Ecosystems Definitions Flashcards
Location
Attitude latitude, distance from sea
Extent
the size of any particular ecosystem. Larger is better for survival
Genetic diversity
Variability in the genetic makeup among individuals within a single species
Species diversity
Number of different species in the ecosystem
Ecosystem Diversity
variety of habitats and living communities in the ecosystem
Linkages
The greater the amount of linkages the more adaptable the ecosystem is.
Catastrophic Natural stress
is a sudden and violent natural occurrence like a Volcanic eruption or mudslide
Gradual Natural stress
is a stress that occurs over longer period of time
Catastrophic Human stress
Is a sudden Human induced stress like deforestation fire
Gradual Human stress
Is a stress caused by humans that occurs over a long time; pollution water or air or urbanisation
Human impacts at a organism level
Physiological and biological changes, changes in reproduction less or defects
Human impacts at a population level
Population increase or decrease, change age structure, loss of genetic diversity
Human impacts at a community level
disruption of energy flows, changes in food web, disruption of chemical cycles, reduction in diversity, or ecosystem collapse
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Ecosystems rich in diversity generally have greater resilience and therefore able to weather stress better.
Utility Value
By maintaining and protecting ecosystems we maximise humanity’s ability to adapt to change. The sheer diversity of life represent a vast store discoveries.
Intrinsic value
Ecosystems have a right to exist irrespective of actual value
Heritage value
‘natural features consisting of physical and biological formations of groups of such formations are of outstanding universal value from the aesthetic of scientific point of view’
Need to allow natural change to proceed
The diversity of life forms on earth is a product of ongoing evolutionary processes.we need to see that this evolutionary process continues relatively unimpeded
inter-generational equity
The present generation should not use resources or degrade environment in ways make the environment worse for the next
Precautionary approach t
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage and action is taken to prevent it no matter the certainty of the threat
Intra-generational equity
People within the present generation have a right to benefit equally from the utilisation of the earth’s natural resources
