Abstract Of all the forests in the world the rain forests are the most diverse and are being destroyed at the greatest rate. Rainforests cover only about 5% of earth, but they contain 50% of her species. This paper discusses the importance of Forests and shows that Forests are the most valuable eco-systems in the world, containing over 60 per cent of the world's biodiversity. This paper emphasizes the importance of maintaining this important natural resource and what it means to our environment.
Abstract Biodiversity or biological diversity is the study of living organisms in relation to the environment. This paper explains that, because Ontario has significant natural resources, there is a growing concern to protect the ecosystems that support all life in the region. Plants animals birds and insects are dependant on the land and waterways within Ontario, and it is up to the current social order to ensure that these elements of the environment are protected.
Abstract This paper provides a review and discussion to determine the biogeography of the rainforest ecosystem, some of the tools needed to study the environment, an examination of the flora and fauna to be found there, and how the food web works. An analysis of the impact of humans on the rainforest ecosystem is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "In fact, not all rainforests are by definition jungles. Generally speaking, an ecosystem is any community together with its nonliving surroundings (Audesirk 3). The principles underlying the study of ecosystems are based on the concept that all of the elements of a life-supporting environment of any size, whether natural or man-made, are parts of an interrelated network in which each element interacts directly or indirectly with all others and serves to affect the function of the whole as well. All of the ecosystems on Earth are contained within the largest of them, the ecosphere, which encompasses the entire physical Earth (geosphere) and all of its biological components (biosphere) (Ecosystems 5). According to Teresa and Gerald Audesirk, large areas of South America and Africa lie along the equator. "Here the temperature averages between 77 degrees and 86 degrees F with little variation, and rainfall ranges from 100 to 160 inches each year" (921). Rainforests usually occur in regions where there is a high annual rainfall of generally more than 70 inches and a hot and steamy climate. The trees found in these regions are evergreen."
Abstract This essay examines a marine ecosystem and a forest ecosystem and identifies and ranks the three most important ecosystem services that are provided by these two systems, describing the nature of the relationship between two of the ecosystem services and the well being of humans. Furthermore, the essay discusses the most significant direct and indirect drivers of degradation within the two systems and discuss the scenarios that would best protect them as well as the scenarios that are most likely to happen.
Abstract This paper examines two instances of ecosystem development--one instance being primary succession, the other instance being secondary succession--and explores how abiotic and biotic factors can create and/or perpetuate a ecological system. The paper concludes briefly by looking at the various mechanisms which hinder or help an ecosystem recover after a catastrophic event.
From the Paper "In our course textbook there are two especially interesting illustrations. The first of these depicts primary succession on a glacial moraine in Glacier Bay, Alaska. In this instance, the barren, rocky landscape is colonized by lichens and mosses and shrubs. Afterwards, dwarf trees and more mature shrubs emerge and then spruces come to predominate. In the second illustration, we are confronted with secondary succession in North Carolina wherein, after one year after cultivation, there is the emergence of crabgrass and then the subsequent emergence of annual and perennial weeds. A few years later, pine seedlings and saplings develop and these are followed by young pine forest and by the developing "under-story" of hardwoods. Finally, 150 years after the field was first abandoned, there is a mature hardwood forest present."
Abstract This paper reviews the impact that global warming has on human communities and ecosystems, and how it represents a great challenge for the entire planet. The paper reports that specialists recommend we try to find alternative sources of energy, and meanwhile, use less of the fossil-fuel energy. The paper further discusses the Kyoto Protocol.
Outline:
Abstract
Historical Perspectives of the Problem
The Impacts on and Responses of Humans or other living organisms to the Environmental Variation
Changes in the Ecosystem and Biosphere Structure
Ecosystem Dynamics Relative to Repair and Restoration
Economic Costs and Social Costs of the Ecological/Environmental Impact
Prevention and Public Awareness Effort Aimed at the Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another issue is represented by the more and more often natural disasters like storms, floods and hurricanes that damage and even destroy people's establishments. The regions most vulnerable to sea-level rise are river deltas such as the Nile delta in Egypt, the Ganges in Bangladesh, the Yangtze and Hwang Ho in China, the Mekong and also the United States that could loose 8000 square miles (20,000 km2) of land, valued at about $650 billion, and 30-80% of its coastal wetlands . Insurance companies are also affected by the natural disasters that come along and in order to avoid bankruptcy they try to develop new strategies on the market and diminish the risks."
Tags:ecosystems, planet, climate, greenhouse, gases, global, warming, fossil, fuel, energy
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth look at the water toxins and the way they affect the ecosystem as a whole. The writer takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the ecosystem and the way it works. Then it discusses the way water toxins and pollution are destroying the system by killing the marine organisms. Finally, it concludes that in the future it will be imperative to find ways to thwart the water toxins affects.
From the Paper "Because we have lived on this planet for millions of years, we have come to rely on its ability to support and sustain human and animal life indefinitely. The world survives by way of an ecosystem and that system is the core of all living things. For many years now scientists have warned that our cavalier attitude toward preservation of the eco system will cause it to begin breaking down, however, their warnings often fell on deaf ears. Now it is time to pay the piper. Recently scientists have begun to take a close look at the cycles of life and the way they are intertwined in the ecosystem. There is strong evidence that toxins are destroying the ecosystem because the abundance and diversity of marine organisms is rapidly declining(Liat pp 142)."
Abstract This paper begins by describing the current situation of marine ecosystems around the world and looking at the damage they suffer as a result of pollution. The paper explains that marine ecosystems are being altered because of oil spills and other human-mediated activities and then takes a look at the effects of this pollution.
Abstract This paper presents a short summary of the freshwater ecosystem. It focuses on the species thriving in freshwater areas, the threats to freshwater biodiversity, and the ways to fight those threats.
Outline
Abstract
What is a Freshwater?
Lakes and Ponds
Rivers and Streams
Wetlands
The Freshwater Environment
Threats to Freshwater Biodiversity Solutions to the Problem
From the Paper "Plants and algae are vital to freshwater ecosystems for they provide oxygen and food for the animals in this system. In moving waters, some plants have special characteristics that prevent them from being carried away. Some plants have stems that bend with the flow of moving water, some have strong roots anchored in the soil, while some like mosses can stick to rocks. Meanwhile in still waters, some plants have different ways to adapt. For example, algae, water lilies, and duckweed can float on the surface of the water. Reeds and cattails thrive along the shoreline of freshwater regions. Estuaries are also rich in plant life with the unique characteristic of being able to grow in fresh and salt water. Pickleweed and mangroves are some examples of plants living in estuaries."
Abstract The paper reviews past and present literature on microbial diversity, bio-geochemistry and how they are interrelated. The paper provides a short overview on diversity and the aquatic ecosystem and reviews some of the new techniques in measuring microbial diversity as well as some of the disadvantages of these techniques. The paper discusses the biogeochemical processes and presents studies that link diversity to the overall functioning of the system.
Outline:
Introduction
Biodiversity Aquatic Ecosystem Measurement of Microbial Diversity
Trophic Interactions in Aquatic Systems
Biogeochemical Cycling
Diversity and Aquatic System Functioning
From the Paper "Although microorganisms are barely visible in the aquatic system, they play a very important role in the processes occurring in the system be it in the food web or in nutrient cycling of the system, also called biogeochemical cycle. According to Kiorboe (1993), the majority of the biological activity in pelagic systems are performed by microorganisms smaller than 100 m. Larger organisms, on the other hand, play a very minor role in the nutrient and energy cycling of the system."
This paper discusses Lake Baikal, located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, which offers an excellent example of one of the largest and oldest fresh water ecosystems that sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including innumerable endemic specie
Abstract This paper explains that, for millennia, Lake Baikal's ecosystem has flourished in total isolation, untouched by the human population. Unfortunately, today, this precious Siberian ecozone is feeling the negative effects of human abuse. The author points out that the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM), one of the region's oldest functioning industries (around 40 years), is the major polluting source because it exploits an old and highly dangerous method of bleaching pulp by using chlorine. The paper relates that, over the last decade, world environmentalists have helped improve the situation and limited the damage to the delicate ecosystem, but a coordinated effort from the Russian and Mongolian governments is indispensable for tackling this environmental crisis.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lake Baikal
Importance of Lake Baikal
Environmental Effects (Air and Water Pollution)
The BPPM
Mineral Mining Plants
Conservation Projects
Baikal Watch and Baikal Environmental Wave
Conclusion
From the Paper "The biological importance of Lake Baikal is evident from the UNESCO declaration of Lake Baikal as a world heritage site and "the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem". The range of climatic conditions within the surrounding areas of the lake has contributed to a rich variety of plant life in the region. While the Coniferous forests occupy the western regions, pine forests are common in the eastern areas and deciduous forests predominate the northern region. The fauna found in the lake is amongst the most diverse in the world with more than 255 amphipod species and 80 types of flatworms. The epishura, a tiny crustacean is the natural cleaning mechanism for the lake as it consumes all the decaying matter in the water. The most important and the only mammal species in the lake is the endemic Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that it is a generally accepted fact that biodiversity must be preserved not only for the aesthetic inheritance of future generations, but also for the continuation of life on earth. Indeed, the topic has been the focus of many a lecture, seminar and conference on sustainability and economics. The concept of overprotection for biodiversity might therefore seem somewhat bizarre to the uninitiated. The writer maintains that the term overprotection should however be understood in a particular sense in order to make sense in the context of biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. Only when this understanding is achieved, an assessment can be made regarding the possible overprotection of biodiversity. In conclusion, the writer does not think that biodiversity is overprotected, but believes that the protection that is available for biodiversity throughout the world is handled incorrectly.
From the Paper "Human beings today, especially those living in urban areas, tend to be separated from the natural environment that sustains them. Everything is made available in processed form. The urban citizen is no longer responsible for hunting, farming or slaughtering his or her own food. Hence, when problems such as sustainability and biodiversity present themselves, it tends to be romanticized in the minds of those not directly affected. It is as if the urban citizen is obsessed by these ideas when they are broadcast over the media. It is the fashion, as it were, to be concerned with the environment. Such concern however does not directly affect those responsible for laws governing environmental conservation and sustainability."
Abstract The paper discusses how ecologists are concerned about the conservation of biodiversity, for the future inheritance of the earth and its beauty and for poverty and hunger alleviation. The paper looks at several studies that show that conservation parks in tropical countries make a substantial difference in preserving biological diversity. The paper maintains that it is vitally important to preserve as much biodiversity as possible, and to do so particularly in countries where biodiversity is richest. The paper concludes that conservation managers need to put practices in place to target potential investors for the future preservation of the earth and its resources.
From the Paper "Biodiversity and conservation have been difficult issues in the ecological field. This is not least so because of issues such as increasingly rapid species extinction and also the increasing human population and influence upon the natural environment. Nonetheless, ecologists are concerned about the conservation of biodiversity, as such conservation holds advantages not only for the future inheritance of the earth and its beauty, but also on a more practical and economic level. This is so because the diversity of species on earth have consequences for the often fragile ecosystems we as human beings share."
Abstract This paper assesses the ethical and utilitarian arguments concerning animal rights in respect to global biodiversity. In respect to the question of biodiversity, it is questionable as to whether there is an ethical position as to why animals should be preserved, or whether humanity justifies their support of animal rights due to purely self- serving reasons. This paper investigates whether animal rights in this instance is created out of concern for the animals themselves, or whether the argument is merely justification for preserving the welfare of the human race.
Abstract This paper examines how, despite their apparent dissimilarities, the nations of Uganda, India, and Colombia are united by their biodiversity emergencies. In all of these impoverished nations, wildlife is being lost at an alarming rate. It shows how in India, poaching is to blame, while Uganda and Colombia must both combat years of civil unrest to protect their wildlife. It discusses how all three countries must employ both governmental and private agencies in order to save their disappearing wildlife.
From the Paper "In addition to its coal reserves, India has great diamond mines. Diamonds are the country's largest export, providing it with $6.6 billion a year (Kripalani 2000). Currently, India's mines are controlled by small-community based companies (Kripalani 2000). Steps have been taken by the federal government to bring in outside organizations with advanced mining equipment, such as De Beers Consolidated Mines (Kripalani 2000). However, those efforts have been greatly opposed by locals, who illegally dig for diamonds and fear losing profits to foreigners (Kazmin 1998). In addition to diamond mining, India is involved in diamond cutting and polishing. Because of this, nine out of ten diamonds sold worldwide pass through India (Kripalani 2000). In smaller quantities than its coal and diamonds, India also contains petroleum, iron ore, many different minerals, and natural gas (India 1999)."
