EVS: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• EVS includes studying the environment, ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources.
• Interactions between these components are key to EVS.
• Considers the impact of human activities on the environment.
• Explores ways to achieve sustainability through various practices.

Ecosystems

• Ecosystems include living organisms (biotic factors) and the non-living environment (abiotic factors).
• These components interact as a functional unit.
• Key components include producers (autotrophs), consumers (heterotrophs), and decomposers (saprotrophs).
• These are interconnected through food chains and food webs.
• Ecosystems vary in size and complexity, ranging from small ponds to vast forests.
• They perform essential functions, such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and climate regulation.

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity is the variety of life at all levels of biological organization.
• This includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
• It is essential for ecosystem functioning and stability.
• Provides vital ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
• Biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species.
• Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore biodiversity.
• This includes establishing protected areas, implementing sustainable resource management practices, and addressing climate change.

Sustainability

• Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
• Encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions, referred to as the "three pillars".
• Sustainable practices aim to minimize environmental impact.
• They also promote social equity and ensure economic viability.
• Sustainable development meets the needs of the present.
• Does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Environment

• The environment includes all living and non-living things that surround us.
• Includes what we interact with.
• It includes natural elements such as air, water, land, and ecosystems.
• Also includes human-made elements such as cities, infrastructure, and cultural landscapes.
• The environment provides essential resources and services.
• These support human life and well-being.
• Human activities can significantly impact the environment.
• This leads to pollution, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation.

Natural Resources

• Natural resources are materials or substances from nature, used for economic gain.
• Renewable resources include forests, water, and solar energy, which can be replenished.
• Non-renewable resources include fossil fuels and minerals, which are finite.
• Sustainable management ensures their availability for future generations.
• Overexploitation and unsustainable use can lead to environmental degradation and resource depletion.

Biome

• A biome is a large geographic area.
• Characterized by specific climate conditions.
• Includes specific animal populations and plant species.
• Major biomes: forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, and aquatic biomes.
• Each has unique characteristics and adaptations.
• These allow organisms to thrive.
• Biomes are influenced by temperature, precipitation, and sunlight.

Forest

• Forests are ecosystems dominated by trees and other woody vegetation.
• Provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
• Play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil conservation.
• Forests are threatened by deforestation, logging, and fire.
• Sustainable forest management practices are essential to maintain forest health and productivity.

Land

• Land is the terrestrial portion of the Earth's surface.
• Includes soil, rocks, and minerals.
• A valuable resource supporting agriculture, forestry, and human settlements.
• Land degradation, such as soil erosion and desertification, can reduce productivity.
• Can also reduce ecosystem services.
• Sustainable land management practices prevent land degradation and maintain soil health.

Food

• Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support.
• Food production relies on agriculture, which can have significant environmental impacts.
• Sustainable agriculture practices minimize environmental impacts.
• Also conserves resources.
• Goal is to produce healthy food.
• Food security means reliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food.

Water

• Water is essential for all life.
• Plays a crucial role in environmental processes.
• Used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation.
• Water resources are threatened by pollution, overuse, and climate change.
• Water conservation and sustainable water management are essential.
• Goal to ensure adequate water supplies for future generations.

Energy

• Energy is the ability to do work.
• Essential for society.
• Energy sources include fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy.
• Fossil fuels are non-renewable.
• Contribute to climate change.
• Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, and hydropower, are sustainable alternatives.
• Energy efficiency and conservation reduce energy consumption.
• Energy efficiency helps minimize environmental impacts.