Ecology Stories (Part 2) PDF

ECOLOGY STORIES INTRODUCTION  Forest Dynamics Definition: Forest dynamics refer to the natural changes in forest structure and composition over time, influenced by ecological processes like succession, disturbances,...

ECOLOGY STORIES INTRODUCTION  Forest Dynamics Definition: Forest dynamics refer to the natural changes in forest structure and composition over time, influenced by ecological processes like succession, disturbances, and species interactions. KEY PROCESSES  Importance of Forest Dynamics: Maintains biodiversity Supports ecosystem services (e.g., carbon storage, water regulation).  INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN PROCESSES How They Work Together: Succession sets the stage for plant and animal communities. Pollination ensures plant reproduction, contributing to forest growth. Dispersal spreads seeds, enabling succession and forest regeneration. Forest Dynamics encompass all these processes, shaping ecosystems over time. SUCCESSION  ⚬ ⚬ ⚬ POLLINATION STEPS IN THE POLLINATION PROCESS  Importance of Pollination Reproduction: Pollination is essential for the fertilization of plants, enabling them to produce seeds and fruits Genetic Diversity: By transferring pollen between different plants, pollination promotes genetic variation, which is vital for the adaptability and survival of plant species. Ecosystem Services: Pollination supports biodiversity and is critical for the production of many crops, making it a key process for both natural ecosystems and agriculture  (anemophily) (hydrophily) (allogamy)  What is a seed? A fertilized ovule containing an embryo and stored food. The basic unit of plant reproduction. Why are seeds important in tropical ecology? Foundation of tropical forests and ecosystems. Key role in biodiversity and ecosystem function.  Adaptations to Tropical Conditions Thick seed coat: protects against harsh conditions, predators, and pathogens. Dormancy: Delays germination until favorable conditions arise. Nutrient storage: provides energy for seedling growth. Seed Size and Shape Small seeds: often wind-dispersed, numerous, and short-lived. Large seeds: typically animal-dispersed, fewer in number, and longer- lived.  Types of Seeds in Tropical Ecosystems Orthodox Seeds Tolerate drying and freezing. Common in temperate regions but also found in some tropical plants. Recalcitrant Seeds Cannot tolerate drying or freezing. Characteristic of many tropical tree species.  SEED DISPERSAL IN TROPICAL FORESTS ABIOTIC DISPERSAL WIND DISPERSAL: SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT SEEDS WITH WINGS OR HAIRS. WATER DISPERSAL: SEEDS WITH BUOYANT STRUCTURES.  BIOTIC DISPERSAL ANIMAL DISPERSAL: ENDOZOOCHORY: SEEDS INGESTED AND DISPERSED IN FECES. EPIZOOCHORY: SEEDS ATTACHED TO ANIMAL FUR OR FEATHERS. ANT DISPERSAL: SMALL SEEDS WITH ELAIOSOMES (LIPID-RICH APPENDAGES) ATTRACTIVE TO ANTS.  IMPORTANCE OF SEEDS IN TROPICAL ECOLOGY REGENERATION: SEEDS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FORESTS. BIODIVERSITY MAINTENANCE: DIVERSE SEED DISPERSAL MECHANISMS CONTRIBUTE TO GENETIC DIVERSITY. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: SEEDS PROVIDE FOOD FOR ANIMALS, CONTRIBUTE TO SOIL FERTILITY, AND SUPPORT CARBON SEQUESTRATION. HUMAN USE: SEEDS ARE A SOURCE OF FOOD, MEDICINE, AND OTHER VALUABLE PRODUCTS.  SEEDS ARE VITAL COMPONENTS OF TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS. UNDERSTANDING SEED ECOLOGY IS CRUCIAL FOR CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION EFFORTS. FURTHER RESEARCH IS NEEDED TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE SEED DIVERSITY IN TROPICAL REGIONS. THANK YOU