Ecosystems and Earth and How Man Turns it into Waste

1. Ecosystems and Earth and How Man Turns it into Waste

2. Abiotic features of the environment Abiotic features are the non-living components of the environment. They include, • Physical features: temperature, rainfall, wind, light intensity, humidity, soil type, water, landform • Chemical features: pH of soil or water, salinity, availability of gases

3. Biotic features of the environment Biotic features are the living components of the environment. This includes: • Plants • Animals • Micro-organisms

4. Environments and their Ecosystems1. Aquatic environments Environments can be classified as aquatic (water) or terrestrial (land). Aquatic environments can be either freshwater or marine (saltwater).

5. 2. Terrestrial environments Terrestrial environments are found in different climates and range from deserts, grasslands and rainforests to mountain regions.

6. Cycles of Materials in our Ecosystems and why they are important There are three cycles important to all ecosystems. 1. The Water Cycle 2. The Carbon Cycle and 3. The Nitrogen Cycle There are other cycles but we will look at these cycles in particular and their importance to ecosystems.

7. A Side Track Ever wonder why the Sahara Desert is so big when it lies in a tropical belt where water and vegetative growth should be in abundance. The answer CYCLES. It is thought that over thousands of years man's impact on this region in removing resources, particularly vegetation, has resulted in the cycles no longer functioning, reducing the region to desert. Cycles are that important that each cycle is dependent on the other for the cycles to function.

8. The Carbon Cycle The element carbon is central to all life forms. Carbon is taken in from the air by plants, used by living organisms, and then returned to the air in a continuous cycle.

9. Download Download the worksheets on clementscience web site

10. The Importance of the Carbon Cycle Give a brief discussion below of why carbon is essential for ecosystems Answer: In the context of the Sahara Desert give an explanation as to why the disruption of the carbon cycle caused the desert to form. Answer

11. A Stumper If carbon is so important to our environment why do we have a carbon tax? Answer:

12. The Water Cycle This is a no-brainer in terms of importance to our ecosystems. All life is not just based on carbon chemistry but water chemistry. All biological reactions take place within cells in a bath of water. It is essential for living things. So much so, that NASA looks for water on planets to determine if life would be viable. Interfere with cycle of water and you immediately disrupt the ecosystems that rely on it. Check out the next animation

14. When Man Interferes with The Water Cycle In the previous animation you notice that water naturally flows from land to the sea. Water also transpires from forests. Can you see what has happened over the centuries when man has upset the natural cycle. Discuss how the Murray Darling irrigation system has effected ecosystems. Answer: The main food belt of USA is now becoming known as the Dust Bowl. Hypothesise as to why this has occurred.

15. Rainforests create their won microclimates. The vast vegetation sees large amounts of evaporation which in turns creates thunderstorms which rewater the forest. The Amazon is a prime example of this phenomenon. Currently vast areas are being denuded not for the timber but to grow grass for cattle to produce meet for burger companies. Hypothesise what will like happen with the removal of forests in context of the water cycle. Answer:

16. The Nitrogen Cycle

17. The Nitrogen cycle is about getting nitrogen into plants. Nitrogen is another essential element that is found in proteins and DNA. The only means that plants have of absorbing nitrogen is if it is as a nitrate. It can't be absorbed any other way. The only way animals can get their nitrogen is by eating plants Decomposition and the recycling of waste is essential in the production of nitrates. The removal of bacteria from our soil would have major cosequences on an ecosystem. Man removes nitrogen by removing plants. What are the consequences of such actions and how does man manage the loss of nitrogen?

18. Energy transfer in an ecosystem Light energy Converted into carbohydrates Chlorophyll Photosynthesis Glucose Transported through the plant Respiration Energy for cell processes

20. Uses of energy by organisms Living organisms need a constant supply of energy to maintain cellular activities and stay alive. In ecosystems the initial source of energy is light from the sun. This is used by plants during photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates. Organisms (i.e. plants) that can manufacture their own food from inorganic materials are called autotrophs.

21. Producers and consumers Green plants provide the entire input of energy to an ecosystem and are called producers. When animals (herbivores) eat plants, the carbohydrates stored in plants are converted back into glucose. The glucose is broken down during respiration to provide the animal’s energy requirements. Similarly, when carnivores eat other animals, this chemical energy is passed on.

22. Energy transfer in ecosystems Eaten by animal Plant Converted into other substances Carbohydrates digested to glucose Respiration Energy for animal cellular process

23. Food chains and webs Food chains show the flow of energy through ecosystems. FIRST ORDER CONSUMER SECOND ORDER CONSUMER PRODUCER wallaby dingo grass

24. Food chains and webs Food chains show the flow of energy through ecosystems. FIRST ORDER CONSUMER SECOND ORDER CONSUMER PRODUCER wallaby dingo grass

25. Food webs The interrelationship between many food chains is called a food web.

27. Major Ecosystems of the World

28. Australia’s major ecosystems

29. Humans and Waste Waste created by humans can be divided into organic and inorganic waste. Organic waste can be further divided into natural waste produce by humans ie faecal and urinary waste and Organic waste created by humans through there activities that is organic rubbish. List some forms of organic waste.

30. Inorganic Waste Humans use up p numerous natural resources and in doing so create both organic waste and inorganic waste. List some examples of inorganic waste.

31. A Study in Waste Choose one piece of human waste. Draw a flow chart which shows its origins and the steps taken to create this waste. Identify the energy used in the production of this waste. Eg sewage, scrap metal, waste plastic, paper

32. The Origins of Waste – Natural Resources Waste is a product of natural resources. Natural resources are materials we derive from our environment. As such the processes used to collect these resources eg farming and mining can play a major part in impacting on the environment and the ecosystems that are dependent on the environment. Identify 4 different natural resources 2 biological and 2 geological and discuss the origins of the resource and their economic importance.

33. Biological Resource 1

34. Biological Resource 2

35. Geological Resource 1

36. Geological Resource 2

37. The Cow Dung Cycle Draw a simple flowchart showing the processes that produce cow dung starting from the Sun and production of grass. Label and process you identify.

38. A Stimulus Video on waste and pollution http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxlraxFH29M