Applied Ecology: Human Activities and Environmental Effects

Applied Ecology Study Notes

Human Activities Impact
- Climate Change
- Habitat Loss, Degradation, and Fragmentation
- Invasive Species
- Over-exploitation
- Pollution

Habitat Loss
- Defined as the conversion of usable habitats to unusable ones.
- Causes include industrial activities, agriculture, aquaculture, mining, and deforestation.
- Examples:
- Terrestrial habitat loss from deforestation
- Aquatic habitat loss due to land reclamation
Habitat Degradation
- Described as the process making habitats less suitable for dependent species.
- Causes: Physical alteration (e.g., urbanization), pollution, climate change, introduction of invasive species.
- Example of degradation gradient due to urbanization.
Habitat Fragmentation
- Occurs when large habitats are divided into smaller patches.
- Often caused by urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
- Solutions include developing wildlife corridors to mitigate fragmentation impacts.

Loss of Biodiversity
Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Disruption of Ecosystem Services:
- Pollination
- Water purification
- Carbon sequestration

Definition
- Significant and lasting changes in Earth's climate, including temperature, precipitation, and weather events.
Causes
- Primarily human activities that release greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Impacts
- Affect ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human societies.

Mitigation Strategies:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Use renewable energy sources
- Improve energy efficiency
- Promote sustainable land-use practices
Global Cooperation:
- Address climate change through initiatives like the Paris Agreement.

Definition
- Overharvesting of renewable resources resulting in diminishing returns.
Examples:
- Overfishing: Harvesting fish faster than reproduction rates.
- Deforestation: Timber, agriculture, and urban development exceed natural regrowth.
- Poaching: Illegal hunting and trade endangering species.
Impacts of Overexploitation:
- Loss of biodiversity.
- Ecological Imbalance disrupting trophic interactions.
- Socio-economic consequences such as poverty and food insecurity.
Solutions:
- Implement sustainable practices, enforce regulations, engage local communities, and raise awareness.

Definition
- Introduction of harmful substances into the environment causing adverse effects.

Air Pollution:
- Caused by burning fossil fuels, mining, and industrial emissions.
- Effects include respiratory issues, global warming, acid rain, and hazards to wildlife.
Water Pollution:
- Caused by untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and solid waste dumping.
- Effects include ecosystem disruption and increased water-borne diseases.
Soil Pollution:
- Caused by improper disposal of industrial waste, acid rain, and intensive farming.
- Effects include loss of soil nutrients and vegetation degradation.
Noise Pollution:
- Caused by industrial noises, transportation, and social events.
- Effects include hearing loss, hypertension, and interference with wildlife behavior.
Light Pollution:
- Caused by urbanization and sports lighting.
- Disrupts animal behaviors, sleep patterns, and results in health issues.
Thermal Pollution:
- Caused by industrial discharge of heated water.
- Effects include disturbance of aquatic life and decline in water quality.

Definitions:
Exotic Species: Non-native species introduced to an area, may not always be invasive.
Invasive Species: Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Ecosystem-Based:
- Availability of resources, disturbance events, and lack of local competitors aid invasions.
Species-Based:
- Invasive species have specific traits (e.g., fast growth, high dispersal) allowing them to thrive.
Human-Induced:
- Invasives can be transported through trade, unintentional transport, or as biocontrol agents.

Change functions of ecosystems and potentially hybridize with native species, leading to extinction risks.
Example: Hybridization with Spartina alterniflora threatens California cordgrass.

Definition:
- Careful management and preservation of natural resources for current and future generations.

Preserving Biodiversity: Ensures survival of various species.
Ecosystem Stability: Maintains ecosystem balance and essential services.
Sustainable Resource Management: Meets needs without compromising future availability.
Cultural Significance: Protects culturally important sites and traditions.

Biodiversity Conservation:
- Focus on habitat preservation and protecting endangered species.

In-Situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats (e.g., national parks, wildlife reserves).
Ex-Situ Conservation: Conservation outside natural habitats (e.g., zoos, seed banks).

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves: Protect biodiversity and habitats.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Regulated areas for marine biodiversity protection.
Community Conservation: Involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.

Focuses on ecosystem restoration, establishing protected areas, and landscape planning.

Education and Awareness: Increase public awareness of conservation impacts.
Advocacy and Policy: Promote conservation policies.
Sustainable Practices: Adopt eco-friendly daily habits and participate in conservation efforts.