Ecological principles Systems Diversity and Human Interactions What

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Ecological principles Systems, Diversity, and Human Interactions

Ecological principles Systems, Diversity, and Human Interactions

What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with on another

What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with on another and with their nonliving environment. ◦ Connections in nature ◦ Ecologists focus on understanding interactions among organisms, a population, a community, an ecosystem and the biosphere! All of which we will examine!!

What are Organisms? ? Organisms are any form of life. ◦ One cell to

What are Organisms? ? Organisms are any form of life. ◦ One cell to multi-cellular species. ◦ If you look in the mirror you will see 10 trillion cells and about 200 different types of cells… all having different functions! How many different species on Earth? ◦ Estimated = 3. 6 million to 100 million ◦ So far we know 1. 4 million (mostly insects!)

Case Study: Have you thanked the insects Today? Read Page 55 then take five

Case Study: Have you thanked the insects Today? Read Page 55 then take five minutes to answer the portfolio question: Journal Entry #1.

Organisms make up a Population A population is a group of interacting individuals of

Organisms make up a Population A population is a group of interacting individuals of the same species that occupy a specific area. The place or environment where they live is its habitat. ◦ It may be as large as an ocean or as small as the intestine in a termite!! The area over which we can find a species is called its distribution or its range.

What is a community? A community, or biological community, consists of all the populations

What is a community? A community, or biological community, consists of all the populations of the different species living and interacting within an area. It is very complex and contains plants, animals, and many microorganisms.

What are Ecosystems? An Ecosystem is a community of different species that are interacting

What are Ecosystems? An Ecosystem is a community of different species that are interacting with one another but also with their physical environment of matter and energy They can be natural or man made. ◦ Man made would be crop fields, farm ponds, and reservoirs. ◦ All the Earth’s ecosystems together make up the biosphere.

Examples of various ecosystems.

Examples of various ecosystems.

Systems within the Biosphere All of the earth’s ecosystems combined make up the biosphere.

Systems within the Biosphere All of the earth’s ecosystems combined make up the biosphere. This includes ecosystems in the air, land sea – the Earth’s life support systems.

But what if we change a component within an Ecosystem: Each component of an

But what if we change a component within an Ecosystem: Each component of an ecosystem is important to the preservation and the health of the ecosystem. When you change one factor you may create a domino affect – massive changes elsewhere. If the temperature of earth changes it impacts the development of species. Since they are all linked this will in turn affect all other species in the ecosystem.

Humans interactions with an ecosystem Natural balance (characterized by the carrying capacity of a

Humans interactions with an ecosystem Natural balance (characterized by the carrying capacity of a species) shifts when humans interact. Sustainable practices are humans ways of minimizing their impact on the ecosystem and maintaining that natural balance.

Eutrophication is a syndrome of ecosystem responses to human activities that fertilize water bodies

Eutrophication is a syndrome of ecosystem responses to human activities that fertilize water bodies with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), often leading to changes in animal and plant populations and degradation of water and habitat quality.

 Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential components of structural proteins, enzymes, cell membranes, nucleic

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential components of structural proteins, enzymes, cell membranes, nucleic acids, and molecules that play a role in photosynthesis and other cellular functions.

 Pristine aquatic ecosystems function in approximate steady state in which primary production of

Pristine aquatic ecosystems function in approximate steady state in which primary production of new plant biomass is sustained by N and P released as byproducts of microbial and animal metabolism.

◦ Humans disrupt this balance by adding N and P to the water systems.

◦ Humans disrupt this balance by adding N and P to the water systems. ◦ Nutrient enrichment of marine waters promotes the growth of algae. ◦ The algae fuels bacterial growth in bottom waters and sediments.

Then…. Bacterial metabolism consumes oxygen. Bottom waters become hypoxic (low in oxygen) or anoxic

Then…. Bacterial metabolism consumes oxygen. Bottom waters become hypoxic (low in oxygen) or anoxic (devoid of oxygen), creating conditions stressful or even lethal for marine invertebrates and fish.

Possible Results Seagrass populations decrease due to unavailability of light. Ecosystem balance is effected.

Possible Results Seagrass populations decrease due to unavailability of light. Ecosystem balance is effected. Some phytoplankton species excrete large quantities of mucilage during blooms that is whipped into foam by wind mixing and washes ashore, making beaches undesirable for holiday visitors.

 Other phytoplankton (cyanobacteria) species produce toxic chemicals that can impair respiratory, nervous, digestive

Other phytoplankton (cyanobacteria) species produce toxic chemicals that can impair respiratory, nervous, digestive and reproductive system function, and even cause death of fish, shellfish, seabirds, mammals, and humans.

 The economic impacts of harmful algal blooms can be severe as tourism is

The economic impacts of harmful algal blooms can be severe as tourism is lost and shellfish harvest and fishing are closed across increasingly widespread marine regions. Rivers and streams damage result in loss of fish stocks!

Nitrogen Eutrophication… Portfolio: Bringing Dead Zones back to Life – article and Questions.

Nitrogen Eutrophication… Portfolio: Bringing Dead Zones back to Life – article and Questions.

The Earth is made up of Four Major Layers: The Earth is made up

The Earth is made up of Four Major Layers: The Earth is made up of interconnected spherical layers that contain air, water, soil, minerals and life.

1. Atmosphere (air) The thin membrane of air around the planet. The atmosphere is

1. Atmosphere (air) The thin membrane of air around the planet. The atmosphere is made up of two parts (for our purpose): ◦ Troposphere: The bottom layer just above sea level. It contains most of the earth’s nitrogen and oxygen – and is where the weather occurs. ◦ Stratosphere: This is the upper layer. It contains mostly ozone (O 3), which helps to filter out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

2. Hydrosphere – water The hydrosphere consists of the Earth’s water - it is

2. Hydrosphere – water The hydrosphere consists of the Earth’s water - it is found as liquid water (surface and undergound), as ice (polar ice, icebergs and ice in frozen soil), and as water vapour.

3. Lithosphere – crust The lithosphere is made up of the Earth’s crust and

3. Lithosphere – crust The lithosphere is made up of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. It contains non-renewable fossil fuels, minerals and nutrients for plant growth.

4. Biosphere - (living and dead organisms) The biosphere is where all living organisms

4. Biosphere - (living and dead organisms) The biosphere is where all living organisms exist and interact with one another and with non-living things. The biosphere includes most of the hydrosphere (water), parts of the atmosphere (air), and lithosphere (soil).

All life exists in the biosphere… In order for life to exist organisms need

All life exists in the biosphere… In order for life to exist organisms need to obtain nutrients and minerals for growth and maintenance. The Earth is a closed system; therefore, everything needs to be recycled once an organisms dies… it has to be broken down and released back into the

The Earths Cycles – Found within the Biosphere

The Earths Cycles – Found within the Biosphere

Carbon cycle Carbon is the basic building block of the carbohydrates, fats, proteins, DNA,

Carbon cycle Carbon is the basic building block of the carbohydrates, fats, proteins, DNA, and other organic compounds necessary for life. The carbon cycle is based on CO 2 from the aerobic respiration of organisms, volcanic eruptions, the weathering of carbonate rocks, and the burning of carbon containing compounds. Aerobic respiration breaks down glucose and converts the carbon to the CO 2 which is released into the troposphere.

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is the atmosphere’s most abundant element (78%). It is a crucial

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is the atmosphere’s most abundant element (78%). It is a crucial component of proteins, many vitamins, and the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. However, N 2 (gas) cannot be absorbed and used directly as a nutrient by plants or animals. The nitrogen cycle converts it to a usable form.

Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus is typically found as a solid form in rocks and salts

Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus is typically found as a solid form in rocks and salts in the Earth’s crust and very little circulates the atmosphere. As weathering and erosion occur phosphorus is released into soil water, lakes, and rivers as phosphate ions that can be taken up by plants – which are then eaten by other organisms.

Sulphur Cycle Sulphur enters the atmosphere through natural sources and human activity. It can

Sulphur Cycle Sulphur enters the atmosphere through natural sources and human activity. It can create many problems for organisms and water systems as it falls from the atmosphere as acid precipitation.

Water Cycle One of the most important cycles on the Earth!! The water cycle

Water Cycle One of the most important cycles on the Earth!! The water cycle recycles the fixed supply of the Earth’s water. It falls to the Earth in forms of precipitation and cycles through plants and animals. It is different from other cycles as the chemical (H 2 O) stays unchanged but merely transforms from one state to another.

What are the Major Biological Components of Ecosystems? Organisms on our planet either produce

What are the Major Biological Components of Ecosystems? Organisms on our planet either produce or consume food. ◦ Producers, also known as autotrophs, make food from the environment ◦ Plants, algae, and phytoplankton are the key producers in the biosphere. ◦ Producers make glucose (a carbohydrate) through a process known as photosynthesis. ◦ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=m. Yb. MP wmwx 88&feature=related

Distribution of Autotrophs

Distribution of Autotrophs

All other organisms… Consumers = heterotrophs They obtain energy and nutrients from feeding on

All other organisms… Consumers = heterotrophs They obtain energy and nutrients from feeding on other organisms or remains. Decomposers are consumers that recycle organic matter (which we seen in cycles). ◦ Breakdown dead organic material = detritus! In natural ecosystems there is little to no waste as one organism’s waste

Energy passed on… All producers, consumers, and decomposers use the chemical energy in glucose

Energy passed on… All producers, consumers, and decomposers use the chemical energy in glucose to fuel all their life processes. ◦ The survival of all individuals depends on the flow of matter and energy through its body. As an ecosystem, the whole survives primarily through the recycling of matter and the one-way energy flow. Food chains http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=o_RBHfj. Zs. UQ &feature=fvsr

Major Components of a Freshwater Ecosystems

Major Components of a Freshwater Ecosystems

Major Components of an Ecosystem in a Field

Major Components of an Ecosystem in a Field

Decomposers and Detritus Feeders

Decomposers and Detritus Feeders

Energy Flow in Ecosystems All organisms, essentially, are food for other organisms within an

Energy Flow in Ecosystems All organisms, essentially, are food for other organisms within an ecosystem. Complete the assignment on Food Chains and Webs + Energy Flow in Ecosystems.

Origins and Biodiversity Life on Earth developed as a result of chemical and biological

Origins and Biodiversity Life on Earth developed as a result of chemical and biological evolution. • Chemical evolution: The formation of organic molecules took around one billion years to form. • Biological evolution: Followed, from single-celled prokaryotic bacteria to single-celled eukaryotic organisms to multi-cellular organisms. • It still continues 3. 7 billion years later. • We have knowledge of the evolution of species from fossils, radioactive dating, ice-core drilling, chemical analyses, and DNA analysis – however, many of these records are incomplete.

Evolution and Adaptation Evolution is the change in a population’s genetic makeup over time.

Evolution and Adaptation Evolution is the change in a population’s genetic makeup over time. ◦ Populations evolve by becoming genetically different ◦ All species descend from earlier, ancestral species (theory of evolution – this is only one theory… there are others!) ◦ Microevolution: ◦ Macroevolution: changes. small genetic changes in a population long-term, large-scale evolutionary

Genetic Changes A population’s gene pool changes over time because of genetic mutations in

Genetic Changes A population’s gene pool changes over time because of genetic mutations in DNA molecules. These are passed on to the offspring and then through their reproduction more mutations can occur.

Genetic changes can lead to Biodiversity is the variation of life forms within a

Genetic changes can lead to Biodiversity is the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or for the entire Earth. Having a high biodiversity helps keep our economies running and keeps us alive! Habitats with higher diversity and complexity lead to more stable environments with greater species and genetic diversity.

Earth’s Biodiversity The biodiversity of our planet is decreasing because of human activity. Biodiversity

Earth’s Biodiversity The biodiversity of our planet is decreasing because of human activity. Biodiversity = speciation – extinction It is estimated that humans have increased extinction rates by 100 to 1, 000 times in the 20 th century. It is now predicted that by the end of the 21 st century we may see the extinction of over half of the species now present on Earth. Humans and our activities are destroying or degrading ecosystems that might be centers for future speciation.

1. Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity: the variety of genetic material within a species or

1. Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity: the variety of genetic material within a species or a population. ◦ Mutations: changes in the genetic makeup of an organism ◦ Migration: organisms have to adapt to new environments. ◦ Population size: the smaller the population the less genetic diversity it can contain and the fewer the variations in the genes for specific characteristics. ◦ Selective Breeding: domesticated plants and animals have been modified over many generations by humans choosing certain desired characteristics.

Genetic Diversity in Chilis

Genetic Diversity in Chilis

2. Species Diversity Species diversity: the number of species present in different habitats. ◦

2. Species Diversity Species diversity: the number of species present in different habitats. ◦ A region impacts its species diversity (ex. temperature in rainforest promotes diversity). ◦ Migration can introduce new species to an area where they were not present. This does not always increase populations if it is an invading species. ◦ The size of the area affects species diversity. The larger the area the larger the species diversity.

3. Functional Diversity Ø Functional diversity: the biological and chemical processes such as energy

3. Functional Diversity Ø Functional diversity: the biological and chemical processes such as energy flow and matter cycling needed for the survival of species, communities, and ecosystems. Ø If matter is ‘lost’ or removed from an ecosystem the cycling of nutrients cannot occur therefore different species will be affected.

4. Structural Diversity • Structural diversity is the range of variation in the physical

4. Structural Diversity • Structural diversity is the range of variation in the physical characteristics of a habitat • An ecosystem that provides niches for different organisms to survive will increase the diversity within the ecosystem.

5. Ecological Diversity Ecological diversity: the variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems found in

5. Ecological Diversity Ecological diversity: the variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems found in an area. Each area will differ in terms of their types of species, water sources, terrain (ex. rocky or sandy, slopes facing north or south), weather patterns (ex. hurricanes).

Ecosystem Diversity Aquatic ecosystems Coral reefs Tropical rainforest Tundra Old growth forests Marine ecosystems

Ecosystem Diversity Aquatic ecosystems Coral reefs Tropical rainforest Tundra Old growth forests Marine ecosystems Plains

Factors that Lead to Loss of Diversity When species of plants and animals go

Factors that Lead to Loss of Diversity When species of plants and animals go extinct, many other species are affected. Some examples of factors leading to species extinction are: Habitat destruction Pollution Species Introductions Global Climate Change Exploitation

Logging - Human Impact The rainforest loses a football field every second because of

Logging - Human Impact The rainforest loses a football field every second because of logging. Humans cut down the rainforest to create grazing areas for cattle and farming After a few years the soil is so depleted you cannot grow anything on it therefore cows cannot even graze grass. When we cut down the forest we are

Farming – Human Impact Kelly’s Cross land changes. Monoculture farming – disease spreads quickly,

Farming – Human Impact Kelly’s Cross land changes. Monoculture farming – disease spreads quickly, pesticide resistant organisms, high use of fertilizer, deforestation, etc.

Unregulated Hunting Fishing generally has the capacity to damage fragile marine ecosystems and vulnerable

Unregulated Hunting Fishing generally has the capacity to damage fragile marine ecosystems and vulnerable species such as coral reefs, turtles and seabirds. ◦ In fact, all eight sea turtle species are now endangered, and illegal fishing and hunting are two major reasons for their destruction. Hunting for sport has obliterated species. ◦ The dodo bird's disappearance is attributed in part to sport hunters, and the historical decimation of the American buffalo from sport hunters nearly pushed

Urbanization – Human Impact Unlike rural communities, urban sprawl completely transforms the landscape and

Urbanization – Human Impact Unlike rural communities, urban sprawl completely transforms the landscape and the soil and alters the surrounding ecosystem and the climate. ◦ While increasing urbanization may have some positive impacts on our environment, such as the lower birth rates that come with a city lifestyle, scientists are becoming more concerned about the negative long-term effects.

Pollution Where to start!! Increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, build up of

Pollution Where to start!! Increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, build up of solid wastes in ecosystems, increased water temperatures can decrease breeding and nesting areas, can poison species (grade ten science – frogs disappearing!). The list goes on and on…

Introduction of New Species These animals are released into the local ecosystems and cause

Introduction of New Species These animals are released into the local ecosystems and cause damage to fauna and flora, and are threatening to upset the delicate balances that exist in the local ecosystems. Clubbed tunicate, green crab, etc.

Where did they come from? Shipping - The greatest source of invasive species is

Where did they come from? Shipping - The greatest source of invasive species is ballast water taken on ships for stability and later dumped into harbours worldwide. Other plants and animals arrive as stowaways hidden in cargo on ships, trains, and trucks. Recreation - Plants and animals often hitch rides on watercraft, mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, hiking boots, and fishing gear. Gardening and Agriculture - The escape of cultivated plants from gardens and croplands to wetlands, grasslands, and roadsides is a common vehicle for alien invaders, such as purple loosestrife and garlic mustard, which now cover millions of hectares all across Canada. Natural Pathways - Wind, water, and wildlife can advance the spread of exotic plants and animals. Intentional Releases - European starlings and house sparrows let loose in New York City's Central Park now blanket the western hemisphere. Brown trout and carp introduced from Eurasia now flourish in North American waters. Canal Construction - Artificial waterways have allowed the sea lamprey, an eel-like fish from the Atlantic Ocean, to cross natural

Extinction When a population cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions the species will become

Extinction When a population cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions the species will become extinct. ◦ Species usually only last 1 -10 million years. ◦ Life has had to cope with natural disasters that have eliminated species. ◦ Introduction of new species can lead to the extinction of

All species will become extinct… When local environmental conditions change, some species will disappear

All species will become extinct… When local environmental conditions change, some species will disappear at a low rate. In a mass extinction, there is a significant rise in extinction rates ◦ Usually 25 -70% of species are lost. ◦ There have been two mass extinctions on Earth. ◦ As well, two mass depletions have also occurred (not as large as an extinction).

Genetic Engineering Genetic engineers have transplanted genes from one species to another to create

Genetic Engineering Genetic engineers have transplanted genes from one species to another to create genetically modified organisms (GMO’S). ◦ Genes from different species that would never interbreed in nature are being transferred from one organism to another. ◦ Gene splicing (as it’s called) takes half as much time to develop a new crop or animal, as does traditional crossbreeding.

Genetic Engineering Cloning produces a genetically identical version of an individual. Bio-pharming is a

Genetic Engineering Cloning produces a genetically identical version of an individual. Bio-pharming is a new field where genetically engineered animals act as biofactories to produce drugs, vaccines, antibodies, hormones, etc.

Where are they today? Scientists have used gene splicing to develop modified crop plants,

Where are they today? Scientists have used gene splicing to develop modified crop plants, drugs, pest-resistant plants. Created genetically engineered bacteria to clean up oil spills and other toxic pollutants. They have cloned sheep and cows – in the future they may be able to clone humans! Engineered chickens that lay low cholesterol eggs, tomatoes with genes to lower chances of certain cancers, and bananas and potatoes that treat various viral diseases in developing countries.