Earth’s Systems

Earth’s Systems Nutrient Cycles Energy Transfers Self-Sustaining Systems Human Impacts

Nutrient Cycles A Nutrient Cycle is the passage of a nutrient or element through an ecosystem. Carbon Nitrogen Hydrologic These are closed systems, with a fixed supply that is continually recycled through biotic and abiotic parts of ecosystems.

Nutrient Cycles - Carbon

Nutrient Cycles - Nitrogen

Nutrient Cycles - Hydrologic Condensation

Energy Transfers Energy flows from species to species in a food chain. Within a typical food chain, there are producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Energy Transfers

Energy Transfers

Energy Transfers A Food Web in Lake Huron

Energy Transfers Bio-Accumulation of Chemicals

Role of Species in Ecosystems Endemic- normally live and thrive Exotic- are introduced deliberately or accidently by humans or migrate into an ecosystem Indicator- species that provide early warning of environmental damage Specialist- relies on a very small range of conditions to survive (narrow niche) Generalist- live in many different places as they can tolerate a wide range of environments

Keystone Species Play a critical role in an ecosystem- they support the ecosystem and connect it together Extinction of species that depend on the keystone species can send ripple effects through an entire ecosystem

Self-Sustaining Systems A spacesuit, out of necessity, is a self-sustaining system.

Self-Sustaining Systems Biosphere 2 is a structure built in an attempt to build an “Earth-like” system to sustain life Located in the Arizona desert outside of Tucson

Self-Sustaining Systems The Earth is a self-sustaining system.

Human Impacts on Ecosystems Homework- Research and explain a specific example of how human activity has impacted an ecosystem. Asian Carp threaten the Great Lakes