1. Ecosystems and Earth and How Man Turns it into Waste

2. Abiotic features of the environment
Abiotic features are the non-living
components of the environment. They
include,
Physical features: temperature, rainfall, wind, light intensity, humidity, soil type, water, landform
Chemical features: pH of soil or water, salinity, availability of gases

3. Biotic features of the environment
Biotic features are the living components of
the environment. This includes:
Plants
Animals
Micro-organisms

4. classified as aquatic (water) or terrestrial (land). Aquatic
Environments and their Ecosystems 1. Aquatic environments
Environments can be
classified as aquatic (water)
or terrestrial (land). Aquatic
environments can be either
freshwater or marine
(saltwater).

5. 2. Terrestrial environments
Terrestrial environments are found in
different climates and range from deserts,
grasslands
and rainforests to
mountain regions.

6. Cycles of Materials in our Ecosystems and why they are important
There are three cycles important to all ecosystems.
1. The Water Cycle
2. The Carbon Cycle and
3. The Nitrogen Cycle
There are other cycles but we will look at these cycles in particular and their importance to ecosystems.

7. A Side Track
Ever wonder why the Sahara Desert is so big when it lies in a tropical belt where water and vegetative growth should be in abundance.
The answer CYCLES.
It is thought that over thousands of years man's impact on this region in removing resources, particularly vegetation, has resulted in the cycles no longer functioning, reducing the region to desert.
Cycles are that important that each cycle is dependent on the other for the cycles to function.

8. The Carbon Cycle
The element carbon is central to all life forms. Carbon is taken in from the air by plants, used by living organisms, and then returned to the air in a continuous cycle.

9. Download the worksheets on clementscience web site

10. The Importance of the Carbon Cycle
Give a brief discussion below of why carbon is essential for ecosystems
Answer:
In the context of the Sahara Desert give an explanation as to why the disruption of the carbon cycle caused the desert to form.
Answer

11. A Stumper
If carbon is so important to our environment why do we have a carbon tax?
Answer:

12. This is a no-brainer in terms of importance to our ecosystems.
The Water Cycle
This is a no-brainer in terms of importance to our ecosystems.
All life is not just based on carbon chemistry but water chemistry. All biological reactions take place within cells in a bath of water. It is essential for living things. So much so, that NASA looks for water on planets to determine if life would be viable.
Interfere with cycle of water and you immediately disrupt the ecosystems that rely on it.
Check out the next animation

14. When Man Interferes with The Water Cycle
In the previous animation you notice that water naturally flows from land to the sea. Water also transpires from forests.
Can you see what has happened over the centuries when man has upset the natural cycle.
Discuss how the Murray Darling irrigation system has effected ecosystems.
Answer:
The main food belt of USA is now becoming known as the Dust Bowl. Hypothesise as to why this has occurred.

15. Rainforests create their won microclimates
Rainforests create their won microclimates. The vast vegetation sees large amounts of evaporation which in turns creates thunderstorms which rewater the forest. The Amazon is a prime example of this phenomenon. Currently vast areas are being denuded not for the timber but to grow grass for cattle to produce meet for burger companies.
Hypothesise what will like happen with the removal of forests in context of the water cycle.
Answer:

16. The Nitrogen Cycle

17. The Nitrogen cycle is about getting nitrogen into plants.
Nitrogen is another essential element that is found in proteins and DNA.
The only means that plants have of absorbing nitrogen is if it is as a nitrate. It can't be absorbed any other way.
The only way animals can get their nitrogen is by eating plants
Decomposition and the recycling of waste is essential in the production of nitrates.
The removal of bacteria from our soil would have major cosequences on an ecosystem.
Man removes nitrogen by removing plants. What are the consequences of such actions and how does man manage the loss of nitrogen?

18. Energy transfer in an ecosystem
Light energy
Converted into carbohydrates
Chlorophyll
Photosynthesis
Glucose
Transported through the plant
Respiration
Energy for cell processes

20. Uses of energy by organisms
Living organisms need a constant supply of
energy to maintain cellular activities and stay
alive. In ecosystems the initial source of energy
is light from the sun. This is used by plants
during photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates.
Organisms (i.e. plants) that can manufacture their
own food from inorganic materials are called
autotrophs.

21. Producers and consumers
Green plants provide the entire input of energy
to an ecosystem and are called producers. When
animals (herbivores) eat plants, the
carbohydrates stored in plants are converted
back into glucose. The glucose is broken down
during respiration to provide the animal’s
energy requirements. Similarly, when carnivores
eat other animals, this chemical energy is
passed on.

22. Energy transfer in ecosystems
Eaten by
animal
Plant
Converted into other substances
Carbohydrates digested to glucose
Respiration
Energy for animal cellular process

23. Food chains and webs Food chains show the flow of energy through
ecosystems.
FIRST ORDER CONSUMER
SECOND ORDER CONSUMER
PRODUCER
wallaby
dingo
grass

24. Food chains and webs Food chains show the flow of energy through
ecosystems.
FIRST ORDER CONSUMER
SECOND ORDER CONSUMER
PRODUCER
wallaby
dingo
grass

25. Food webs The interrelationship between many food chains is called a

27. Major Ecosystems of the World

28. Australia’s major ecosystems