the flow of energy through living organisms and its changes from one form to another. We need to appreciate the relationships between organisms, and between organisms and their environment. We also need to consider the potential effects that these relationships have, not only on individual organisms and their environment, but also on our planet. WATER Organisms need water to survive. The good news is that water cycles through ecosystems. The bad news is that, at times, the amount of water available can be too great (as in the case of floods) or too little (as in the case of drought). Some species have adapted to these conditions and possess adaptations that increase their chances of survival. Other organisms are not so fortunate and severe conditions of too much or too little water can result in their death. If too many of a particular type of organism die, then the decrease in their population size can have implications not only for other members of their food web, but also for other biotic and abiotic factors within their ecosystem. ENERGY As energy flows through ecosystems, from producers to consumers to detrivores to decomposers, some energy...
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...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. This does not mean that reanalysis, interpretation, or assessment of published data is in any way excluded from our journals. Some forms of prior gray literature publication are acceptable, and the decision rests with the judgment of the Subject-matter editors. We will consider for review manuscripts that concisely describe interesting science, and we do not discriminate against...
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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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...Tampa Bay Estuary. The Nitrogen cycle is a cycle where nitrogen through decaying vegetation, excrement and carcasses materialize into the nitrogen we find in the soil. The Nitrogen cycle is almost identical to the Carbon cycle. Natural 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...
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...educated person would define climate change as the average weather changing or global warming. It is patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. Climate is what makes up all natural ecosystems and is what helps sustain these ecosystems. The climate change today is changing the world. It’s affecting the natural ecosystems negatively. This is because climate is tied to almost everything. The change in climate will change the way people, animals, and plants have to survive. For example, a change in the usual timing of rains or temperatures can affect when plants bloom, when certain bugs hatch, or when streams are at their highest level. This can affect pollination of crops, food for migrating birds, spawning of fish, water supplies for drinking, forest health, and much more. Many people mistake global warming and climate change to be the same thing. Although they are very similar, global warming is what causes climate change. Global warming is the rising of global temperature and ocean temperature. This is what causes the climate change events listed above. Global warming is a global event while climate change is a more regional change in the atmosphere. There are many people who think climate change is not happening. The National Academy of Science has studied climate change and confirmed that it is real and humans are causing it. According to the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington, the average annual temperature in the Pacific Northwest...
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...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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