Sustainability
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of biotic life in an ecosystem or habitat
Biodiversity in Ecosystems?
How did you make your ecosystem model biodiverse?
Did you include only on species of animal or multiple?
Why do you think it is important for an ecosystem to have a diverse
group of plant and animal species?
What is sustainability?
• Sustainability involves conserving ecological balance.
• It aims to prevent depletion of natural resources.
• Ecological balance is crucial for supporting diverse plant and animal
species in an ecosystem.
What is biodiversity?
• Biodiversity refers to life's variety and variability on Earth.
• Ecosystems require a mix of species to flourish and regenerate.
• Animals and plants depend on the environment for shelter, safety,
and nutrients.
• Limited plant species would impact nutrient access for many animals.
Ecosystems and Matter Cycling
• Ecosystems are delicate, with crucial connections among producers,
consumers, and decomposers.
• Matter cycles within ecosystems, contributing to their functioning.
Example #1: Bears & Salmon
• In forest ecosystems, bears transport salmon from rivers into the
forest.
• Bears consume parts of the salmon and leave leftovers to
decompose.
• Decomposers break down the remaining salmon, enriching the soil
with nutrients.
• Nutrients from decomposition support plant growth as plants absorb
them through their roots.
Example #2: Crop Rotation
• Farmers rotate crops seasonally,
enhancing soil fertility.
• Decomposition of waste from
previous crops generates nutrients for
future crops.
So what?
• Sustainability and biodiversity are vital for maintaining a healthy
ecosystem.
• Connections among producers, consumers, and decomposers support
the ecosystem's needs.
• Each role in the ecosystem is crucial; removing plants would disrupt
food sources for consumers.
• Consumer actions generate waste, consumed by decomposers,
returning nutrients to the soil for plant growth.
• Interruptions in this cycle can harm ecosystems, highlighting the
importance of sustainability.