section 2.3 review copyright © 2010 mcgraw-hill ryerson ltd. concepts to be reviewed: how have...

Section 2.3 ReviewSection 2.3 Review

Copyright © 2010 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.

Concepts to be reviewed:• How have humans managed to expand their ecological niche?

• How have humans increased the carrying capacity of the

ecosystems that support them?

• Why has the human population been able to increase so rapidly

in recent years?

• What is an ecological footprint? How does it relate your personal

use of resources?

(Page 68)

2.4 Ecosystem Services2.4 Ecosystem Services


Ecosystem services are the benefits experienced by organisms, including humans, that are provided by sustainable ecosystems.

Ecosystem services allow ecosystems to function, which is a requirement of sustainability.

(Page 69)

Ecosystem ServicesEcosystem Services


Ecosystem services are the natural result of all the activities that occur in the biosphere. They include:

• the provision of food and clean water

• the cycling of nutrients

• the conversion of atmospheric carbon into biomass

• the pollination of crops and natural vegetation

• the balance of processes such as growth and decomposition

• the provision of beauty and spirituality

(Page 69)

The Influence of Forests on Climate

The Influence of Forests on Climate


Trees extract huge amounts of water from the soil that then escapes through the stomata, adding water vapour to the atmosphere. The water vapour helps reduce the temperature and form rain clouds.

Desertification is the change of non-desert land into desert; desertification may result from climate change or unsustainable farming or water use.

Watersheds, areas of land over which the run-off drains into a body of water, benefit from the existence of forests. Forest loss leads to increased run-off, which causes loss of soil and the nutrients in it.

(Page 70)

Insects and Ecosystem ServicesInsects and Ecosystem Services


The majority of plants rely on animals to move pollen from one flower to another. Studies have shown that plant productivity is increased among natural and human-grown plants when pollinating animals are involved in the process of cross-pollination.

Cross-pollination by insects could be responsible for aiding in the production of one-third of our foods such as vegetables, fruit, seeds, and spice crops and livestock.

The best-known pollinators are honeybees.

(Page 70)

Insects and DecompositionInsects and Decomposition


Decomposition is the breakdown of organic wastes and dead organisms. This fifth important type of ecological relationship allows the nutrients and energy locked up in dead organisms to be recycled.

http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov/teachers/pdf/AV-Biolesson-5.pdf

Insects, bacteria, and fungi are the three main groups that serve as decomposers in ecosystems.

(Pages 72-3)

Why are Honeybees Disappearing?

Why are Honeybees Disappearing?


In recent years there has been a mysterious disappearance of honeybees from North American beehives. Although they are not sure, many scientists and beekeepers believe that the reduction is due to a combination of factors, including parasites, pesticide use, and beekeeping practices.

Given the important role that bees play in our food production, this is a problem that must be solved.

(Pages 72-3)

The Role of Migratory BirdsThe Role of Migratory Birds


Migratory birds often feed on many of the flying insects we consider to be pests. Unfortunately, the populations of many of the aerial insectivore birds that breed in Canada have declined since the 1980s.

Habitat destruction or poorly regulated insecticide use in the tropical areas these birds migrate to each winter might be responsible for the decline in their numbers.

(Page 74)

Coffee Plantations and Canadian Birds

Coffee Plantations and Canadian Birds


Many Canadian songbirds winter in tropical ecosystems where coffee beans are grown. The practice of producing coffee in sunlit plantations such as the monoculture shown in image A provides less suitable habitat for birds. The practice of producing shade-grown coffee as shown in image B provides sustainable ecosystems for the birds.

(Page 75)

International Co-operation for Ecological ConnectivityInternational Co-operation for Ecological Connectivity


Connectivity is the collection of links and relationships between ecosystems that are separated geographically. Governments have recognized that even ecosystems that are separated by large distances can affect each other’s sustainability. Co-operation between governments is important in maintaining this sustainability.

(Pages 76-7)

Ecotourism , Beauty , and Spirituality

Ecotourism , Beauty , and Spirituality


Ecotourism is a form of tourism that is sensitive to the health of an ecosystem and involves recreational activities provided by sustainable ecosystems.

Many aboriginal peoples practice spiritual traditions that are connected to nature.

Artists have been, and will continue to be, inspired by ecosystems.

(Pages 76-7)

Section 2.4 ReviewSection 2.4 Review


Concepts to be reviewed:• What are ecosystem services? How are they provided by species

occupying their niches?

• How do forests influence climate? How do they play a role in the

regulation of watersheds?• How is the health of migratory birds affected by the ecosystems

they visit?• What is ecological connectivity? How does it depend on

international co-operation?

• How do ecosystems provide visual beauty and spiritual

appreciation to humans?

(Page 78)

Activity 2.4 Ecotourism and Monarch

Butterflies

Activity 2.4 Ecotourism and Monarch

Butterflies


EVERY YEAR, MILLIONS OF MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

MIGRATE OVER 3000KMS FROM CANADA AND THE UNITED

STATES TO SPEND THE WINTER IN CENTRAL MEXICO.

THESE BUTTERFLIES STAY IN FIR-TREE FORESTS AT HIGH

ALTITUDES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF THE MEXICAN STATES

OF MICHOACAN AND MEXICO. RECENTLY, THE MEXICAN

GOVERNMENT HAS ENCOURAGED ECOTOURISM TO THIS

AREA.

FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THE TEXT AND ANSWER THE

QUESTIONS.

(Page 76 and 77)

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