Chapter:3 Ecosystem Ecology
ecosystem structure
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abiotic components
biotic components
ecosystem size
ecosystem boundaries
Biosphere
“Any kid’ll tell you you can’t keep eight scientists
in a giant mayonnaise jar
unless you put holes in the top of the thing.”
- Jay Leno
Earth’s Life-Support Systems
• One way flow of
high-quality
energy
• Cycling of matter
Fig. 3-6, p. 39
Energy flows through
ecosystems
• photosynthesis
• cellular respiration
Categories of organisms
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autotrophs vs. heterotrophs
types of consumers
scavengers, detritivores,
decomposers
old-growth forest: large standing crop,
low productivity
Ecosystem Disturbance
pre- Hurricane Katrina
post- Hurricane Katrina
watershed
Resistance
vs.
Resilience
Ecosystem Services
• instrumental value
• intrinsic value
Instrumental Values
• provisions (goods like food, timber,
medicine)
• regulating services (like climate
modification
• support systems (like pollination, and
water purification)
• cultural services (aesthetic value of
nature)