1. Interactions in Ecosystems
Topic 7 – Environmental Monitoring

2. Monitoring Ecosystem Monitoring Most famous example? CO2
Check the condition of an environment by comparing current information with previous information
Most famous example?
CO2

3. Monitoring Ecosystem Monitoring Most famous example? CO2
Check the condition of an environment by comparing current information with previous information
Most famous example?
CO2

4. Monitoring Ecosystem Monitoring Most famous example? CO2
Check the condition of an environment by comparing current information with previous information
Most famous example?
CO2

5. Monitoring Cont… What do we monitor? Physical Environmental Chemical
Direct physical changes of the area (ex: using satellites)
Environmental
Changes in climate, temperature, weather
Chemical
Quality of soil, air, water
Biological
Changes in organisms, populations

6. Monitoring Cont… When do we monitor?
After major disturbances (volcano erupts, earthquake, etc…)
Before and after a major project is planned (foresting)
Sensitive or susceptible areas
Looking for the safe balance between human and the needs of other organisms

7. Monitoring Cont … Indicator species Amphibians are great indicators
Species that help indicate the overall health of an ecosystem/environment
Amphibians are great indicators
Why?
Very susceptible to changes in their environment and it can lead to deformation or death
Lots of deformation and/or death = problem

8. Monitoring Cont … Global Monitoring
A global task force that monitors amphibian populations around the world
They compile information and determine how populations are globally
Declining?
Growing?
Remaining the Same?
Thanks!
Yay Thanks!

9. Baseline data
In order to determine environment impact we need to know what it was like before
This is known as baseline data
Permanent Plots is the answer!
Plots of landed, specifically chosen by biologists to monitor and collect baseline data

10. Baseline data
In order to determine environment impact we need to know what it was like before
This is known as baseline data
Permanent Plots is the answer!
Plots of landed, specifically chosen by biologists to monitor and collect baseline data

11. Baseline Data Cont… How else do they keep track of … Tagging animals
… animals for examples?
… birds for example?
Tagging animals
Migration patterns
Weight, Height, Size
General health
Etc …
Tracking Hammerhead Sharks

12. Baseline Data …
The baseline data is also useful for making predictions!
If I drain this wetland to build a mall … what is the predicted impact?
When all of this information is compiled into a report and distributed the report is known as an Environmental Impact Assessment