Ecology: Lecture 3 - Ecosystems

Ecology: Theory & Practice
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Week 3 & 4: Ecosystem Structure & Biomes

WeeK

The Importance of Food Webs

Trophic pyramid (energy flow through ecosystem) Food Webs
Species interactions and adaptive behavior of organisms (niche concept)
Primary and Secondary Productivity - Photosynthesis and Respiration
Unidirectional energy flow through ecosystem

Change in Natural Ecosystems?

Ecological succession (e.g., field to forest; pond to field)
Pioneer organisms (e.g., lichens and mosses)
Opportunistic species
Exotic organisms

How to Best Manage Ecosystems (similar to protecting Endangered Species)

Study the ecosystem
Identify the niche/habitat needs of all the species
Determine the human activities affecting the region
Use ecosystem management techniques
Educate all parties needed to make the programs work well
Bring together biologists, government agencies, business interests, etc. (stakeholders)

Biome Regions

Factors determining biomes (climate, latitude, altitude, rainfall, etc.)
Climax ecosystem - most complex ecosystem which can be supported by the abiotic
factors in the region
Characteristics of Different Biomes
Threats to Biomes (e.g., Rainforest Destruction, Desertification, Firewood Crisis, Overpopulation))

Key terms we use to describe ecosystems and biomes

Biogeochemical Cycle	Population	Alpine Tundra
Nutrient Recycling	Species Interactions	Oceans
Energy Flow	Trophic Pyramid	Estuaries
Primary Productivity	Mixed Deciduous Forest	Exotic Species
Secondary Productivity	Rainforest Destruction	Coral Reefs
Biomass	Chaparral	Salt Marshes
Taiga	Desert	Rock Pools
Grassland	Tropical Rainforest	Permafrost
Savannah	Arctic Tundra	Rain Shadow

Focus Questions for Week 3 & 4

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copyright
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D., 1999
Bryant College, Smithfield, RI 02917
E-mail: langlois@bryant.edu
Last Updated: September 2002