Ecosystem Resilience and Biodiversity

Ecosystem Resilience

• Ecosystems can collapse suddenly due to biodiversity loss, even without catastrophic events
• Biodiversity consists of three interconnected elements: ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity

Biological Diversity

• Includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity
• The relationships between these elements determine ecosystem resilience

Amazon Rainforest

• One of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet
• Complex ecosystem supports a vast array of species and genetic diversity
• Relationships between species, such as liana and trees, create a complex web of dependencies

Ecological Networks

• Each species plays a role in maintaining ecosystem stability
• Loss of one species can have a ripple effect and weaken the entire ecosystem
• Genetic diversity among species helps them adapt to changes and maintain ecosystem resilience

Coral Reefs

• Intricate ecosystems that support a vast array of species
• Coral is a key species that provides habitat, shelter, and breeding grounds for many species
• Loss of coral can lead to the collapse of the entire ecosystem

Importance of Biodiversity

• Crucial for the survival of species and ecosystems
• Losing a key species can have a devastating impact on the entire ecosystem
• Human survival depends on maintaining ecosystem resilience

Introduction to Environmental Science

• Environmental science is an interdisciplinary approach studying the Earth's natural systems, human impacts, and potential solutions to environmental problems, drawing on biology, chemistry, economics, politics, human geography, and urban planning.

Environmental Ethics

• Anthropocentrism: a human-centered worldview that has its roots in European societies, valuing human life above all else.
• Biocentrism: ascribes value to human and non-human life, considering all living beings equal.
• Ecocentrism: values the well-being of entire ecosystems, including all living and nonliving elements.

Environmental Problems

• Humans have had a huge impact on the natural world, especially since the Industrial Revolution, causing environmental problems such as:
  • Water pollution
  • Endangered species
  • Climate change

Ecological Systems

• A population: a group of individuals of a species living in a particular area.
• An ecological community: a group of populations living in one area at a particular time, interacting with one another.
• An ecosystem: an ecological community plus abiotic components like air, rocks, water, and temperature.

Biodiversity

• Species richness: the number of different species in an ecosystem.
• Genetic diversity: the variety of genes within a population.
• Ecosystem diversity: the variety of habitats and ecosystems in an area.
• High biodiversity helps an ecosystem be more resilient to environmental changes.

Interactions between Species

• Predator-prey relationships: a key type of interaction that has shaped species evolution.
• Competition: occurs when different species or individuals require the same limited resource.
• Symbiosis: relationships between different species, including:
  • Parasitism
  • Mutualism
  • Commensalism

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

• Carrying capacity (K): the maximum number of organisms an area can sustain.
• Population growth is influenced by factors like:
  • Food
  • Space
  • Predation

Endangered Species

• Threats to biodiversity include:
  • Habitat destruction
  • Invasive species
  • Population growth
  • Pollution
  • Climate change
  • Overexploitation
• The Endangered Species Act protects species and their habitats.

HIPPCO Threats to Biodiversity

• Habitat destruction and fragmentation: reduces genetic diversity by limiting individual movement.
• Invasive species: can outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity.
• Pollution: includes both visible (oil spills) and invisible (air and water pollutants) threats.
• Climate change: affects wildlife biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Overexploitation: using natural resources at a faster rate than they can be replenished.