Ecosystem Services

Regulating

• Natural Phenomenon

• Climate Control

• Pollination

• Preventing Erosion

• Purifying Water

Cultural

(Interacting with Nature)

• Recreational

• Aesthetics

• Spiritual aspects

• Educational

Extraction from Nature (Provisioning)

• Food

• Water

• Oxygen

• Minerals

• Fuel

• Medicine

Supporting

Fundamentals

• Photosynthesis

• Habitats

• Nutrient Cycling

• Soil Formation

Island Biogeography Theory

Island biogeography theory explains how species richness on an island is influenced by island size and distance from the mainland. It predicts that larger islands and islands closer to the mainland will have higher species diversity due to factors like colonization and extinction rates.

Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is the process where large continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, leading to disruption of ecosystems and impacting biodiversity.

What are ways habitat is fragmented on the mainland?

• Roads and buildings

Why does biodiversity decrease?

• Species cannot move between habitats

What are edge effects?

• Species are more susceptible to illness on the edge of habitats

How do we mitigate?

• Create wildlife preserves: Habitat corridor

Ecological Tolerance

A range of conditions an organism can tolerate

• Not all species are affected in the same way by environmental changes

Species with a broad range of tolerance tend to survive longer than species with narrow ranges of tolerance.

Ecological Succession

Primary Succession

The process of ecological succession that occurs in an area where no soil is present, such as on bare rock or sand. It begins with pioneer species like lichens and mosses that gradually break down the substrate and create soil for other plants to grow. Over time, more complex plant and animal communities are established, leading to a stable ecosystem.

Secondary Succession

The process where an ecosystem recovers after a disturbance that leaves soil intact. It involves the reestablishment of a community in an area that was previously inhabited. Pioneer species colonize the area first, followed by more complex species, leading to a stable ecosystem.