2.3: Sustainability
pg. 34
Sustainable Ecosystem: an ecosystem that maintains
relatively constant biotic and abiotic features forever.
A sustainable ecosystem or society is one that ensures that
there are always enough resources available for future
generations. The next generation also continues this pattern.
Natural and Human-Made Ecosystems
In nature, most ecosystems are sustainable. The organisms
living in nature rarely out grows the carrying capacity of
the ecosystem. These ecosystems are not influenced by
human factors, examples; remote forest, artic, or a coral
reef. A national park is an example of a sustainable
ecosystem protected by humans.
Factors That Affect Ecosystems
Humans influence ecosystems by cutting down trees,
introducing exotic species, which create an imbalance in
feeding relationships, and pollution will have a negative
affect on an ecosystem and recovery may take thousands of
years.
The ecosystem supplies many resources for our survival
and because of our dependences it is important that we
manage these resources, wood, medicines, and food. These
resources are renewable and can be harvested, for years,
only if we monitor and manage carefully.
Setting Limits
Forestry management is important, for every tree cut down
we need to plant another for future use. We must monitor
the fish stocks in the ocean so we don not over fish, so the
populations are maintained at appropriate levels for future
needs.
Responsible Recreation
There are various ecosystems that we as humans also use
for recreation, such as, lakes, rivers, and ski hills. Humans
must respect the biotic and abiotic features of each
ecosystem to minimize human impact on the environment.
Simple advice, take only pictures and leave only footprints
in these natural ecosystems.
The Importance of Sustaining Ecosystems
Ecosystems around us are important for our survival. If the
ecosystem changes, it will have an impact on us. Northern
Ontario is dependent on the forests; Southern Ontario is
dependent on manufacturing and agriculture, while all of
Ontario is dependent on tourism. If the forests are damaged
or destroyed there will be a negative impact, therefore
natural resources need to be protected.
Check Your Learning:
Questions 1 – 4, pg. 35
Wrap Up:
- Natural ecosystems are usually sustainable.
- Natural ecosystems must be used by humans in a
sustainable way.
- Human-made ecosystems are created by humans and need
to be managed.
- Our daily lives influence and are affected by our
surrounding ecosystems.