CHAP2 MST

• Biocentrism - belief that humans are part of nature is known as _____
• Anthropocentrism - a belief that humans are not a part of nature is called.
• Ecology - therefore, is the study of an organism's interaction with its environment.
• Derived from the Greek root “oikos” meaning “house” combined with the root “logy” meaning “the science of” or “the study of”.
• System is a set of components within a boundary linked by reciprocal cause-effect pathways
• Systems are often visualized or modeled as component blocks with connections
• 1. Elements - are the kinds of things or substances composing the system. They may be atoms or molecules, or larger bodies of matter-sand grains, rain drops, plants, or cows.

  2. Attributes are characteristics of the elements that may be perceived, for example: quantity, size, color, volume, temperature, and mass.

  • 3. Relationships are the associations that exist between elements and attributes based on cause and effect.
• The system has three kinds of properties: 1. Elements 2. Attributes 3. Relationship
• System Hierarchy

  A hierarchy is an organizational structure in which items are ranked according to levels of importance. Most governments, corporations and organized religions are hierarchical.
• System Hierarchy - Refers to systems that are organized in the shape of a pyramid, with each row of objects linked to objects directly beneath it.
• Ecosystem

  “a dynamic complex of plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit.
• Landscape is a broader definition in terms of spatial context of scales (physical elements of landforms, living elements of land cover, human elements and transitory elements
• 3 Types of Ecosystems: Natural Ecosystems, Terrestrial ecosystem, Aquatic Ecosystem
• The biosphere is the space on or near Earth's surface that contains and supports living organisms. It is subdivided into the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere
• Environment is the surroundings in which you live in
• Natural Ecosystem - Operate by themselves without any major interference by man interference by man. Based upon the particular kind of habitat
• Terrestrial ecosystem - such as forest, grasslands, dessert, a single log, etc.
• Aquatic ecosystem - which may be further distinguished as follows.

  (a) Fresh water ecosystem

  (b) Marine ecosystem.
• Terrestrial Ecosystem - refers to the ecosystem found in land.
• A micro habitat is small that exists on a normal habitat whereas the biome describes the type of area on a much larger scale.
• Biome is a large community unit characterized by the kinds of plants and animals present.
• The Major Biomes: Tundra, Taiga, Most Temperate coniferous forest biome, Temperate deciduous forest, Temperate grass land biome, Savanna, Desert biome, Tropical rainforest biome, CHAPARRAL BIOMES
• Energy flows

  Energy cycles in ecosystem involve the flow of energy and nutrients from various sources. The sun provides the energy for plant life which is used for photosynthesis. The food chain consists of producers, consumers, and predators. Scavengers break down dead matter, while reducers absorb and release energy, allowing molecules to be reused by producers.

   
• Food Web

  is a network of interconnected food chains. It comprises of all the food chains within a single ecosystem. It helps in understanding that plants lay foundation of all the food chains.
• Open System

  An open ecosystem allows for the exchange of energy and matter with its surroundings. It receives inputs of energy and nutrients from external sources and releases outputs to the environment.

  • For example, a river ecosystem receiving nutrients from upstream sources and discharging water and nutrients downstream is an open ecosystem
• 2. Closed System

  • A closed ecosystem, also known as a self-contained ecosystem, is largely self-sustaining and has minimal exchange of energy and matter with its surroundings. - For example, a terrarium sealed from the external environment can be considered a closed ecosystem because it recycles air, water, and nutrients internally without significant inputs or outputs
• Nutrient Cycle

  • Nutrient cycling, also known as biogeochemical cycling, is the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter within ecosystems.
• Key Elements of Nutrient Cycling: Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Oxygen Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle, Sulfur Cycle
• Water Cycle

  • The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, involves the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and water bodies (such as oceans, rivers, and lakes).
• 2. Carbon Cycle

  • The carbon cycle involves the circulation of carbon through the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, oceans, and geological reservoirs.
• 3. Nitrogen Cycle

  • The nitrogen cycle encompasses processes that cycle nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, water bodies, and living organisms.
• 4. Oxygen Cycle

  • The oxygen cycle involves the movement of oxygen between the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere
• 5. Phosphorus Cycle

  • The phosphorus cycle describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, soil, water bodies, and living organisms.
• 6. Sulfur Cycle

  – The sulfur cycle involves the circulation of sulfur through the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere
• 1. Maintaining Ecosystem Health

   Nutrient cycling ensures the availability of essential elements for the growth and development of plants, animals, and microorganisms, contributing to the overall health and functioning of ecosystems.
• 2. Regulating Nutrient Availability

  Nutrient cycling regulates the availability of nutrients in the environment, preventing nutrient depletion or excess that could disrupt ecosystem balance and productivity.
• 3. Supporting Biodiversity

  Nutrient cycling supports diverse communities of organisms by providing the necessary resources for their survival and reproduction.
• 4. Mitigating Environmental Pollution

  Efficient nutrient cycling can help mitigate environmental pollution by minimizing the accumulation of excess nutrients in water bodies (eutrophication) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with nutrient imbalances.
• Importance of Nutrient Cycling: 1. Maintaining Ecosystem Health 2. Regulating Nutrient Availability 3. Supporting Biodiversity 4. Mitigating Environmental Pollution
• • TUNDRA The tundra is the coldest of the biomes. It also receives low amounts of precipitation, making the tundra similar to a desert. Tundra is found in the regions just below the ice caps of the Arctic, extending across North America, to Europe, and Siberia in Asia