Topic 3 - Changes in the Ecosystem

* Genetic Diversity

* Species Richness

* Ecosystem Diversity

three main components of Biodiversity

Life

Biodiversity encompasses the diversity of _____ on Earth, including species richness and ecosystem diversity.

Biodiversity

________ encompasses the diversity of life on Earth, including species richness and ecosystem diversity.

- Ecosystem stability and resilience

- Providing ecosystem services

- Guarantee sustainable resources

Importance of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity

refers to the variation of genes within a species. This allows populations to adapt to environmental changes and contributes to the overall health and survival of the species

Species Richness

is the number of different species in a particular area. It is a key indicator of biodiversity and is important for ecosystem function, productivity and resilience.

Symbiosis

"Living Together"

Symbiotic Relationship

A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms

Symbiotic Relationship

Occurs across all ecosystems: land, water, air

survival, adaptation, and balance

Symbiotic Relationship essential for _____, _______, and _______ in nature

Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism

Types of Symbiotic Relationship

Importance of Symbiotic Relationship:

* Maintains biodiversity and balance

* Aids in nutrient cycling, pollination, and food webs

* Encourages species adaptation and survival

Mutualism

a type of symbiotic relationship in biology where both interacting species benefit from the interaction.

What type of Relationship

Bees and flowering plants

Oxpeckers and large mammals

Mutualism

What type of Relationship

Tree frogs use plants as protection.

Golden jackals, once expelled from a pack, will trail a tiger to feed on the remains of its kills.

Commenalism

Pierre-Joseph van Beneden, 1876

Belgian paleontologist and zoologist ______ coined the terms " commensalism" in _____,

Commensalism

is a type of relationship between two living organisms in which one organism benefits from the other without harming it.

one who eats at the table of another

The word parasite is derived from the Latin form of the Greek word, meaning "______________________"

Parasitism

is generally defined as a relationship between the two living species in which one organism is benefitted at the expense of the other. is generally defined as a relationship between the two living species in which one organism is benefitted at the expense of the other.

organism, host

The __________ that is benefitted is called the parasite, while the one that is harmed is called the________.

PREDATOR-PREY RELATIONSHIP

is a biological interaction where one organism, the predator, hunts, kills, and eats another organism, the prey. This relationship plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling population sizes and promoting biodiversity.

Competition

occurs when organisms vie for the same limited resources such as food, water, shelter, space, or mates.

INTERPECIFIC COMPETITION

INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION

Types of Competition

Prey Adaptations for Survival

Predator Adaptations for Hunting Evolutionary Arms Race

Population and Ecosystem Balance

Effects of natural selection

Competition among individuals of the different species.

INTERPECIFIC COMPETITION

Competition among individuals of the same species

INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION

Ecological Succession

Natural, gradual change in ecosystems over time

Involves changes in species, soil, and structure

Leads to a stable climax community

Primary and Secondary

types of Ecological Succession

starts with bare land (no soil)

Primary Succession

follows a disturbance in an existing ecosystem

Secondary Succession

Primary Succession

Occurs when an area in any of the fundamental habitats, such as terrestrial, marine, or freshwater ecosystem, is inhabited for the first time by organisms.

Primary succession

_________ begins on a sterile location (one not previously been colonised by a community), such as a newly exposed rock or dune, where the conditions of existence may be unfavorable at first.

Secondary Succession

Occurs when overgrazing, fire, sudden climate changes, clearing or cutting of trees, etc., have cleared the region under colonisation.

Secondary Succession

is usually faster due to greater nutritional and other conditions in previously plant-covered areas

1.) Nudation

2.) Migration

3.) Ecesis

4.) Competition

5.) Reaction

6.) Stabilization/Climax

Stages of Ecological Succession

Nudation

Succession begins with the creation of a barren site, and this stage is known as ________ (disturbance).

Migration

The arrival of propagules Propagules are nothing but materials that moves an organism to the next phase of its life cycle

Ecesis

The process of establishing and growing vegetation Involves germination, seedling survival, and adaptation to local conditions

Competition

As vegetation develops and spreads, different species compete for light, space, and nutrients — key resources that influence survival and growth

Reaction

Autogenic changes, such as the growth of humus, impact the habitat. Also, one plant community is typically replaced by another

Stabilization/Climax

Final phase of ecological succession, Ecosystem reaches a relatively steady state. Species composition becomes self-sustaining, with minimal changes unless disrupted by external forces

External causes, Biotic cause, and Climatic causes

Causes of Ecological Succession

External causes

invasion, migration, and competition among various species that impact soil conditions

Biotic cause

organisms in a population compete for survival. Some are eliminated during the process, while others are added.

Climatic causes

This includes temperature change, humidity, rainfall, gas composition, etc.

* Restores ecosystems naturally

* Increases biodiversity over time

* Guides conservation and land use planning

* Helps ecosystems recover from disturbances

Importance of Ecological Succession

Ecological succession

__________ is vital for maintaining health and restoring life on Earth