Land/Terrestrial Ecosystem Review - Emilio Aguinaldo College PDF

LAND/TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM Engr. John Carlo F. So  TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM A terrestrial ecosystem is a type of ecosystem found only on landforms. Five major terrestrial ecosystem exist: 1. Tundra 2. Taiga 3. Forest 4. Grassland 5. Desert ...

LAND/TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM Engr. John Carlo F. So  TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM A terrestrial ecosystem is a type of ecosystem found only on landforms. Five major terrestrial ecosystem exist: 1. Tundra 2. Taiga 3. Forest 4. Grassland 5. Desert  TUNDRA Two types of tundra exist: arctic and alpine. The Arctic tundra is located in the Arctic Circle, north of the boreal forests. Alpine tundras occur on mountain tops. Both types experience cold temperatures throughout the year. Because the temperatures are so cold, only the top layer of soil in this terrestrial environment thaws during the summer; the rest of it remains frozen year round, a condition known as permafrost.  TUNDRA Plants in the tundra are primarily lichens, shrubs, and brush. Tundras do not have trees. Most animals that live in the tundra migrate south or down the mountain for the winter. ALPINE TUNDRA ARTIC TUNDRA  TAIGA Another type of forest ecosystem is the taiga, also known as northern coniferous forest or boreal forest. It covers a large range of land stretching around the northern hemisphere. It is lacking in biodiversity, having only a few species. o Taiga ecosystems are characterized by short growing seasons, cold temperatures, and poor soil. This terrestrial environment has long winter days and very short summer days. Animals found in the taiga include lynx, moose, wolves, bears and burrowing rodents. TAIGA BIOME IN WINTER TAIGA BIOME IN SUMMER  FOREST About one third of the Earth's land is covered in forest. The primary plant in this ecosystem is trees. Forest ecosystems are subdivided by the type of tree they contain and the amount of precipitation they receive. Some examples of forests are temperate deciduous, temperate rainforest, tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest and northern coniferous forests.  FOREST Tropical dry forests have wet and dry seasons, while tropical rain forests have rain year-round. Both of these forests suffer from human pressure, such as trees being cleared to make room for farms. Because of the copious amounts of rain and favorable temperatures, rainforests have high biodiversity. TROPICAL RAINFOREST TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST  TROPICAL FOREST Biotic Factors producers: vines, orchids, ferns, wide variety consumers: insects, reptiles, amphibians, monkey, colorful birds Abiotic Factors Rainfall: Lots of rain Soil: Little nutrients Sunlight: Lots at top, little below  TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST Biotic Factors producers: hardwoods, oak, maple hickory, shrub, flowers consumers: wolf, deer, bear, small mammals, birds, reptiles Abiotic Factors rainfall: 30-50 in/year soil: topsoil and clay - sunlight plenty of sunlight  GRASSLAND Temperate grasslands include prairies and steppes. They have seasonal changes, but don't get enough rainfall to support large forests. Savannas are tropical grasslands. Savannas have seasonal precipitation differences, but temperatures remain constant. Grasslands around the world have been converted to farms, decreasing the amount of biodiversity in these areas. The prominent animals in grassland ecosystems are grazers such as gazelle and antelope.  GRASSLAND Biotic Factors – living parts of an ecosystem producers: grass, small shrubs consumers: prairie dogs, fox, snake, bird, elephant, lion, zebra Abiotic Factors - non-living parts of an ecosystem rainfall: little rainfall 10-30 in/year soil: rich topsoil sunlight: plenty of sunlight SAVANNA GRASSLAND  DESERT The amount of rainfall is the primary abiotic determining factor of a desert ecosystem. Deserts receive less than 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) of rain per year. Large fluctuations between day and night temperature characterize a desert's terrestrial environment. The soils contain high mineral content with little organic matter. The vegetation ranges from nonexistent to including large numbers of highly adapted plants.  DESERT The Sonora Desert ecosystem contains a variety of succulents or cactus as well as trees and shrubs. They have adapted their leaf structures to prevent water loss. For instance, the Creosote shrub has a thick layer covering its leaves to prevent water loss due to transpiration. One of the most famous desert ecosystems is the Sahara desert, which takes up the entire top area of the African continent. The size is comparable to that of the entire United States and is known as the largest hot desert in the world with temperatures reaching over 122 degrees Fahrenheit.  DESERT The Sonora Desert ecosystem contains a variety of succulents or cactus as well as trees and shrubs. They have adapted their leaf structures to prevent water loss. For instance, the Creosote shrub has a thick layer covering its leaves to prevent water loss due to transpiration. One of the most famous desert ecosystems is the Sahara desert, which takes up the entire top area of the African continent. The size is comparable to that of the entire United States and is known as the largest hot desert in the world with temperatures reaching over 122 degrees Fahrenheit.  DESERT Biotic factors Producer-cacti, small bushes, flowers and tumble weed Consumer-Scorpions, coyotes, snakes, spiders, lizard, and cheetah Abiotic factors Rainfall: 5-12 inches a year Soil: small rocks, stones and gravel and sometimes clay. Sunlight: lots GOBI DESERT MONGOLIA SAHARA DESERT ALGERIA  ISLANDS Island ecosystem is very unique in terms of its biodiversity, physical environment and threat by various natural and anthropogenic factors. However, the diversity is not uniformly distributed among the tropical islands, which are conditioned by the natural forces and the influence of human activity significantly altered it.  URBAN ECOSYSTEM Definitions of Urban Ecosystem: Are complex and dynamic systems that encompasses the interaction between human, the built environment, and the natural world. Characterized by variety of physical, chemical and biological components that shape the functioning of the system. Considered as a functional group within the intensive land- use biome. Intensive land-use biome/ Anthropogenic biomes has been incorporated into several distinct functional biomes in the terrestrial and freshwater realms.  URBAN ECOSYSTEM Key challenges: - Maintain balance between the needs of humans and the needs of nature. How to manage/ Sustain Urban Ecosystem? 1. Using of Green infrastructure, which involves incorporating natural elements into the built environment. Ex. Green roofs. Parks, and urban forest. - Green infrastructure can provide a range of benefits to humans. Ex. Improved air and water quality, reduced urban heat effect, and enhanced mental health and well-being?  URBAN ECOSYSTEM 2. Promote Biodiversity Protect and restore natural areas, creating wildlife corridors, and promoting the use of native plant species in landscaping. 3. Sustainable Transportation - Can help to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emission. - Cities can also promote the use of electric or hybrid vehicles as an alternative to traditional-gas powered cars.  URBAN ECOSYSTEM 4. Water Conservation - Encourage water conservation practices can help reduce water usage and water resources in urban areas. 5. Waste Reduction - Reduce waste regeneration and increasing recycling rates can help to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. - Implementation of the ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) (RA9003)  URBAN ECOSYSTEM 6. Energy Efficiency - Can help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in urban areas Additional information for Sustainable Development in Urban areas: a. Economic sustainability b. Social Sustainability c. Environmental sustainability d. Citizen engagement e. Integration of the three pillar -Planning and design -Sustainable transportation -Promoting social equity and inclusion  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Term “HOT SPOT” is what Norman Myers identified in year 1988. Those geographical regions: Rich in endemic, rare and threatened species Facing significance threats to habitat loss Due to direct and indirect interference of human activities.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that acts as a significant reservoir of biodiversity and also threatened with destruction by human habitation. Biodiversity hotspots are places on earth that homes to thousands of irreplaceable species and are facing multiple, urgent threats.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS To qualify as a biodiversity, a region must meet two strict Criteria: ✓It must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of plants as endemics, ✓It must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Global hotspots of biodiversity 1)Tropical Andes 2)Mesoamerican forests 3)Caribbean 4)Brazil's Atlantic forest 5) Western Ecuador 6)Brazil's Cerrado 7)Central Chile  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Global hotspots of biodiversity 10) Eastern Arc and coastal forest of Tanzania/Kenya 11) Western African Forests 12)Cape Floristic Province 13)Succulent Karoo 1 4)Mediterranean Basin 15) Caucasus 16) Sundaland  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Global hotspots of biodiversity 17) Wallacea 18) Philippines 19) Eastern Himalayas 20) South-central China 21) Western-Ghats 22) South-western Australia 23) New Caledonia 24) New Zealand 25) Polynesia/Micronesia  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Salient features of Indian Hotspots A) Eastern Himalayas: The eastern himalayan region encompasses Bhutan, Northeast India, and south, central and eastern Nepal The region is home to 163 globally threatened species including Asia's Three largest herbivores the Asian elephant, the greater one horned rhinoceros, and the wild water buffalo, Carnivore-The tiger & Birds- Vultures, Storks and hornbills Out of the world's recorded flora, 30% are endemic to India of which 35,000 are in the Himalayas.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS B) Western Ghats It extends along a 17000 sq.km strip of forests in Maharashtra, Karnataka, TN and Kerala and has 40% of total endemic plants. The major centers of diversity are Agastyamalai Hills and Amambalam reserve. It is reported that only 6.8% of original forests are existing today while the rest has been deforested or degraded.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Threats to Biodiversity The process of extinction has become particularly fast in this recent years of human civilization. One of the estimates puts the figure of extinction as 27/day If the present trend continues, we will lose 1/3rd to 2/3rd of our current biodiversity by the middle of 21st century  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Loss of Habitat Destruction and loss of natural habitat is the single largest cause of biodiversity loss. Billions of hectares of forests and grasslands have been cleared over the last few years i.e converted into agricultural lands, pastures, settlement areas or development projects. Thousand of species have freezing due to loss of their natural habitation. As a result of human intervention, marine biodiversity is under serious threat due to large scale destruction of the fragile breeding and feeding grounds.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Loss of Habitat Destruction and loss of natural habitat is the single largest cause of biodiversity loss. Billions of hectares of forests and grasslands have been cleared over the last few years i.e converted into agricultural lands, pastures, settlement areas or development projects. Thousand of species have freezing due to loss of their natural habitation. As a result of human intervention, marine biodiversity is under serious threat due to large scale destruction of the fragile breeding and feeding grounds.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Poaching Illegal trade of wildlife products by killing prohibited animals, is a threat to wildlife Despite international ban on trade in products from endangered species, smuggling of wildlife items like furs, skins, tusks, etc. is continuing. The worse issue is that for every live animal that gets into market, about 50 additional animals are caught and killed.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Man-wildlife Conflicts When wildlife causes immense damage and danger to man, the conflict occurs. In retaliation, the villagers electrocute or kill the animals which sometimes exceed poaching.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Causes of man-animal conflict Diminishing of habitats and human violations into the forest areas. The wildlife corridors through which animals used to migrate seasonally have been used for human settlements and hence animals attack the settlements.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Causes of man-animal conflict The stopping of cultivation of paddy, sugarcane etc.. within the sanctuaries have led the animals to stray out The compensation paid by the government in lieu of the damage caused to the crops is not adequate and the suffering farmer gets revengeful and kills the wild animals Usually the ill, weak and injured animals have a tendency to attack man.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Conservation of biodiversity The enormous value of biodiversity due to their genetic, commercial medical, aesthetic importance emphasize the need to conserve biodiversity. There are two approaches of biodiversity conservation; In situ conservation Ex situ conservation  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS In Situ conservation This is achieved by protection of wild flora and fauna in nature itself. E.g Biosphere reserves, National parks, Sancturies, Reserve forests etc. The Biosphere reserves conserve some representative ecosystems as a whole for long term in situ conservation. Gulf of mannar, Nilgiri, Sunderbans, Nanda devi are few biosphere reserves A National park is an area dedicated for the conservation of wildlife along with its environment. Each park aims at conservation of some particular species of wildlife along with others  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Ex Situ Conservation Ex situ conservation involves conserving components of biological diversity outside their natural habitat The maintenance and breeding of endangered plants and animals under partially or wholly controlled conditions in specific areas. The ex-situ conservation strategies include botanical gardens, zoological gardens, conservation stands and gene, pollen, seed, tissue culture and DNA banks.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Important gene bank/seed banks 1) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)- Located in New Delhi Here agricultural and horticultural crops are cryopreserved 2) National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources(NBAGR)- Located in Haryana Preserves semen of domesticated bovine animals 3) National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR)-within NBPGR Conservation of crop plants/trees by tissue culture  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Project Tiger Project Tiger Scheme has been under implementation since 1973 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Government of India The main objective of Project Tiger is to ensure a viable population of tiger in India and to preserve for all time Main objectives under the scheme include wildlife management, protection measures and site-specific ecosystem development to reduce the dependency of local communities on tiger reserve resources.  BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS Project Elephant Project Elephant (PE), a centrally sponsored scheme, was launched in February 1992 to provide financial and technical support to major elephant bearing States in the country for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors The Project Elephant in India also aimed to decrease the human-elephant battles and help in the welfare of domesticated elephants in India. THANK YOU! ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION Engr. John Carlo F. So  INTRODUCTION TO SUCCESSION Definition of Succession The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.  PRIMARY SUCCESSION Definition Occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed. Examples After volcanic eruptions, glacial retreats.  Abiotic Factors in Primary Succession Initial Conditions Barren landscape with exposed rock. Minimal moisture and nutrients. Climate Influences types of organisms that can establish. Soil Development Weathering of rocks and accumulation of organic matter.  Biotic Factors in Primary Succession Pioneer Species Lichens and mosses. Break down rock into soil. Intermediate Species Grasses and small plants. Enhance soil quality. Climax Community Complex communities like forests based on climate.  Secondary Succession Definition Occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact. Examples After forest fires, floods, or human activities.  Biotic Factors in Secondary Succession Initial Recovery Grasses and herbaceous plants return first. Intermediate Stages Growth of shrubs and young trees. Climax Community Potential return to previous state or development of new communities.  Comparison of Primary and Secondary Succession Starting Point Primary: Bare rock Secondary: Soil present Time Frame Primary: Longer process Secondary: Faster recovery Species Diversity Secondary: Faster reestablishment of biodiversity.  CONCLUSION Dynamic Nature of Ecosystems Interplay between abiotic and biotic factors in succession. Importance of Understanding Succession Aids in conservation and ecosystem management. THANK YOU! AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS Engr. John Carlo F. So  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM Abiotic factors are the non-living components that influence aquatic ecosystems. They play crucial roles in determining the types of organisms that can thrive in a given environment.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 1. Water Salinity: Freshwater Ecosystems: Characterized by low salinity (less than 0.5%). Examples include lakes, rivers, and ponds. These environments support species such as catfish, bass, and various amphibians. Marine Ecosystems: Have high salinity (around 35%). Examples include oceans and seas, which host organisms like sharks, whales, and corals. Estuarine Ecosystems: These are transitional zones where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the sea. Examples include the Chesapeake Bay and the San Francisco Bay. Species here must tolerate varying salinities, such as blue crabs and certain species of fish.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 2. Temperature: ▪ Temperature affects metabolic rates, breeding, and distribution of species. For instance: Tropical Regions: Warmer waters support diverse coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef, which thrive at temperatures between 23- 29°C (73-84°F). Polar Regions: Colder waters support species adapted to low temperatures, such as Antarctic krill.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 3. Light Availability: Light is essential for photosynthesis, particularly in aquatic plants and phytoplankton. Euphotic Zone: The upper layer of water where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis. Coral reefs are typically found in this zone due to their dependence on light for the algae that live symbiotically within them. Aphotic Zone: Deeper waters where light does not reach, affecting the types of organisms that can survive there. Organisms here, like certain fish and bioluminescent creatures, have adapted to low- light conditions.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 4. Dissolved Oxygen: Vital for the respiration of aquatic organisms. Hypoxic Zones: Areas with low oxygen levels, often caused by excessive nutrient runoff leading to algal blooms (eutrophication). The Gulf of Mexico has such zones, resulting in dead zones where most aquatic life cannot survive.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 5. Nutrient Levels: Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are critical for plant growth. Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient input can lead to algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. This is often seen in lakes like Lake Erie.  ABIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 6. Water Flow: Lotic Systems (Rivers and Streams): Flowing water environments where organisms adapt to current conditions. For example, salmon migrate upstream to spawn. Lentic Systems (Lakes and Ponds): Standing water bodies with distinct zones (littoral, limnetic, and benthic) that support different species based on depth and light availability.  BIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM Biotic factors are the living components that influence aquatic ecosystems. They encompass the interactions between organisms and their environment.  BIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 1. Producers: Phytoplankton: Microscopic plants that form the base of the aquatic food web, primarily in marine and freshwater systems. Examples include diatoms and dinoflagellates. Macrophytes: Larger aquatic plants, such as seagrasses, lily pads, and algae, which provide habitat and food for various organisms.  BIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 2. Consumers: Primary Consumers: Herbivores that feed on producers. Examples include zooplankton (like copepods) and small fish that consume phytoplankton. Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that feed on primary consumers. Examples include larger fish, such as trout and bass. Tertiary Consumers: Apex predators that feed on secondary consumers. Examples include sharks in marine ecosystems and eagles or otters in freshwater systems.  BIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 3. Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and nutrient cycling.  BIOTIC FACTORS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 4. Inter-species Relationships: Predation: Relationships where one organism (the predator) eats another (the prey). For example, seals prey on fish. Competition: Organisms compete for resources such as food and habitat. In the Amazon River, various fish species compete for similar food sources. Symbiosis: Mutualistic relationships, such as clownfish living among sea anemones, providing protection for the fish while the anemones gain nutrients from the fish's waste. KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC FACTORS  DIFFERENTIATION OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 1. By Habitat: A. Plankton: Drifting organisms, including: Phytoplankton: Algae and plant-like organisms that photosynthesize. Zooplankton: Tiny animals that feed on phytoplankton. B. Nekton: Actively swimming organisms like fish, squid, and marine mammals (e.g., dolphins). C. Benthos: Organisms that live on or in the substrate, such as clams, worms, and bottom-dwelling fish.  DIFFERENTIATION OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2. By Salinity: Freshwater Organisms: Species adapted to low salinity environments, such as freshwater fish (e.g., catfish) and amphibians (e.g., frogs). Marine Organisms: Species adapted to high salinity, such as marine fish (e.g., tuna) and corals. Estuarine Organisms: Species that can tolerate varying salinities, like mullet and oysters.  DIFFERENTIATION OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 3. By Size: Microorganisms: Microscopic organisms, including bacteria and small protists, crucial for nutrient cycling. Macroorganisms: Larger organisms that are easily visible, ranging from invertebrates to large fish and mammals.  DIFFERENTIATION OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 4. By Trophic Levels: Producers: Organisms that produce energy (e.g., phytoplankton, seaweeds). Primary Consumers: Herbivores that eat producers (e.g., zooplankton). Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat herbivores (e.g., small fish). Tertiary Consumers: Apex predators (e.g., sharks, large mammals). THANK YOU! FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM Engr. John Carlo F. So  Introduction to Freshwater Ecosystems ▪Freshwater Ecosystems Definition: Freshwater ecosystems are bodies of water that have low salt concentrations (usually less than 1%). Includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. ▪Why They Matter: Provide critical services: Water supply, flood control, habitat for diverse species, and recreation. Integral to the water cycle, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.  Rivers – Definition and Characteristics Definition: A river is a natural, flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, moving from a source to a sea, lake, or another river. Key Characteristics: Flow: Constant movement, varies from slow to fast depending on the slope and terrain. Source: Often originates from mountains, glaciers, or springs. Sediment Transport: Rivers carry sediments downstream, shaping landscapes and depositing nutrients. Zones: Headwaters: Fast, oxygen-rich, cooler water. Middle Course: Slower flow, meandering. Lower Course: Wide, slow, nutrient-rich waters near the mouth.  Rivers – Ecological and Human Importance Ecological Role: Corridors for migrating fish (e.g., salmon). Biodiverse habitats: fish, birds, amphibians, insects. Riparian zones (riverbanks) are crucial for wildlife. Human Use: Source of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Historical importance for transportation and settlement (e.g., Nile River, Mesopotamia). Hydro-power and dam systems provide electricity.  Ponds – Definition and Characteristics ▪Definition: A small, shallow, and often enclosed body of still water. ▪Key Characteristics: Size: Smaller than lakes, typically less than 6 meters deep. Sunlight Penetration: Allows sunlight to reach the bottom, promoting plant growth throughout. Seasonal Changes: More vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Static Water: Little to no movement compared to rivers.  Ponds – Ecological Importance Biodiversity: Supports frogs, fish, insects, birds, and small mammals. Essential breeding grounds for amphibians like frogs and salamanders. Nutrient Cycling: Organic matter accumulates, fostering microbial life and nutrient-rich environments. Ponds serve as carbon sinks by trapping organic material. Seasonal Changes: Freeze over in winter, experience rapid biological activity in summer.  Lakes – Definition and Characteristics Definition: Larger, deeper bodies of water, often surrounded by land, fed by rivers, streams, or groundwater. Key Characteristics: Size and Depth: Larger than ponds, with deeper sections. Formation: Often formed by tectonic activity, glaciers, or volcanic craters. Thermal Stratification: Epilimnion: Warm, oxygenated surface layer. Metalimnion: Rapid temperature change (thermocline). Hypolimnion: Cold, deep layer with low oxygen. Zones: Littoral: Near shore, shallow, rich in plants. Limnetic: Open water, home to plankton and fish. Profundal: Deep, cold, low-light zone.  Lakes – Ecological and Human Importance Ecological Role: Support large populations of fish, birds, and aquatic plants. Stratification creates unique habitats. Plays a role in local climate regulation. Human Use: Drinking water sources (e.g., Lake Superior). Fisheries, recreational activities (boating, swimming). Hydropower and irrigation. Threats: Pollution, eutrophication, invasive species, over-extraction.  Freshwater Inland Wetlands – Definition and Types Definition: Land areas saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, fostering specific plant and animal communities. Types: Marshes: Dominated by grasses, often near rivers or lakes. Swamps: Dominated by trees and shrubs, found in forested areas. Bogs: Acidic, peat-accumulating wetlands, often found in cooler climates. Fens: Less acidic than bogs, fed by groundwater, rich in biodiversity.  Wetlands – Ecological Importance Biodiversity: Hotspots for plants, birds, amphibians, insects. Crucial stopover points for migratory birds. Flood Control: Natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood risk. Water Filtration: Wetlands trap sediments, filter pollutants, and purify water before it flows into rivers and lakes. Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands, especially bogs, act as carbon sinks by storing organic material in peat and vegetation.  Wetlands – Human Importance Natural Resources: Provides fish, reeds, timber, and medicinal plants. Recreation: Eco-tourism, bird-watching, and fishing. Climate Regulation: Role in carbon storage and mitigating climate change. Threats: Draining for agriculture, urban development, and pollution.  Comparing Rivers, Ponds, Lakes, and Wetlands Rivers: Flowing, large-scale, continuous movement of water. Ponds: Small, shallow, static, with high biodiversity. Lakes: Larger, deep, stratified, with complex ecosystems. Wetlands: Water-saturated, rich in biodiversity, vital for water filtration and flood control. Summary – Importance of Freshwater Ecosystems Biodiversity Support: Home to countless species. Water Cycle: Key players in the hydrological cycle and climate regulation. Human Survival: Essential for water supply, food, flood control, and recreation. Conservation: Urgent need to protect these ecosystems from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable development.  Conclusion Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, ponds, lakes, and wetlands, are indispensable for life on Earth. Their protection is crucial for both ecological balance and human survival. Call to Action: Advocate for conservation efforts and sustainable practices.  Questions and Discussion Engage the audience: “What are the biggest threats to freshwater ecosystems in your area?” “How can we balance human development with ecosystem protection?” THANK YOU! ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH Juan Paolo D. Navarro, MD.  ENVIRONMENT Everything that is around us. It can be living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things. It includes physical , chemical and other natural forces. Living things live in their environment.  HUMAN HEALTH Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in which disease and infirmity are absent  ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH Environment and human health are intricately related. A good environment is an indication of healthy human beings and a developed nation. Now polluted atmosphere has become a serious threat to the very existence of human species. Pollution growth and intensification of man’s activities on various fronts like agricultural development, urbanization and industrialization all over the world have created a hazardous environment. The environment is under constant interference by human bound activities.  ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH The effect of environment on human health are generally accounted in the following terms : The extent to which environmental conditions lead to shortening of life. The extent to which environment induced disability or impairment is found, and The extent to which the biological potential of an individual is reduced.  ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS The various environmental factors which affect human health are : Overpopulation Pollution Urbanization Degradation of natural resources  OVERPOPULATION Population explosion is the most important cause of all environmental problems. It leads to poverty, over exploitation of resources and environmental degradation.  POLLUTION Any change in the environment which directly or indirectly affects the welfare of the human beings. Air pollution, water pollution and solid waste pollution are of prime concern. Other kinds of pollution like nuclear hazards also cause problems related to the health.  AIR POLLUTION Various pollutants present in the air directly affect the different systems of the body These enter the human body by inhalation or absorption through skin or eyes.  WATER POLLUTION The common pollutants are the industrial effluents, municipal wastes, agro-chemicals, oil spills etc. Water borne diseases includes typhoid, cholera, bacillary and amoebic dysentery, diarrhea and jaundice.  SOLID WASTES Discharge of industrial sludges or dumping of industrial and municipal wastes is the prime cause of land pollution. Such wastes includes garbage, rubbish, hospital refuse, dead animals, agricultural wastes etc. Chemicals like pesticides, weedicides, insecticides, fungicides etc. used in agriculture, food preservation, community health services etc.  SOLID WASTES Most of the pesticides are mutagenic and carcinogenic. Mutagens can cause chromosomal aberrations and various kinds of hereditary abnormalities.  SOLID WASTES Hospital refuses are the source of various infectious diseases and these act as ideal home for disease carriers or vectors like flies, insects, bugs, rodents etc.  SOLID WASTES Heavy metals contaminated industrial effluents cause toxicities and various health problems such as fluorosis, minamata disease etc.  URBANIZATION Increase in urbanization adversely affects the ecological balance. It not only causes deforestation but also increases uncontrolled discharge of municipal wastes. These area lack basic amenities which leads to deteriorating quality of life and poor health services. Hence, the flourishing of communicable diseases especially in downtrodden areas of the cities. URBANIZATION  DEGRADATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES Loss of natural resources adversely affects the quality of human life E.g. deforestation results in biodiversity loss because biodiversity is essential for maintaining the basic life supporting process. A number of medicines procured from various life forms are essential for human health. DEGRADATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES  IN CONCLUSION As such clean and green environment is needed for human life. A time to take corrective steps can still be done. Now a new concept of development is needed that emphasizes on the relation between human beings and nature. A sustainable development is the only solution to save human life and health. END HUMAN POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHY Juan Paolo D. Navarro, MD.  POPULATION Refers the total number of individuals in a territory or locality living. At a specified moment of time with an agreed definition of residence All persons falling within the scope of a census or other inquiry A group of individuals or items that share one or more characteristics from which data can be gathered and analyzed.  POPULATION DYNAMICS It is the study of changes in size and composition of the population and the determinants of population growth such as births, death, migration.  POPULATION GROWTH RATE The rate at which the number of individuals in a population increases in each time as a fraction of the initial population. Specifically, PGR ordinarily refers to the change in population over a unit time, often expressed as a percentage of the number of individuals in the population at the beginning of that period.  DEMOGRAPHY The statistical study of human population. It encompasses the study of the size, structure, and distribution of these populations, and spatial and/or temporal changes in them in response to birth, migration, aging, and death.  MAIN SOURCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Population census (different administrative and political areas) and their social economic characteristics (age, sex, occupation, nationality, employment status and migration) Vital registration statistics (births, deaths and marriage)  MAIN SOURCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Sample or special surveys undertaken for a particular purpose (e.g., Philippine Statistical Survey of Household (PSSH)) Demographic data gathered and processed by government agencies (e.g., DECS, DOH)  THOMAS MALTHUS’ THEORY The increase in population is faster than the increase in food supply, thus pushing people to the verge of starvation  DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION Demographic transition is the change in patterns of birth rates and death rates as a geographical area transitions through increased industrializations.  DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION THEORY Holds that as societies become technologically modern and urbanized, they pass through five stages  5 STAGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION FIRST STAGE (HIGH STATIONARY) - The traditional pattern of high birth rate and high death rate which results in a stable population  5 STAGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION SECOND STAGE (EARLY EXPANDING)- A period of high birth rate but declining death rate where the society experiences a big natural increase of population.  5 STAGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION THIRD STAGE (LATE EXPANDING) - A period where birth rates begin to reduce, and with lower death rates too, the pace of natural increase starts to slow.  5 STAGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION FOURTH STAGE (LOW STATIONARY) - Still shows a relatively high population and a period of low birth rate and low death rate where the population is stabilized. This means there is no replacement rate, as fewer people are being born. This decline can result in an ageing population.  5 STAGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION FIFTH STAGE (DECLINE OR INCLINE?) - Show uncertainty about whether the population is going to rise again or fall even further. The death rate remains low and stable, but fertility rates could go either way in the future. It could even depend on the country. Migration could also influence the population of a country.  CAUSES OF THE DECLINE IN BIRTH RATE Changed conditions of life caused by industrialization Shifts in social values and attitude about children and family size Conscious attempt to limit the number of children Influence of secular education which reoriented attitudes and values Urbanization CAUSES OF THE DECLINE IN MORTALITY RATE Economic development Rising standard of living Improvements in medicine, agriculture, nutrition, health and sanitation, and personal hygiene Formation of a more effective social organization Improvement of national markets  PROCESS IN POPULATION CHANGE Population change occurs as growth or as a decline. Three variables: fertility, mortality and migration are involved. The combination of these variables has resulted in changes in the demographic structure, influencing the social, economic, and political structure of the society  FERTILITY Refers to the actual number of children born to a woman or group of women WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY CRUDE BIRTH RATE GENERAL FETILITY RATE AGE SPECIFIC FERTILITY RATE TOTAL FERTILITY RATE GROSS REPRODUCTION RATE  WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY CRUDE BIRTH RATE Measures how fast people are added to the population through birth. Numerator: Number of registered lives births in a year Denominator: Midyear population  WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY GENERAL FETILITY RATE More specific rate than the crude birth rate since birth are related to the segment of population deemed to be capable of giving birth. Numerator: Number of registered live births in a year Denominator: Midyear population of women 15-44 years old  WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY AGE SPECIFIC FERTILITY RATE Shows variation in fertility by age Numerator: Number of live births per woman of a given age group Denominator: Number of women in a given age of group  WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY TOTAL FERTILITY RATE Standard index for overall fertility level. Represents the average number that would be born to woman throughout her lifetime Indicator of cohort fertility Numerator: Sum of all age specific fertility rate for each year of women from 15-49 years old Denominator: 1000  WAYS TO MEASURE FERTILITY GROSS REPRODUCTION RATE Gives an idea about replacement of females in the population Numerator: Total fertility restricted to female births only Denominator: 1000  FACTORS THAT AFFECT FERTILITY Social and cultural values Economy of the society Family structure Education Labor force participation Age of marriage Proportion of people who get married Fertility intentions Knowledge and practice if birth control  MORTALITY Refers to the number of deaths per 1000 of the total mid- year population in a particular place at a specified time WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY CRUDE DEATH RATE SPECIFIC MORTALITY RATE CAUSE OF DEATH RATE INFANT MORTALITY RATE PERINATAL MORTALITY RATES NEONATAL MORTALITY RATE  MORTALITY Refers to the number of deaths per 1000 of the total mid- year population in a particular place at a specified time WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY POST-NEONATAL MORTALITY RATE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE CHILD MORTALITY RATE PROPORTIONATE MORTALITY RATE SWAROOP’S INDEX CASE FATALITY RATE  WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY CRUDE DEATH RATE Affected by age and sex composition of the population; adverse environmental condition; peace and order condition of a place Numerator: Number of death in a calendar year Denominator: Midyear population Multiplied by 1000  WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY SPECIFIC MORTALITY RATE Can be made specific according to age, sex, occupation, education, exposure to risk factors. Graph of age specific mortality rates shows a J shaped or U-shaped curve Numerator: Number of death in a specified group in a calendar year Denominator: Midyear population of the same specified group Multiplied by 100,000  WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY CAUSES OF DEATH RATE Affected by completeness of registrations of death; composition of population; diseases ascertainment in the community which may be used to determine the 10 leading cause of death Numerator: Number of deaths from a certain cause in a calendar year Denominator: Midyear population Multiplied by 100,000  WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY INFANT MORTALITY RATE MOST SENSITIVE INDEX OF ASSESSING HEALTH STATUS IN THE COMMUNITY Numerator: Deaths under 1 year of age in a calendar year Denominator: Number of live births in the same year Multiplied by 1000 High IMR means low level of health standards which maybe secondary to poor maternal and child health care, malnutrition, poor environmental sanitation, or deficient health care service  WAYS TO MEASURE MORTALITY PERINATAL MORTALITY RATES Numerator: Number of death from 28 weeks AOG to infant