Ecosystems Assignment

What are the biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

The abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem are the names of 2 groups of factors in an ecosystem. The abiotic factors in an ecosystem are factors that are non-living and are known as 'physical factors'. The biotic factors in an ecosystem are living factors. Every ecosystem survives from because of both abiotic and biotic factor, so they are very important.

 

Some examples of abiotic factors are water, air quality, the amount of light, temperature, wind, soil type, humidity of the air, tides, waves, lightning and fires.

Some examples of biotic factors are sharks, parasites, fungi, infectious organisms, competitors and collaborators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the natural events and human impacts that can affect an ecosystem?

Natural Events:

Ecological Succession- 

a  slow process in which a (or some) species that inhabit an ecosystem oscillate or change altogether. For some species there could be an increase in population, while for others the population might decrease, or even disappear completely.

Severe Storms- 

Storms, thunderstorms, floods, tropical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes. For example, a storm gushes saltwater inland, which kills freshwater vegetation and some invertebrates such as clams. But a storm can also wash away pollutants.

Droughts-  

Some species have adapted to rain climates whereas some adapted to dry climates. This can cause the rain climate animals to die during a drought.

Geological hazards- 

Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis.

Biological Factors-

Disease, invasive species, and algae blooms.

Fire-

Fire can swiftly change a forest ecosystem into a barren land. But Australian Aborigines have used fire for many years to keep the bush open and to improve the growth of plants. They knew since long ago that many Australian plants re-grow quickly after fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human Impacts-

Over hunting-

When humans kill many animals that are required to keep other organisms and food chain in balance.

Deforestaion-

When humans cut down too many trees, trees which are used as shelter for animals in an ecosystem.

Pollution-

When Vehicles, trains and planes release toxic gases (includ cgniarcinogenic particles and irritants) which create air pollution. The pollution also changes bodies of water and poisons plants, and since plants are producers the whole food chain is affected.

Introduced species- 

Animals and plants brought to Australia from other countries​ didn't evolve in Australia. The animals sometimes kill native animals.

Land conversion- 

More and more areas are urbanized everyday. The construction of road systems and buildings has changed the Earth's natural surface. Land conversion also removes soil nutrients, surface vegetation and trees. Urbanisation also causes many animals to move of out their natural habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is sustainability?

The definition of sustainability is the ability to sustain or support something. Sustainability is especially important in an ecosystem because the 'thing' that is being sustained is the life of all living creatures.

Most natural ecosystems are sustainable (maintain living conditions for the community). As long as ecosystems have a accessible supply of matter and energy, and have a fairly large range of species, they can sustain and take care of themselves. All organism in the ecosystem live in interdependance.

 

Describe some sustainable practises that people, industry or organisations can carry out that will benefit the environment.

Some houiseholds seperate the things that they have thrown away into what can be recycled and what much be thrown away. The items that are but in the recycling bin can then be sent away or reused in their house.

 

The Sierra Club fights to the preserve lands, forests, clean air and water.

 

Google is powering its facilities with renewable energy sources, bringing in goats to trim the grass, hosts farmer’s markets and sustainable-cooking seminars.

 

Star Bucks purchased certified organic coffee,  Star Bucks' green building strategy is also includes adjusting the temperature in air-conditioned stores from the standard 72°F to 75°F, purchasing cabinetry made with 90% post-industrial material and including low-flow water valves into the building.

 

What sort of natural events have an impact on an ecosystem? Give an example of one natural event and any impact (positive and negative) that it may have on an ecosystem.

A bush fire has both a positive and negative impact on an ecosystem. But, the negative impact is that it can burn many plants and animals to death and destroy their habitat forcing them to leave. It can transform forests into barren land.