Ecosystem

Definition: a group of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of

an environment.
-Non living- abiotic (climate, rocks)
-Living- biotic (vegetation, animals, humans)
-Parts of ecosystem are linked together. Ex) in a woodland ecosystem, rain
is an input, which make the trees grow. Evaporation is the output.
-Every factor in an ecosystem depends on every other factor, either
directly or indirectly. Ex) temperature change affect the plants that grow
there, and also affect the animals depending on the plants for food and
shelter so they either have to adapt the changes, move to another
ecosystem or perish (die).
-Plants and animals that are found in ecosystems depend on type of climate
and soils. Ex) animal species that adapted in Antarctica are polar bears and
wolves, which adapted with thick fur. Plants did not.
- Producers- gets energy from sunlight and converts to chemical energy
that can be used by consumers. Ex) Plants.
- Consumer-two types-> herbivores- eat the producers, carnivores- feed on
other animals.
Different scale: small scale->pond, large scale-> forests and lakes.
Food chain
-Living things in the ecosystem are linked
together by the flows of energy as things eat each
other as a line.
Food web- shows links between consumers
and producers in a more detailed way.

Biome
Definition- a large ecosystem, which contains particular plant and animal
groups, adapted to that particular environment.

Tropical rainforestthe tropics and close to the

found down the wet
continents including
America and South East
Asia. It is hot all year
round, average temperature of
30C.Wet all year, annual
precipitation of 2000surprisingly infertile.
are found at
where dead
compose
The heavy rainfall quickly carries away
nutrients.

Tropical
rainforests are
located between
equator. They are
eastern sides of
South
27 to
3000mm. Soils are
Most of the nutrients
the surface
leaves
rapidly.

Deciduous forestdeciduous forests are located

further north on the western sides of continents where winters
are warmer than on the eastern sides. They form the natural
vegetation cover for the UK. Soils are rich and fertile; the soil found
in this biome is brown earth. Annual leaf fall provides plenty of
organic material.

Layers of Tropical rainforest

Emergent layer- is the tops of the tallest trees in the
rainforest, goes up to 200 feet. It is made up of fast
growing trees that compete each other to reach the
sunlight. Ex) capoc
Canopy layer- is the primary layer of the rainforest and
forms a roof over the forest below. It is very thick and lush.
Most trees are found. About 65 to 130 feet. Most animals
live here, as food and light are plentiful.

Understory- second level up. There is limited sunlight saplings wait here
for larger plants and trees to die, leaving a gap in the canopy which they
can grown into. Woody climbers called lianas avoid having to wait for gaps
by rooting in the ground and climbing up trees to get to the sunlight.
Forest floor- dark and gloomy with very little vegetation between the
trees. During heavy rainfalls this area can flood.

Sustainability
Living sustainably in the rainforest
- Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
Sustainable tourism
-Sustainable tourism is the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying
to make only a positive impact on the environment, society and economy.
-Tourism can have a negative effect on environments and communities if it is
not carefully managed. Sustainable tourism aims to balance the requirements
of tourists with the needs of local communities and to protect the
environment.

Use renewable energy to power tourist facilities e.g. solar or wind.

Recycle water (use of grey water). Collect rainwater. This possible in

tropical climates, where there is a large amount of water.

Creating breeding programs for endangered species e.g. the Amur

Leopard or the Panda.

Only use sustainable products to build hotels. Ensure woods are from
sustainable forests, etc.

Promote local culture e.g. food, dance and clothes. Ensure that tourists
are educated about local traditions. This also ensures the involvement of local
people.

Sell local products to tourists using traditional techniques. Offer

demonstration classes and encourage participation of tourists.

Ecotourism
-Encourages visitors to a country to leave a small carbon footprint, to the
benefit of local communities and environments. It has become an increasingly
popular option for many people.
- It is a type of sustainable development. The aim of ecotourism is to reduce
the impact that tourism has on naturally beautiful environments.

Ensuring that tourism does not exploit the natural environment or local
communities.
Consultation with local communities on planned developments.
Making sure that infrastructure improvements benefit local people and not
just tourists.

The aim of ecotourism

- Is to reduce the impact that tourism has on naturally beautiful
environment. Any tourist destination can be harmed by increased tourism. If
areas are damaged or destroyed, they will not be available to future
generations.
What is a carbon footprint?
- Refers to the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted during the aeration
of products of services.

How do humans affect ecosystems?

Humans rely on natural ecosystems to provide many ecosystem services
such as pollination of crops, and cleaning air and water. Humans also rely on
ecosystems to provide them with fertile soil, mineral nutrients, fish and
game.
Examples of human waste that can affect ecosystems are
Household waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, gases produced when
fossil fuels are burned.
Human threats- overhunting, deforestation, pollution, land conversation.
Guideline for tourists
-Protect the environment- keep to footpaths, dont leave litter or start fire.
-Dont interfere with wildlife- dont scare or feed the animals

-Protect resources- dont take too many showers or use air conditioning.
-Support local communities- stay in to locally owned accommodation and buy
product from local people
-Eat local food and drinks- avoid products that have been imported from
MEDCs
-Respect local customs and traditions- some communities are offended when
tourists wear inappropriate clothes in religious places. Strip off on the
beach or behave in a good manner. Show interest in their culture.