Chapter:3 Ecosystem Ecology
ecosystem structure abiotic components biotic components ecosystem size ecosystem boundaries
Biosphere
Biosphere II “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 Biosphere II
Biosphere II
the guinea pigs
the ocean
the savanna
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 autotrophs vs. heterotrophs types of consumers scavengers, detritivores, decomposers
food chains and trophic levels
food webs
gross primary productivity net primary productivity
old-growth forest: large standing crop, low productivity
ocean algae: high productivity, low standing crop
trophic pyramids and ecological efficiency
hydrologic cycle
carbon cycle
nitrogen cycle
algal bloom
phosphorus cycle
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)