Category: Ecosystem

Introduction

Different types of ecosystems constitute the biosphere that is why people can find themselves within various ecosystems which function according to many ecologic laws. That is why, it is important to examine properly the qualities of ecosystems. According to Hollar, “an ecosystem consists of a biological community and its physical environment” (Hollar 2011, p. 66).

To understand the particular features of the ecosystem’s development, it is necessary to note that “ecosystems are categorised into abiotic (able to live without oxygen) and biotic (oxygen-dependent) components” (Hollar 2011, p. 66).

Thus, the purpose of the investigation is to examine the biotic and abiotic components of the definite ecosystem found in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne, and to pay attention to the interactions between the components. The other objectives are to examine the ecosystem’s properties and to discuss the specifics of the energy flow and chemical cycling.

Methods

The place under the study is the territory near Cook’s Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne (the territory N 24 on the map). The Fitzroy Gardens are located in East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The park can be discussed as the south-eastern territory of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD).

The territory near Cook’s Cottage was chosen because the cottage is situated in a vegetable garden where there are many different kinds of grasses and herbs to observe in a single territory. The territory is known for the ‘chamomile lawn’ where various types of the English herbs are presented.

The characteristic feature of the garden is the focus on the herbs typical for Great Britain and Northern Europe (Cook’s Cottage Garden n.d.; Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens n.d.). The ‘chamomile lawn’ was chosen for the observation as the example of a specific ecosystem.

The active observation was used as the method to examine the ecosystem. The Fitzroy Gardens was visited on 29 December, 2012. The time period of observation was 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Results and Discussion

Biotic Components of the Ecosystem

The main biotic components of the ‘chamomile lawn’ in the Fitzroy Gardens are grasses and herbs. The number of herbs in the ‘chamomile lawn’ is more than of grasses because of the lawn’s purpose to present different kinds of the English herbs. The species-area relationship is presented in Table 1.

The results in on the chosen area were compared with the results on the near-by area, and it is possible to speak about the similar shape for the two areas within the ecosystem as it is presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The areas are rich in such medicinal herbs as Pot Marigold and Sage and such herbs as Fennel and Hyssop.

It is possible to predict the species richness for a sample area of 20 m2 in the ecosystem and state the prevalence of Pot Marigold and Sage as the main plants and Grass sp. 3 and Herb sp. 1, 2.

Table 1. Species in Two Areas of the Ecosystem (the ‘Chamomile Lawn’)

Figure 1. The Relationship between the Cumulative Number of Species and the Quadrat size for Area 1.

Figure 2. The Relationship between the Cumulative Number of Species and the Quadrat size for Area 2.

Interactions between Biotic and Abiotic Components of the Ecosystem

During the time period of observation, many ants and three different beetles were observed at the chosen area. Ants were crawling among the grass. Two beetles were crawling among the grass, and one beetle was sitting at the grass with blade like leaves. The abiotic components presented at the territory are some big stones and many small stones.

There is no obvious shade because of the absence of large stones or trees at the territory. The soil can be discussed as fertile with some clay in it. Two grey feathers of birds were observed.

It is possible to speak about the effect of the abiotic environment on ants because the number of ants was observed near the big stone where the soil was rather wet. However, the observed living things have no significant impact on the abiotic environment of the chosen ecosystem.

Energy Flow in the Ecosystem

The energy flow is realised according to several trophic levels. The primary producers of the determined territory are plants (herbs and grasses) which receive the necessary sun energy as a result of photosynthesis (Callenbach 2008). The main three primary producers are Pot Marigold and Sage which have large green leaves.

The most common primary producer in the ecosystem is Pot Marigold because of its expansion within the territory. The consumers are animals and bacteria which feed on primary producers. The primary consumers in the definite ecosystem are the insects which can be eaten by the secondary consumers.

The observed primary consumers are ants, beetles, and hoppers. They can feed upon leaves of the grass and some herbs. The secondary consumers are different kinds of bugs which eat ants and a lizard which eat insects.

The tertiary consumer was not observed, but it can be a bird the feathers of which were found. There is less energy at the trophic level at which a bird can be observed and the limited number of the food. That is why the low density of the level is connected with the energy moved from levels to levels.

The food chain of the observed ecosystem is Pot Marigold and Sage ants, beetles, and hoppers two kinds of bugs and a lizard a bird.

Chemical Cycling in the Ecosystem

The dead organic material is presented in the form of dead leaves. It is impossible to compare the dead plant material with the herbs and grasses presented because of the changed shape and colour. The examples of the non-living animal material are not presented, but it is possible to conclude with references to the feathers found about dead birds at the territory.

There are some small broken branches at the territory which were sent here with the wind. Dead organisms were not found under the layers of the grass, but it is possible to discuss the process of recycling of carbon and oxygen within the ecosystem.

Conclusion

The purpose of the investigation was to observe the definite ecosystem in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. The observed territory was an example of the grassland with different kinds of grasses and herbs presented. Some insects and the feathers of birds were observed at the place, and this fact allows concluding about the energy flow within the ecosystem.

The interactions between the biotic and abiotic elements are obvious with references to changing the wetness of the soil because of the presence of some big stones and the impact on ants.

Reference List

Callenbach, E 2008, Ecology: a pocket guide, University of California Press, USA.

Cook’s Cottage Garden n.d. Web.

Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens n.d. Web.

Hollar, S 2011, Ecology, The Rosen Publishing Group, USA.

Introduction

All economic activities, businesses and corporations have an impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. They also depend on ecosystem services as well; an example is the biotechnology industry which benefits from access to genetic material but at the same time create risks through the introduction of genetically modified organisms into the ecosystem.

Other businesses and industries which benefit from ecosystem services are agribusiness and food sector businesses which rely on the services of ecosystem like pollination. Through land impacts and use of water resources, various industries deplete ecosystems of their resources; businesses which deplete ecosystem resources include lumbering factories, construction and publishing industries among others.

These businesses can similarly change forest structures and balance at the expense of wildlife. On the other hand tourism industry obtains its profit from cultural services and aesthetic values of natural landscapes.

It is very difficult to imagine of any business that does not make use of an ecosystem, this is because at one point or another they may have direct impact on nature; this may be through their central operations, supply chain, or lending and investment options.

Businesses can help to reduce pressure on ecosystem services through managing and mitigating their impact on ecosystem and biodiversity services by reviewing their operations periodically. To appreciate the impacts of biodiversity and ecological services, companies should evaluate and determine how they impact and depend on biodiversity and ecological services.

Definition of Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Biodiversity is viewed as the unevenness displayed among organisms and plants. An ecosystem is a main component of biodiversity and is defined as a dynamic composition of plants and organisms which operate as one. Examples of ecosystems are wetlands, rain forests, grass lands and urban parks.

Ecosystem services on the other hand are defined as the benefits that human beings obtain from ecosystems; ecosystem services are synonymous with environmental services. Ecosystem services can be grouped into four categories:

• Provisioning: this includes the goods and services that are obtained from an ecosystem like food, fresh water and timber.
• Regulating: these are the advantages that are accrued when an ecosystem is well managed.
• Cultural: these are non-material benefits that are obtained form the ecosystem; examples are recreation and spiritual values.
• Supporting: these are the natural processes that can maintain other ecosystem services; they include nutrient cycling and primary production. Biodiversity are inextricably linked with biodiversity (Bishop, 2010).

How Corporations Rely on Ecosystem

A business organization will rely on an ecosystem if the services that such an ecosystem offers can be used as raw materials or form part of the raw materials in the production process of such an organization (World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2011).

Several businesses rely on ecosystem services in their operations. Fresh water is one of the ecosystem services that no business can operate without; other business sectors that highly depend on biodiversity and ecosystem services are energy sector or electricity, oil and gas, mining, food, beverage and tobacco and construction.

The reliance of a business or corporation on ecosystem services depends on the location of a business, the source of its materials and the technology employed (Costanza, D’Arge, Groot, Farber, Grasso, Hannon, Limburg, Naeem, O’Neill, Paruelo, Robert, Raskin, Sutton & Belt, 1997).

Case Study: Syngenta Company

Syngenta Company falls in the agricultural sector and experiences a dilemma on how to utilize ecosystem services and at the same time how to conserve it. Syngenta is inventing a program that can enhance productivity through reversing the decline of ecosystem services important to agricultural activities and this is pollination.

The significance of pollination is unmatched since several industries utilize it; these industries are vegetable farming, water melon and blue berries cultivation. Syngenta launched operation pollinator in the year 2009 and it was implemented in thirteen European countries. This project was aimed at restoring native pollinators in agricultural lands through the creation of suitable habitats close to farmlands.

It involves the growth of flora plant margin; this increases plant diversity and the native pollinator population hence delivering fundamental benefits with the potential to raise farm profits (Bishop, 2010). This idea of Syngenta has been operationalized by the blue berry industry in USA. Its economic value, as witnessed in Michigan is massive.

The blue berry companies relies on bees for pollination to realize maximum yields and with the diminishing bees population, other crop pollination strategies are required to enhance productivity.

Consequences of Loss of Ecosystem Services to an Organization

There are three reasons that are advanced for the loss of an ecosystem, these are: ignorance, market and institutional failure. The world is witnessing the decline of pollinators; this decline is as a result of wanton clearing of habitat and use of pesticides. After the decline, people opted for honey bees to replace native pollinators. These honey bees have been threatened by parasites and diseases (Cork, n.d.).

The loss of ecosystem services like fresh water and climate change has the capacity to compromise investments and business operations. Loss of ecosystem services will also lead to decline in value of company assets due to decline in company production. There is also the realization by investors that loss in ecosystem may lead to collapse or disappearance of a company from the market (Grigg, n.d.).

Consequences of Reducing Ecosystems Capacity to the Organization

Businesses support the reduction of ecosystem services because these reductions will provide opportunities for businesses to prosper. In the case study of Syngenta, reduction of pollination will diminish productivity of Blue berry in Michigan.

Since several components of ecosystems are privately owned, reduction in ecosystem services will lead to alteration of prices prompted by the scarcity of materials manufactured by use of ecosystem services thus it is evident that ecosystem services are intertwined with the operations of companies.

Since Syngenta Company relies on ecosystem services it will suffer from declining ecosystem services; this also applies to the companies with agricultural-based supply chains (Cork, n.d.).

Conclusion

Ecosystem debate is a critical one; this is because virtually every business sector relies on ecosystem services in one way or another. Some of the examples are: the pharmaceutical industry utilizes genetic resources, agriculture and food sector utilizes nature’s pollination and erosion, construction and communication sector utilize timber resources.

Therefore, companies should be ready and willing to anticipate the fact that ecosystems will be incorporated into public policies because of their necessity. It is evident also that there is limited public knowledge and awareness about ecosystems and their significance.

There is a need for government to take initiatives to ensure that businesses and ecosystems coexist amicably without one affecting the other. This can be accomplished by the policies being set up which give guidance on ecosystem protection which in turn will benefit all the stakeholders.

References

Bishop, J. (2010). The economics of ecosystem and biodiversity. Web.

Cork, S. (n.d.) Ecosystem services: The many ways in which Biodiversity sustains and fulfills human life. Web.

Costanza, R, D’Arge, R, Groot, R, Farber, S, Grasso, M, Hannon, B,Limburg, K, Naeem, S, O’Neill, R, Paruelo, J, Robert G. Raskin, R, Sutton, P & Belt, M. (1997). The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. New York, NY: Cengage.

Grigg, A. (n.d.). Dependency and impact on ecosystem services-unmanaged risk, unrealized opportunity. Web.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development. (2011). Ecosystems; Executive brief. Web.

Introduction

The understanding of an ecosystem is of paramount importance, more so in the process of defining the inter-linkages that exist between businesses and nature. This paper traces its foundation from the definitions that have been attributed to the phrase “ecosystem services.”

It is from this definition that the study will take off in demystifying the interrelation that exists between the forest industry and businesses. It is of essence that the study identifies the benefits that businesses’ derive from the ecosystem. Consequently, this will set the base from which the reader will identify the effects that the removal of the ecosystem services will have on the business environment.

Definition of ecosystem services

The human race is surrounded by communities of animals in their living habitats and plants all round. It is from this surrounding that the continuity of the human race is sustained. These resources that are supplied by nature benefit humans and some are the concrete bases of some of the world’s leading economies.

For instance, the middle-east countries such as Kuwait are fully dependent on crude oil as the major contributor of the country’s gross domestic product. These benefits that humans reap from ecosystem are referred to as ecosystem services (Hester & Harrison, 2010).

The constituents of the ecosystem include the physical and the chemical elements for example; water, soil, nutrients that are assimilated in the bodies of the animals among other elements. It should be noted that this constituents are either large or microscopic elements that exist naturally.

Dependence of the Corporate World on the Ecosystem Services

According to Esty & Winston (2009), all corporates in the planet regardless of their area of operation depend on biodiversity that is presented by the world’s ecosystems and on ecosystem services. For instance, fresh water is a very crucial input product in almost all the conceivable processes of manufacturing well as service industries.

One direct link of ecosystem services and businesses can be found in the pharmaceutical industries that benefits from plant products such as the neem plant among other plants that are used in the manufacture of drugs, the agribusiness industry that depends on insects to aid in the pollination of flowers, bio-pest control among many others.

It is evident that organizations depend directly or indirectly on the ecosystem services. This dependency always takes a two-fold relationship. One is the direct dependency of the organization in undertaking the core operations and the indirect dependency of corporates on ecosystem services in supply chains and in the investment choices of the organization (Esty & Winston, 2009).

In order to ensure that the study does not digress a lot on the inter-dependence that exists between the ecosystem services and the corporate world, the study will concentrate on the dependency of the forest, construction and publishing industries on the ecosystem services that these industries are provided with by the ecosystem.

Forests are important resources in the world as they provide invaluable economic, environment and social benefits. It is evident that forests act as a buffer to global warming that has jeopardized the livelihoods of many people (Bond & Wertz-Kanounnikoff, 2009).These are a few of the social benefits that are reaped from forest resources.

It should be noted that a good number of the world businesses depend solely on forest products such as timber, medicinal products among others. It is evident that every year the forest industry contributes over $186 billion in the world’s economy. This money is derived only from the primary products of the forests. This means that the forest industry is a key source of revenue for many businesses (Nemetz, 2002).

All businesses in the planet directly or indirectly depend on forests and the dependency comes in terms of furniture, papers and to others the forest products are their raw materials. For example, truck drivers who are mandated to carrying logs are directly dependent on the products from the forests.

The trucks that are used in the transportation are specifically designed to transport logs and therefore, the manufacturers of these trucks depend indirectly on the forest industry. This is because the eradication of forests would mean that these truck manufacturers would have to close the log-haul aging facet of their industry.

Other stakeholders who depend directly on forest industry are paper manufacturers and timber dependent industries such as the carpentry. Paper manufacturers depend on trees which are turned into papers that are used in the everyday running of the offices.

This gives rise to the dual dependence of the corporate world on the forest industry such that the paper manufacturers depend directly on the trees to manufacture papers and other industries use the papers that are manufactured from trees. Therefore, in case these forests are eradicated both the manufacturers and the end users would adversely be affected (Bond & Wertz-Kanounnikoff, 2009).

The effective and efficient running of the forest industry incorporates four relevant stakeholders. These stakeholders have either a direct or an indirect link to the industry. First, is the phenomenon growth in the forest industry. These are the businesses that are involved with growing and management of forests resources. These businesses are mandated with ensuring that forest plantations are developed.

Secondly, is the forest industry service provision sector. Services that are provided in the forest industry are of specialized manner. They include businesses that are involved with the harvesting of the forest products; those involved in the haulage of the products such as trucks drivers, the silvicultural activity officers, and the nurseries among others. Thirdly, are businesses involved in the processing of the forest products.

This sector is involved in the transformation of the forest raw materials into finished products after undergoing a number of processes that are meant to change the initial form of the product. For instance; logs into rough timber that is then transformed into wood chips and then pulp. The last stage of the forestry industry is the transformation of the forest products into finished products that are now ready for use by the end user.

It involves businesses like carpentry which transforms the timber into furniture and pulp into paper. The world requires furniture and all these products are made from timber a direct product of the forest industry.

All people who are involved with the manufacture of timber products have a direct link to the forest. This proves that businesses and ecosystems are intertwined and each depends on the other for continued existence (Nemetz, 2002).

Shortcoming of Eliminating the Ecosystem Services to the Business World

The removal of the forest industry would have dire consequences to the businesses world. For instance, in 2007 losses that were incurred due to deforestation alone amounted to more than $4.5 trillion and this amount is expected to escalate over the years.

These losses will be incurred if the businesses would be fatal as industrialization in the globe has taken a toll over forests which are the vital sources of renewable and non-renewable factory inputs (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2011).

Conclusion

It is evident that ecosystem services are fundamental in the lives of corporate in the world as the study has sort to illustrate the dependence that exists between corporate world and the forest world.

Therefore, it is paramount that corporate come up with measures that are meant to put priorities right in valuation of how dependent corporate are on the forest industry and as a result, take the leading role of ensuring that the forests are not degraded as a result of human activities.

References

Bond, I.,G., M. & Wertz-Kanounnikoff, S. (2009).Incentives to sustain forest ecosystem services. New York: Cage

Esty ,D. & Winston, H., S. (2009).Green to Gold. New York: Yale University Press.

Hester, R.,E. & Harrison, R., M. (2010). Ecosystem services.Upper Saddle River: Cengage.

Nemetz ,P., N.(2002). Bringing business on board: sustainable development and the B-school curriculum. Journal of Business Administration Series.. 27(29).

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2011). Paying for Biodiversity: Enhancing the Cost-Effectiveness of Payments for Ecosystem Services .New York: OECD Publishing

Introduction

Everglades refers to a complex system comprising of mutually supportive ecosystems. There is either very slight border between the ecosystems and sometimes they may not be noticed. The everglade systems may change by either expanding or reducing. It refers to a subtropical wetland in the state of Florida. The everglades are shaped by fire, water and rocks and are continuously changing. Over six thousand years ago, the everglade ecosystem was occupied by two major tribes (Jewell 1993).

Around two hundred years later the two tribes migrated with very little confirmation of their existence left behind. In the 19th century during, the United States military forced a certain tribe that had assimilated other people into their tribe to live in the everglades.

In 1848 there was a suggestion that the everglades be drained though there were no canals. The canals were constructed in the early 20th century making the drainage of the everglades possible. Later on the water was diverted to the cities of South Florida metropolitan area leaving the ever glades with no water. Half of the everglades were then turned into agricultural land. An environmental study oversaw that the ecosystem of south Florida would be when a proposed airport was constructed. Re-establishing the everglades was therefore found to be of great necessity.

Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a natural, physical environment i.e. water bodies, soil, rocks and dry land that consists of different plants, animals and micro organisms that interact with each other for the sake of their survival and functioning together with non living organisms within that environment. For example in an ecosystem, plants will not grow if there is no soil, water or enough light, if the plant fail to grow, animals that depend on plants for food will starve to death, and if they die all other animals that depend on them for food will also starve and die. All parts in the ecosystem therefore work together to create a balance and ensure the survival of each other.

Individuals within species interact by feeding, mating and living together. Individuals in different species also interact by feeding on each other i.e. animals feed on other animals through and interaction known as the food web. However plants are also included in this food web since animals fed on plants too. Ecosystem may include forests, deserts, plains, lakes, rivers, oceans and many others. An ecosystem is not specific in size, it could be very large e.g. a lake or very small e.g. a tree and all ecosystems whether small or large work in a similar way. It can therefore be defined as a geographical area that brings together plants, animals, climatic factors and landscape to interact.

Plants and animals within the ecosystem

Within the everglades, exists ecosystems. The main plant that grows in the ecosystem within the everglade is the saw grass marsh. They flourish in shallow slowly moving water. In deep water or floods where oxygen cannot reach its roots, the saw grass marsh dies away. The saw grass marsh has a hydro period of not below nine months. Animals like alligators may live in a place where there is dense growth of saw grass marsh. Intense growth of saw grass marsh gives less room for other plants and animals to live. However where the growth of saw grass marsh is penetrable, plants like periphyton grows.

Insects and amphibians that are used by birds, fish and other reptiles as food are sustained by periphyton. Apart from the periphyton, sloughs also grow where the growth of saw grass marsh allows for a free flow of water. They grow a bit deeper than the saw grass marshes and have a hydro period of at least eleven months. Sloughs support the existence of animals like fish, turtles, snakes and alligators. Other plants like spatterdock, bladderwort or water lily may also grow here though they may be submerged. In the everglade ecosystem, the Taylor slough, the shark river slough and the lostmans river slough are the major types of sloughs that grow their.

A wet prairie is another type of plant that grows within this ecosystem. Like the saw grass marshes it is a little bit raised diverse. It is mainly characterized by plant variety. Its hydro period lasts between three and seven months. It requires average shallow water. Wet prairies can sustain the growth other water plants and survival of aquatic animals like snails, young amphibians and crayfish which provide sources of food for young birds.

Within the wet prairies, alligators develop a place where they use their claws to dig at low spots and create ponds that do not have vegetation and remain dry even if the wet prairies dry up. The holes created by the alligator are essential for the life maintenance of small mammal, birds, turtles and fish during dry periods. In this ecosystem also grows the tropical hardwood hammocks. These are small islands of trees that grow on a slightly raised land above the wet prairies and the sloughs. The hardwood hammock constitutes both subtropical and hardwood trees like the royal pump, gumbo limbo, bustic and southern live oak.

At the base of the hardwood hammock, thrives saw palmettos which make it very difficult for people and other big animals to go through thus creating a perfect habitat for reptiles, small mammals and amphibians. Water in sloughs flow around the islands of hammocks developing into moats, which protect the trees when the hammocks that are affected by fire are still in the process of recovery. Most trees in hammocks do not grow tall since they heights are affected by wind, lighting and frost.

Another important feature in this ecosystem is the slash pine. This is mainly found in the pineland ecosystem. It requires fire for maintenance. They are able to uphold and defy fire using their adaptation features. The slash pines are found in the highest part of the everglades and have either very little or no hydro period. The slash pines have a hard back which protects them from heat giving them an advantage as the fire the fire get rid of the competing vegetation opening up their cones for germination.

Cypress is another important feature in the ecosystem. The cypress swamps are found through out the everglades. The big cypress swamp which constitutes a wide range of cypress growth is found to the west of the sloughs and the saw grass prairies. An example of cypress is the conifer which adapted to prosper in flooded areas. They have trunks propping to give support and protruding roots.

In the everglades also grows red mangrove trees. The everglades have a wide ranging continuous system of mangrove plants. Water from the big cypress and Lake Okeechobee flows into the ocean. The fresh water from the big cypress and from the lake mixes with the salty water in the ocean and forms a zone ideal for the growth of the mangrove trees since they are adapted to survive in both kinds of water (McCally 1999).

Recommendations as needed to maintain and restore the ecosystem

There is need to protect and restore the trees and forests of our nation. Several species and ecosystems seem to be endangered by human activities and should therefore be protected from any further misuse. Ecosystem restoration and maintenance is for the interest of our country as it gives us the value of trees in our communities. For this process of ecosystem to be successful different communities should be educated on issues relating to trees and forests. Public and private investment in tree and forest activities should be encouraged. Programs to train the public on the importance of the ecosystem on their daily undertakings should be developed.

A research on ecosystem should be made a civic science and community participation should be given a priority. There should be an improved funding towards enabling communities to evaluate the conditions of the ecosystem and to help them carry out implementation on various actions taken towards maintaining and restoring the ecosystem. Awareness should be created to the public on the ecological connection between communities living in urban and those living in the rural areas (Gleason 1994).

The public should be exposed to the benefits of private forests, educate them on the measures that are necessary for maintenance and restoration of the ecosystem and the rewards associated with it to private land owners. Those who own land privately should be given information relating to the ecological importance of their lands. There should an ecosystem work force involving community volunteers and people trained in the ecological field. They should conduct open programs and include other citizens’ in planning and implementation of the ecosystem restoration and maintenance projects.

Conclusion

An everglade is made up of ecosystems. An ecosystem is definitely a geographical unit that supports the life of both plants and animals through their own interaction. Plants and animals both support each other for food and therefore human beings are also supported by different plants and animals for food forming a life cycle. Without an ecosystem, this life cycle will not be possible and it is upon us to protect, restore and, maintain our ecosystem. This we can achieve by protecting our trees and trees.

Reference

Gleason, et.al. Stone Age, Origins, and Landscape Evolution of the Everglades, Peat land in Everglades: The Ecosystem and its Restoration. St. Lucie Press. 1994.

Jewell, S. Exploring Wild South Florida: A Guide to Finding the Natural Areas and Wildlife of the Everglades and Florida Keys. Pineapple Press, 1993.

McCally, David. The Everglades: An Environmental History. University Press of Florida. 1999.

Introduction

The main sources of ecosystem changes are human activities, natural processes including climate changes, animal migrations, etc., political and economical processes in the society. In more detail, the role of human beings is crucial in the ecosystem dynamics. For example, the process of human migration, and the subsequent urbanization of the population, cause changes in the population of a region. This results in the change of the industries developed in the area, the ways of interaction with the environment, animal species extinction or introduction, and so on. Technology is another significant factor because human activities directed at obtaining natural resources like gas, oil, coal, electricity, etc. are inevitably harmful to the environment. That is why these activities change the ecosystem by either destroying the habitats of certain animal species or plant types or creating artificial areas where the members of the ecosystem can exist and develop, like national parks, zoos, etc (Barrameda, 2008).

Needless to say, technology and human migration are economically conditioned. Thus, the type of economic system affects the ecosystem greatly. The agricultural economy is aimed at defending the environment, while the industrial one pollutes air, water, forests, and soils. The processes mentioned tend to have cumulative effects. For example, partial destruction of a forest can be restored while the permanent and regular one results in the shift of the natural balance. Animals are left without their natural habitats, while plants and other biotic organisms become extinct. On the other hand, positive human activities, including environmental protection, nature preservation, etc. also have a cumulative effect as they give results only in case of systematic usage (Barrameda, 2008). So, the above-mentioned processes are positive and negative effects of ecosystem changes.

Main Body

There are numerous definitions of ecologically sustainable development but the most precise one is that ecologically sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Australian Government, 2009) Moreover, the ecologically sustained development is aimed at finding, preserving, and enlarging the resources of mankind so that the environment could be protected and the quality of human life could be increased. Ecologically sustainable development is necessary for society because human beings are integral parts of the environment and their destructive activities damage nature substantially. So, we need ecologically sustainable development to save the environment we live in and at the same time reach progress in improving the quality of our life.

However, the usual practice nowadays is non-sustainable development which includes little attention to environmental issues and nature protection. The essence of non-sustainable development lies in getting profit from one’s activities without thinking of the future generations. For example, to increase production rates an industrial company can save money on environmental policies and protecting equipment, and emit the chemicals directly into a river or an ocean. Keeping in mind the importance of ecologically sustainable development, numerous case studies have been carried out on this topic. For example, the studies of the Colby College are dedicated to the use of pesticides in agriculture, the effects of the US Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 upon the current state of our ecosystem, and the question of creating a sustainable and ecologically safe city. These studies attract the attention of the public and make society think about the preservation of the ecosystem it exists within. The results of these case studies demonstrated that society is more aware of environmental issues, but much work is still to be done.

Conclusion

The role of the government, either a local or a national one, in the development of effective work on environmental protection is crucial. First of all, it is only the government that can implement laws directed at protecting our ecosystem. The legislative acts and laws prohibiting the use of the most dangerous chemicals in the industry and agriculture, limiting the gas emissions of industrial factories and plants, prohibiting and punishing for the killings of the rare animals all are the duties of the government. Accordingly, the recent activities and programs implemented by the government to protect our ecosystem include Habitat Partnership Program, ITG Project, The Pingree Forest Partnership, and many others. All these governmental initiatives are aimed at protecting and preserving such basic environmental areas as forests, water resources, air, etc (Government Innovations Network, 2009).

On the other hand, the role of large corporations in ecosystem change is rather controversial. Although corporations claim to care about the ecosystem and launch numerous propagandist programs for its protection, the actual environmental protection will cause losses to them. That is why corporations are major obstacles in the way of protection and revival of the ecosystem of our country. Together with governmental policies that are not always ecologically sustainable, the activities of corporations damage the ecosystem. However, ordinary people can influence both the government and corporations by expressing their opinions in public, carrying out protest demonstrations, strikes, and other social actions. Thus, people make the government and corporations implement more ecologically sustainable programs.

Works Cited

Barrameda. “The Ecosystems.“ 2008. Web.

Australian Government. “Ecologically Sustainable Development.” 2009. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Web.

Government Innovations Network. “Ecosystems”. 2009. Web.

The Earth is the reflection of many forms of life rather than just a planet of the solar system. Humanity lived in complete harmony with nature till we faced the era of industrialization development. World history experienced a great variety of ecological processes being connected with changes in the structure and composition of ecological communities.

It is important to identify ecological processes and determine their types faced throughout history. Thus, ecological processes stimulate the functioning of the ecosystem; they are related to natural phenomena determining the ecosystem’s patterns. To the global ecological processes, one can refer the following phenomena faced by humanity: biotic interactions, natural disturbances, nutrient cycling, population dynamics, and various hydrological processes. In most cases, the analysis of ecological processes appears to be rather complicated due to the complexity of their structure and composition. Ecological processes and natural changes closely interact in the development of the ecosystem. They can be predetermined by site conditions, weather impact, or some artificial interference with nature.

An example of an ecological process can be tree death suffered in major parts of the world. The causes of this phenomenon are connected with hurricanes and wildfires. Besides, there can be some external facts caused by industrialization development and various forms of people’s interference with nature. Taking into account the fact that trees form strong support to the ecosystem and are storage compartment producers, tree death can become a serious ecological problem. Nevertheless, this process directly influences the increasing level of resources being important for human life. So, it proves the close connection between ecological processes, natural problems, and human activities functioning together through world history. (Franklin, 2000).

The introduction of the globalization era appeared to be an integral part of a modern ecological system. Developing countries have a direct impact on the environment through the usage of natural resources for economic expansion. It is important to stress that deteriorating ecology and the constant process of economical development throughout the world closely interact. It can be explained by such factors as water contamination or, for example, the process of groundwater levels dipping. Nowadays people suffer ecological crises due to extensive technological interference of humanity with nature. Contradictions between the natural environment and society are based on problems connected with soil, waterways, and atmosphere; one should state that ecosystem cannot be improved through various strategic modifications and reforms – that is the principal arguable factor to the solution. Technology cannot solute natural problems, so, human expectations are gradually adjusted to a deteriorating ecology. Nowadays the developing countries are the basic threats to the natural environment and ecosystem condition. (McLaughlin, 2001).

Environmental changes resulting in ecosystem changes are considered to be the phenomena of positive feedback mechanisms. The mechanism of negative feedback takes place in case if an environmental change results in compensating process mitigating this change. Positive feedback is very important for the natural balance in the environment; to such phenomena, one can refer ocean warming and the ice-albedo mechanism. Speaking about negative feedback, it is necessary to stress that this process leads to adaptive behavior, such as sustaining the same temperature or level. Examples of this process are the maintenance of air composition or glucose in the blood. One should underline the undesirable results connected with the negative feedback disruption. For example, in case of negative feedback failure, one can experience an increase in glucose level in blood many times and as a result, a person suffers diabetes.

A dramatic change in the ecological process and activities of modern social institutions are closely connected. It can be explained by new methods of adaptation to the physical and cultural environments to be worked out by social organizations. Complete change touched all spheres of human activities such as agriculture, hunting, plant, and fish industries. Transformations in ecological-cultural processes made people create new adaptive strategies of activity change. New methods are related to the development of socio-ecological configurations being able to function in new conditions effectively. The strategies are to be aimed at the establishment of new institutions and programs on the international level to understand human modifications worldwide. (Carpenter, Feedback Mechanisms in Climate).

The analysis of ecological systems and processes proved their close interaction with social activities. Such factors as economic development and industrialization, in general, have a direct impact on the functioning of ecosystems. It should be stressed that unpredictable global changes resulted from human activities transformed human opportunities connected with sustaining significant features of our planet. People are to adapt to the new conditions trying to protect nature from further undesirable changes. The development of various programs aimed at ecosystems protection and support will make natural conditions better and enlarge the variety of natural resources worldwide.

References

Franklin, Jerry. Tree Death as an Ecological Process. The causes and consequences of tree mortality. 2000.

McLaughlin, Tom. Bookchin on Technology. Black Rose Books, Montreal. 2001.

Carpenter, M. C. Feedback Mechanisms in Climate. Web.

The feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus Coniculus) was first introduced in the Tasmania region of Australia in the year 1827. They were later domesticated in one of the mainland in Victoria in 1850s by Mr. Thomas Austin who as a rich British landowner and in the 1886 the species had spread to the New South Wales border. By the year 1910, the species was reported to have spread to most parts of Australia. The feral European rabbit is one of the exotic species that is widely spread mammal in Australia. The feral European rabbit has caused several damages in the agricultural sector since it has dug warrens all over the regioin making it hard for agricultural activities to take place. Due to these damages, the government of Australia tried to control its spread by building a rabbit-proof fence for six years that is as from 1901 to 1907 but it did not yield any promising yield because the species has now spread to almost all parts of Australia except in the northern areas of Australia (Burnie and Don 2001, p. 74).

The feral European rabbit can survive in different climatic conditions even if it is in deserts or at the coastal plains. The species can survive in any type of ground except where there is a clay type of soil because they only survive in places where they can dig warrens. The rabbits can survive in most parts of the country without the need for water except in arid areas where they can require little water for their survival. The species is a night-time grazer which eats green grass and herbs as food. The feral breed is said to be more reproductive because in the research that was conducted, it indicated that the breed can reproduce five to ten litters a year and in each litter there are four to six young. The feral rabbit starts reproducing at the age of four months and it can reproduce at any time of the year provided that there is food for them to consume (National Land and Water Resources. 2008, p. 1). This therefore explains the reason as to why the species has spread at a high rate almost to every part of the Australian continent as shown in the map.

The introduction of the European rabbit in Australia can be said to be through human beings since they are the ones who transported them from Europe. The breed was kept in the Australian by the Dingo and Tasmanian group of people who were hunters and they therefore enjoyed seeing the species spread for them to be hunting for food. The European rabbit is said to be a mammal that is highly adaptable to the Australian region and its not a selective eater since it eats any green plant that grows in the Australia as region. This type of species proved to be more productive since it breeds at a very high rate as compared to other species like the fox and weasels of Australia. The European rabbit was therefore admired most by Australian native carnivores who for many years had strained taming the weasels and a fox for meat (El Conejo, 2008, p. 94).

Its introduction in the European country, the European rabbit was introduced so as to control the increased number of other animals and plants. In the research that was conducted, it clearly indicates that the intended ecological purpose that led to the introduction of the species in the region was not the same reason as to why the species was introduced in Australia. The analysis shows that the species was introduced for sports reasons because those who transported it to the country did it for fun and the other group of hunters provided a favourable environment for them to spread so that they can continue with their hunting activity (Schepmans 2009, p. 24).

Since the introduction of the feral European rabbit in Australia, the mammal has virtually reduced the number of other predators in the region as well as reduced the number of many plant species in the region at large. This species has been reported as an animal that has degraded the land because it digs warrens causing soil erosion which makes it hard for people to use the land for production purposes. The feral rabbit ring back trees and shrubs as well as eat seeds and seedlings making it impossible for the plants to regenerate. This has led to the extinction of several species of plants as well as animals since the rabbits eat even the small animals that live in the soil. Another threat that the feral European rabbit has into the Australia, is that apart from affecting the ecology, it has really affected the economy of the country. This is because the species has been competing over the green herbs with sheep and goats and this has resulted in a decreased number of goats and sheep in the continent that the regions across Australia no longer produce wool etc (Burnie and Don 2001, p. 78).

Several methods ranging from biological, mechanical and chemical have been used in controlling the spread of the feral European rabbit have been implemented by the government of Australia but they have not yet reached the target effectively. The first method that was implemented was mechanical, which was introduced after a few years of its introduction into the country where hunters were told to hunt the rabbits and they were paid in response to the number of rabbit trails that he/she presented. The destruction of warrens was also another mechanical way of controlling the species in Australia. Millions of dollars were used to implement this but it did not succeed to prevent its spread. The chemical method has been used in the control of this species by poisoning using sodium flour acetate where rabbits were trapped and killed. These two methods killed millions of rabbits but still they did not come to extinction (Bryant, 2006, p. 56).

The government of Australia has come up with the biological method of control where it has introduced the myxoma virus which infects rabbits only. This method proved to be effective because it managed to kill more than ninety percent of the rabbits but the few that developed resistance survived and again reproduced increasing in a large number. Another biological method that has been used is the calicivirus disease which also infects rabbits only. This disease yielded the expected results in places where the climate is wet but in dry areas the rabbits were not infected as such (El Conejo 2008, p. 104).

To conclude, it has been known that the effective way of controlling the feral rabbits in Australia requires an integration of more than one method of control. This is because when a single technique is used in isolation, it gives a room for those rabbits not trapped to regenerate hence difficult to eliminate them from the region. It is therefore advisable to carry out thorough research that will give results on the methods to be integrated for the expected results to be achieved.

References

Bryant, P 2006, Biodiversity and Conservation: Exotics in Australia and New Zealan, Routledge, London.

Burnie, D & Don, W 2001, Smithsonian Institution ANIMAL: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, United Kingdom.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) 2008, Environmental damage by wild rabbits in Australia and New Zealand, Web.

El Conejo, T 2008, Economic and ecological impact of rabbits – “BREEDING LIKE RABBITS”: Control of the rabbit in Australia. Rockhampton: CQU Press.

National Land & Water Resources, 2008, An audit assessing invasive animals in Australia: Feral animals on offshore islands, Web.

Schepmans, F, 2009, Biotechnology Australia: Case study: European rabbits in Australia, Loydon, London.

An ecosystem is a geographic area and habitat for various living things, including plants, animals, and other species. The ecosystem can be either balanced or imbalanced and is usually analyzed as an art or a science. Generally, while art focuses on the observations and readings on biodiversity, science delves into the dependency of the species on one another and their environment, including flora and fauna.

In the video, Ms. Pippen leads a conversation with her students about the examination of the oval basin. Ms. Pippen outlines the main purpose of this learning objective based on observations of a work of art, an oval basin made in the 16th century by Bernard Pallissy (Getty Museum, 2015, 00:52-01:10). Moreover, Ms. Pippen inquires about the meaning of the word “balance” from the children. Even though some students respond differently, Daniel makes the case that it should be equally distributed on both sides (Getty Museum, 2015, 01:30-01:55). Simultaneously, another pupil asserts that it should be the same for classwork and homework.

Additionally, Ms. Pippen presents an oval basin diagram to the students, asking them to analyze it from an ecosystem’s perspective and determine the producers. The pupils describe the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers (Getty Museum, 2015, 03:05-04:10). Ms. Pippin reminds them of decomposers and inquiries about the ecosystem since all the characteristics in the diagram appear to originate from the same habitat. Moreover, she queries the children about the ecosystem’s balance or unbalances. Although the learners offer various arguments supporting their responses, most accept the imbalance. Essentially, it is undeniably true from a scientific perspective that the ecosystem was unbalanced due to additional secondary consumers (Getty Museum, 2015, 04:50-06:48). As a result, Ms. Pippen asks the students to create a new oval basin using species from the kelp forest.

Ms. Pippen connects the concept of balance to art and science by discussing the delicate balance to which human beings contribute. Online resources for the art abound, including enlightening readings on biodiversity and ecosystem components that have assisted students in understanding the background of web variables and how they interact with one another. Learners explore a balanced environment where they must synthesize the information to create art. Pupils agreed that the ecosystem was unbalanced after identifying the species and examining the specifics of how they depended on one another (Getty Museum, 2015, 00:20-06:30). Generally, it was undeniable that the ecosystem was unbalanced because the environment had more secondary consumers.

Studying or analyzing art improves students’ understanding of the ecosystem as they are motivated to digest the information, which pushes them to reflect and question. Through that investigation, students can carefully research the scientific standards and what constitutes a healthy balanced ecosystem (Getty Museum, 2015, 00:20-00:40). The learning goals as well require students to make assertions about the ecosystem in light of an artwork. Students can also choose from various courses in the visual arts that teach them to all types of art and media. Students work together to develop projects that are shared with the entire class.

In brief, science investigates the interdependence of the species on one another and their habitat, including flora and fauna, whereas art focuses on observations and interpretations of biodiversity. Educators usually emphasize the study of the ecosystem as an art. Students who analyze art can better comprehend the environment because they are compelled to process the material, which prompts them to think critically and ask questions.

Reference

Getty Museum. (2015). Studying balance in art and science[Video]. YouTube. Web.

Human activities are directly related to the development of balance in the ecosystem. This triggered research to identify the relationship between these two. Subsequently, this research by David Tilman entitled Biodiversity: Population Versus Ecosystem Diversity tries to identify the relationship. To begin with, the paper tries to point out how the relationship between the climate and the total number of species within a given location. Later, they try to establish the specific relationships in relation to human activities and the climate. This paper seeks to point out the viability of this research and ascertain whether the discussions can be relied upon.

For a researcher to have a path through which he can follow in order to obtain the objectives, it is necessary that he has research questions as a guiding path. Since the paper was centered on plant species in the ecosystem, questions such as How many species are found per square meter? How is the variability of the plant species year to year in the community biomass? How is the abundance of the specific plant species in the community biomass? What is the relationship between the plant species richness and the varying weather? How do the plant species respond to the variation in the weather? What is interaction mode amongst the plants themselves? How do factors like grazing and forestry affect the natural ecosystem? What is the relationship between diversity and stability in the ecosystem? What is the rate of the plant productivity in the ecosystem? Can the rate of ecosystem process affect the plant species diversity? What is the biggest threat to the decrease in the plant species? arise the need to be included in the category. These types of questions will advance the research in that almost all areas needed to be studied will be properly covered.

The size of a sample is very important in the effort to get reliable results. In this research involving plant species, the case study has been based only in Minnesota. This makes it incapacitated in terms of replacing other regions like Africa, Asia, South America and even Europe. The possible outcomes from these continents could most likely vary from one another. Since some results may be on the extreme while some may be average, it could only be possible if a method was developed that would put all these continents in consideration. Then, a conclusion can easily be drawn by merging up the total results and calculating their average. From the keen observation of the research, it is noted that as the study was carried out in the divided plots, no plot experienced a different climate from the other. This clearly indicates that the study was not vast. Focusing on only one area of study experiencing the same climatic conditions does not produce the best results in any research work. The research paper was carried out on only four major plots: three of which were unburned and had been abandoned from row crop farming while the other was burned, more so never farmed on, just like the first three fields (Tilman, 1987, p.350). The issue of carrying out the study on farms which have never been farmed on only, of the recent past leaves behind a question of monopoly. A compliment study could be carried out on varied lands, some unfarmed while some consistently farmed on of the most recent past.

Furthermore, calculation of the total precipitation within a year is very important in the results and conclusion formation. The research conducted took care of months between 1 January and 1 August each year. Most likely an assumption was made that there was no precipitation from August to December. The result could be reliable based on the bigger part of the year subjected to research. However, this could also point out another weakness. In certain cases, precipitation may be varied apart from the known months of rain. Precipitation can be experienced in August onwards to January and it is most likely to affect plant and vegetation growth. In addition, the various years could have different levels of precipitations. Therefore, this research could have been well conducted if all months of the year could have been included and considerations given to the different years.

After the relevant research questions have been asked and the right methods/experimental designs followed, the results to be obtained are most likely to be and accurate. Results on the biomass variability as per the variation in climatic conditions, the favorable climatic conditions for various species, how species richness varies with the biomass and how species richness is related to variations in climatic changes are some of the key results that are supposed to be collected at the end of the research. One of the strengths of this research is the inclusion of minor factors in the contribution of this topic. Results collected in the paper such as effects of other variables on stability, significance because the category involves minor factors which play a role in the ecosystem. Results on the varying climatic conditions could have been collected all along the whole period of study. This means that in addition to the major factors of population and the environment, the minor factors which could also effect the environment and alter the results were also put in consideration.

In spite of the few minor weaknesses pointed out in this research, the paper was well researched and could be given credit.

References

Tilman, D. (1987). Biodiversity: Population versus Ecosystem Stability. Ecology 1996; 77(2): 350-363

Introduction

Ecosystem implies a complex relationship between living things, their habitats, the surrounding environment as well as the people who reside in a certain area. This includes plants, organisms, soil, and people among others. Biosphere defines the part of the earth that supports life. It is the earths’ atmosphere whereby living organisms exists in. in other words, biosphere is the composition of living organisms and their surrounding environment. Human beings accounts for being part of the greater earth’s ecosystem and their activities affects the ecosystem and the biosphere in various ways as discussed below.

Discussion

Ludington (n.d) in Ecology 2, observed that human activities were greatly involved in altering the balance in the ecosystem and biosphere. Activities such as hunting, agriculture, urbanization and industrialization are among the major human activities responsible of creating imbalances in the ecosystem and the biosphere. These activities greatly affect the quality and availability of earth’s renewable resources, mainly land, air and water, which dictates the stability in the ecosystems.

Human activities reduce biodiversity through various ways. Moving organisms from their original habitats to create space for agricultural activities or for human settlements is a course for imbalance in the ecosystem. For instance deforestation of land will lead to alteration of habitats which in turn may affect food chains and webs. Extensive reduction of forest cover can also contribute to droughts which directly affects the equilibrium in the ecosystem and biodiversity. Extensive hunting of various species to extermination, introduction of foreign species to environment which different from their original habitats also leads to imbalance and conflicts in the ecosystem and the biosphere (Ludington, n.d).

According to Ludington (n.d), the exposure of pollutant and toxic materials resulting from human activities to the environment, accounts among the major factors affecting the equilibrium in the ecosystem and the biosphere. Air pollutants such as greenhouse gases from industries and carbonic fumes from automobile exhausts are linked with the ozone layer depletion and global warming, which posses a great threat to the biosphere. The consequences of these air pollutants are excessive warming on the earth’s surface, harmful radiations, excessive flooding and droughts, acidic rainfalls, all which directly affects the organism food and water supply, alters their habitats and destruction of the environment.

Poor dumping of industrial and urban wastes affect the ecosystem in large magnitudes. Poor disposal of sewers into water system affects the quality and survival of marine organisms. Non-biodegradable wastes such as plastics kills micro-organisms which plays a key role in the in maintaining the interdependence in the eco-system and the bio-sphere. Agricultural fertilizers and chemicals are also swept to water bodies through surface runoffs, which affect food webs and marine life in general (Ludington, n.d).

Conclusion

Generally human activities majorly exposes adverse affects on the ecosystem and biosphere, but activities such as reforestation can be a great boost to sustainable development in the relationships within the biosphere hence improving the ecosystem.

Reference

Ludington, S. (n.d). Ecology Part 2: Populations and Humans in the Biosphere. Web.