Ecosystems Flashcards
Biomass
The total weight of biotic material
Structure of an eco-system
Inputs – seeds blown, animal migration, water
Outputs – animal migration, water loss, leaching of nutrients
Stores – nutrients held in biomass, litter and soil
Flows- all transfers of energy and nutrients
Each eco-system is in an equilibrium – the balance between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living)
Trophic levels
Tertiary Consumers Secondary Consumers Primary Consumers Producers Insolation
how do plants grow
Photosynthesis + Chlorophyll covert CO2 + H2O into carbohydrates and tissue
Gersmehl’s Nutrient Cycle
he movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.
Biomass store
contains all living plant and animal matter
Soil Store
contains minerals from rock in addition to humus from decomposed matter
Litter Store
sits on top of the soil and contains both dead and decaying plants and animal material
What operates at each trophic level
Decomposer- breaks down dead matter (Fungi)
Detritivores – feeds on dead matter
Biome
Ecosystem at continental scale with vegetation characteristics predominately influenced by climate. Can be classified by vegetation growth.
Ecosystem
– dynamic, stable equilibrium between biotic and abiotic at any scale.
Environment
All conditions which an organism lives.
Food Chain
Hierarchy where each member feeds upon another in a chain.
Food Web
When organisms within a community eat more than one type of food and the chain becomes interlinked.
How is energy lost in the food chain
At each trophic level 90 % of energy is lost through life processes-respiration, movement and excretion
This is why there are less organisms at each stage
Examples of the trophic levels
Tertiary consumers (predators or omnivores=plants and meat eaters) Secondary consumers (carnivores) Primary consumers (herbivores) Producers/Autotroph (plants)
Succession and climatic climax
Composition of vegetation depends on interaction between each component
Plants survive on suitable conditions
The change in a plant community through time is succession
If allowed to continue succession will reach climatic climax where species live in perfect balance with conditions
Climate is the major influence as well as drainage, geology and relief affect
Primary Succession
Primary succession occurs on the surfaces that have had no previous vegetation – lava flows, bare rock and sand dunes
Xeroseres
Xeroseres form on dry land – subdividing into lithoseres on rock and psammoseres on sand dunes
Hydroseres
Hydroseres form on water – haloseres on salt water
Secondary Succession
Secondary succession follows the destruction or modification of existing plant community
Naturally- landslide or fire
Human Activity – deforestation or agriculture
Stages of succession
Bare Rock 1 Colonization 2 Establishment 3 Competition 4 Stabilization Seral Climax
Bare Rock Succession
- Bacteria survives on few nutrients
- Mostly survives on energy from sun
- Soil is little more than particles of weathered rock
Seral Stage 1
COLONIZATION
- Pioneers like lichens survive on dry, windy and soil-free conditions
- As they die, simple soils is created, improving water retention
- Mosses develop
Seral Stage 2
ESTABLISHMENT
- Ferns and small bushes appear
- Species diversity increases
- More invertebrates living in the soil, means there is more organic material and more water
Seral Stage 3
COMPETITION
- Larger plants like shrubs and small trees
- Steal light and nutrients so earlier plants die and add to the soil
Seral Stage 4
STABILIZATION
- Fewer species colonize
- Complex food webs
- Dominated growth by birch and rowan
Seral Climax
- Max potential development
- Climatic climax of Ash and Oak
Polyclimax
Environment is influenced by local factors so climatic climax differences within biome are possible
Deciduous Woodland Energy
High energy biome – 1200 NPP (net primary productivity = energy absorbed – energy lost)
Deciduous Woodland Canopy
- Tall tress with large crowns and broad but thin leaves, dominant – Oak 20m+
- Shed leaves in winter reducing transpiration
- Few dominant species
Deciduous Woodland Stratification
Layers- most show
Deciduous Woodland Below the canopy
Below the canopy is a shrub layer with smaller trees- holly, hazel
Deciduous Woodland below the shrub layer
Below the shrub layer is the herb layer which can be dense if enough light filters through – grass, fern, bracken
Deciduous Woodland Epiphytes
Epiphytes – lichens and mosses grow on tree trunks and on the forest flow
Plagioclimax
The resulting vegetation from human interference (de/afforrestaion, grazing) is called the plagioclimax
History of heather moorland
Deforestation led to the deterioration of soils so hardy plants like heather moorland dominates highlands
Sheep grazing became the major form of agriculture and sheep destroy young saplings preventing regeneration of climax
Much of this land is managed by burning to encourage new heather shoots, eliminating less fire-resistant species, leading to further heather dominance
Burnt on average around every 15 years, any more and the fire wood become to hot due to wood matter and nutrients are lost
Each stage of heather moorland
Pioneer Phase (0-6yrs) Building Phase (6-15yrs) Mature Phase (12-28yrs) Degenerate Phase (20-30yrs)
Pioneer Phase
0-6yr
Small shoots among dead heather stems as well as moss and lichen
Building Phase
6-15yrs
Dense dome shaped plant, flowers dominant so little light allows few other plants to grow
Mature Phase
12-28yrs
Reduction in cover leads to colonisation of other plants
Degenerate Phase
20-30 yrs
Gaps enlarge and heathers max height is reached and larger branches dies, leading to the entry of birch trees and succession to woodland
Where is equatorial rainforest found
10 degrees north and south of equator
Why ER is special
Most diverse and productive biome but most fragile
Remote areas are in dynamic equilibrium over 1000s of year untouched
Energy in ER
NPP = 2200g/m which means 2.2kg of organic matter is produced for per square metre each year – this is high due to all year round fast growing
Deciduous in ER
Although most trees are deciduous, trees lose leaves at different times
Types of vegetation in ER
Up to 300 species per square km – mahogany, balsa, teak, rubber, rosewood: emergents- 45m, canopy – 30m, shrub layer – 10m,
Vegetation adaptions in ER
Trees grow rapidly upwards with slender trunks and few branches, bark is thin- no winter = no need, flexible due to wind at height
Buttress roots spread across the floor for stability and, nutrients are shallow so roots spread laterally
Leaves have drip-tips and are often waxy to resist sunlight
Epiphytes like Lianas grow up trees to get sunlight
Causes of Deforestation
Many developing countries rely on deforestation, as well as rubber plantations, cattle ranches, soya plantation, transportations, drug industry, mining
Population increase in 60s and 70s in SE Asia and S America- Indonesia transmigration lea to clearing
Vast amounts of Iron beneath rainforest in Brazil
Impacts of Deforestation
As habitats shrink, plant species become endangered and food chains are disrupted
Vegetation protects latosol soils from downpours, one trees are removed, the topsoil is open to erosion and leaching, sediment transportation and deposition can then lead to river blocking and flooding
Rapid evapotranspiration is disturbed, meaning there is less cloud cover and a high diurnal temp range
Burning leads to pollution and climate change
Economic benefits from mining, farming, and exports of hardwood
Culture of indigenous tribes destroyed
Temp in ER
Little seasonal variation with high temp throughout the year – 25-30 degrees can drop below 20 at night if there is no cloud cover
Precipitation in ER
High annual precipitation (2000mm+) all year round due to ITCZ (inter-tropical convergence zone = low-pressure)
Dry season occurs in May-July due to the movement of ITCZ to the tropic of Capricorn, along with its hot wet conditions, in the NH
The same applies for the NH in Nov-Jan
Weather during the day in ER
Morning= clear skies
Low pressure all air to rapidly be uplifted, so that evapotranspiration occurs
The air rises and cools/condenses into water vapour, building up for heavy rain in the afternoon, the day ends with clear skies
Humidity in ER
Humidity is high all year due to continuous evapotranspiration
length of days and wind in ER
Day and night are the same length of 12 hours with little twilight
Little breeze because this is where trade winds converge
Type of soil in ER
Zonal soil type = latosol
Can be 40m+ deep
Climate effect on soil In ER
Hot wet climate provides perfect conditions for chemical weathering = constant supply of minerals from parent rock
Ferraillisation
process by which bedrock is chemically weathered into clay minerals and sesquioxides
Leaching in ER
Due to large amounts of precipitation silica is washed out of the A horizon- leaching
Why is soil red in ER
Iron + aluminium are less soluble and are left behind, iron compounds give it its red colour
Nutrients in Soil in ER
Latosol is nutrient poor since organic matter decays into humus and is absorbed quickly by the growing vegetation
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Water tight surfaces
Tarmac roads + concrete
Limits soils moisture, depth and root growth
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Compacted Soil
Foundations + transport
Restrict free drainage = waterlogging
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Acidification
Acid Rain
Reduces nutrient availability
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Increase in Vegetation Cover
Gardens + Parks
Non-native species
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Buildings
Homes + Offices
Shelter and shade
Impact of Human activities on local ecosystems : Water, Air and Land Pollution
Chemicals and heavy metals (Lead)
Stunts plant growth – only certain species survive
Succession of Wasteland
1) Pioneer species (lichens/ mosses) colonise bare surface
2) Seed plants grow in surface cracks
3) Tall herbs outcompete smaller species as nutrient is the soil increase due to dead matter
4) Taller grasses thrive
Japanese Knowtweed
Victorian times onwards
Doubled in 20 years in London
Resists to treatment
Stems regrow and float down steam to disperse
Ecosystems along route ways
Restricted access results in less human interference
Afforestation creates a screen to soften noise and hide route ways
Maintenance restricts natural succession
Artificial channels improve drainage
Halophiles grow along where there has been overspreading of salt.
Changes in the rural-urban fringe
Intensive farming New housing – Creeping Suburbanisation Green belt Land- Patches of small woodland/ reserve Recreational Spaces Brownfield Sites – Urban Wasteland Industrial and business parks Retail developments Urban Blight
Reasons for ecological conservation areas
Improve and area’s appearance Multiplier effect of tourism Education Multi-purpose spaces – recreation Managing flood risk Maintaining biodiversity, protecting species
Urban Niche
: specialist urban habitat : neglected buildings/wasteland
Urban Blight
the associated problem of crime, neglect and lack of economic investment, resulting in decay
Managing Authority and Definition of : SSSI Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Natural England – Government
Strong legal protection to flora, fauna and geological features of special interest
Managing Authority and Definition of : Special Areas of Conservation
Government
Areas with increased protection of animals plants and habitats
Managing Authority and Definition of : Special Protected Areas
Government
Rare and vulnerable species of bird
Managing Authority and Definition of : Local Nature Reserve
National England + organisations like the national and wildlife trusts and the RSPB
The most important sits of SSSI
Managing Authority and Definition of : Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
Natural England - Government
Countryside considered of high value
Managing Authority and Definition of : National Parks
NP Autority
AONBs given additional protections
Managing Authority and Definition of : Consevation Areas
Protected by Local Government
Special architectural or historic interest.
Managing Authority and Definition of : Protected Species
Government
Legal protection to endangered flora and fauna
The Blue Loop - who is involved?
Funded by Natural England and the National Lottery
Managed by Groundwork Sheffield and the River Stewardship Company
Blue Loop aims
Aims to support and engage local communities
Industrial past of Blue Loop
River Don was essential for cooling and processing water
Once salmon rich
The opening of the canal in 1819, increased export and imports
In 1948, the new railway significantly cut the time of transport, and the area was less successful
It wasn’t until 1992 when the area was funded and once again became a valuable resource
Biodiversity in Blue Loop
Urban environment provides unique biodiversity : Crevices in derelict stone walls are home to sand martins
BAP (Biodiversity Action Plans) : after the 1992 Earth Summit, the UK BAP was developed setting targets for conservation
Native Species Management at the Blue Loop
Fish – fish ladders built on weirs to allow movement upstream
Otters –secluded areas for breeding and resting
Birds – vegetated river banks, providing habitats for endangered species
Dragonflies – come to lay their eggs
Butterflies – nettles provide a perfect habitat
Non-native Species Management at the Blue Loop
Non-native species disrupt natural succession and restrict biodiversity, so management is put into place to prevent outcompeting : Japanese Knotweed
Blue loop benefits
Socio-economic - Tourism and private investment
Reduced flood risk - Vegetation on floodplain reduces risk
New Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems help to better regulate discharge
Recreational Resource - Routes for cycling, walking and running – 13km of blue loop
Community Engagement - Sorby Natural History Society carries out surveys to monitor wildlife
Theme family events, festivals, volunteering opportunities
Business Partnerships - Educated in sustainable living like green roofs
Positive impacts of Human of Global scale environment
World conservation movement includes scientists, naturalists and resource specialists – all intervening wherever they can
Planners at all scales understand that conservation must tie into effective urban, regional, developmental and economic planning.
Negative Impacts of Humans of Global Environment
All forms of mobility (land, air, water) have unlimited potential to harm the natural environment, the whole earth is exploited
World population growth results in more pollution, leading to erosion, desertification, acid rain and global warming
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Population Growth
9.2 Bn - 2050
Low Impact Countries are developing into High Impact Countries who consume more resources
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Toxic Chemicals
Toxins from industry
Can affect mental health, sperm counts etc.
Tiny concentrations but dangerous
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Fossil Fuels
The most important resources are all fossil fuels
Significant contributor to global warming
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Loss of wild foods
Especially Fish
2 Bn people rely on the oceans for protein
Over fishing can collapse and extinct fish
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Global Warming
Arguably most pressing issue of our time
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Destruction of Natural Habitats
Within the next 50 years another quarter of forests destroyed
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Loss of Biodiversity
Climate change threatens more species lost
Biodiversity is essential to ecosystems and food chains
Negative Impacts Of Humans : Unsafe water supplies
1 Bn in LICs lack access to safe drinking water
Predictions that future conflicts will be based around water
Aquifers are being depleted more rapidly than they are being replenished
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex : General
An area which is protected under law,
North West of Manaus,
6 Million Hectares,-Larger than Switzerland
It links together separate reserves
UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Wide Fund (WWF) priority region
Sparsely Populated, No roads of transport, 18 hour boat journey to Manaus
Those who live their use the harvest the forest without ruining it
Little tourism and little pressure for development due to its secluded location
180 tree species a hectare
A lot of biodiversity and fauna – as well as endangered
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex : Threats
Incidence of hunting and poaching, Logging, Farming, Mining, Cattle, Pollution, growing demand for soya, tourism
Development issues – Human trafficking, prostitution, huge amounts of illegal drug growing
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex: Management
3 Main Functions
- Protect the land, minimising the impact of humans
- Research and monitor biodiversity
- Mange specific activities : Tourism
Zoning plan helps the organisation assign different management strategies
- Primitive Zone – Areas of great natural value with the minimum human contact – maximum protection
- Extensive Use Zone – A small amount of activity
- Intensive Use Zone – already significantly altered by humans – some economic activity is allowed
- Special Use Zone – land allowed to protect and monitor
In Marimauá where there has been intensive use, a management strategy was set up with local communities, mining and tourism representatives, the Brazilian Environment agency (IBAMA) and other international officials. Outcomes :
- NO hunting or logging
- Locals receive environmental education and healthcare
- Increase economic production providing its sustainable
- Zoning of protection was created
