D4.2 Sustainability and change Notes

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain structure and function over time despite disturbances.

Resistance

The ability of an ecosystem to thrive despite disturbances without significant changes.

Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover quickly after a disturbance.

High Biodiversity

Diverse ecosystems support ecosystem stability through various mechanisms.

Redundancy

Multiple species performing similar roles in an ecosystem, preventing collapse if one species is lost.

Complex Interactions

Relationships such as predator-prey dynamics that regulate populations and maintain balance in ecosystems.

Genetic Diversity

High genetic variation within populations increases resilience to diseases and environmental changes.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests which reduces habitat, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens biodiversity.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment that disrupt natural processes.

Overexploitation

Unsustainable harvesting of species that destabilizes ecosystems.

Keystone Species

Species whose removal has a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem.

Cascading Effects

The series of negative impacts in a food web resulting from the loss of a keystone species.

Energy Flow

The transfer of energy through an ecosystem, crucial for stability and productivity.

Nutrient Recycling

The process by which nutrients are reused within an ecosystem.

Stability Requirements

Key factors necessary for an ecosystem to remain stable over time.

Climatic Stability

The consistent environmental conditions that support stable ecosystems.

Eutrophication

The process of nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems leading to algal blooms and biodiversity loss.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain.

Rewilding

Restoration of ecosystems to their natural state by reducing human interference.

Ecological Succession

The gradual process of changes in species composition and abiotic factors in an ecosystem over time.

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs in lifeless areas where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area where soil is present but vegetation has been removed.

Climax Community

A stable, mature community that has reached equilibrium with its environment.

Arrested Succession

When human activities halt the natural progression of ecological succession.

Soil Erosion

The gradual removal of the upper layer of soil, threatening agricultural productivity.

Leaching

The process of water-soluble nutrients being washed away from the soil.

Fertilizer Overuse

The excessive application of fertilizers that harms ecosystems and reduces soil health.

Agrochemicals

Chemical products used in agriculture, such as pesticides and herbicides, which can harm ecosystems.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems that support life and human activities.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in the variety of species within an ecosystem, threatening stability.

Sustainability

Ensuring resource use meets present needs without compromising future generations.

Mesocosms

Controlled experimental systems that replicate natural ecosystems for study.

Human Activities

Actions taken by people that impact ecosystems, such as deforestation and pollution.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population, vital for resilience.

Redundancy in Ecosystems

Having multiple species fulfilling similar ecological roles, enhancing resilience.

Disturbances

Events that disrupt ecosystem structure or function, challenging stability.

Forest Health

A measure of the vitality and biodiversity of forest ecosystems.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Water-based ecosystems that cover a significant portion of Earth's surface.

Predator-Prey Dynamics

Interactions between predators and their prey that help regulate population sizes.

Soil Quality

A measure of soil's capacity to function within ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal life.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of storing carbon in vegetation and soils to mitigate climate change.

Sustainable Development

Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.

Community Involvement

Engagement of local communities in conservation efforts to restore ecosystems.

Wetland Restoration

Efforts to return wetlands to their natural state to revive biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions that are both rich in species diversity and are under significant threat.

Agricultural Practices

Methods used in the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals for food production.

Ecosystem Monitoring

The regular observation of ecosystems to assess their health and stability.

Ecological Management

Strategies to maintain or restore ecosystems and their services.

Resilience Theory

The study of how ecosystems can absorb disturbances while maintaining basic functions.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process in which habitat loss results in the division of large continuous habitats into smaller, isolated sections.

Species Extinction

The end of an organism's existence and the loss of its genetic contribution to an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Food Web Interactions

The complex network of feeding interactions among species in an ecosystem.

Conservation Strategies

Plans and actions aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Controversial Land Use

Land use decisions that pit conservation against human needs such as agriculture, urbanization.

Microhabitats

Small-scale environments that provide specific conditions for particular organisms.

Species Dynamics

The patterns of population growth and decline in species over time.

Ecosystem Fragility

The sensitivity of an ecosystem to changes and disturbances.

Ecosystem Balance

The equilibrium of interacting species and environmental factors within an ecosystem.

Pollinator Species

Species that assist in the transfer of pollen, enhancing plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Adaptive Management

A systematic, iterative process of decision making in the face of uncertainty.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential nutrients.

Compost,

A mixture of organic materials used to improve soil structure and fertility.

Nutrient Deficiency

The lack of essential nutrients within soil or plants, impacting growth.