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3.1 How Changes Occur Naturally in Ecosystems . By the end of section 3.1 you should be able to understand the following: Over time, and many generations, organisms change along with the biotic and abiotic factors in their environments through the process of natural selection .
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3.1 How Changes Occur Naturallyin Ecosystems • By the end of section 3.1 you should be able to understand the following: • Over time, and many generations, organisms change along with the biotic and abiotic factors in their environments through the process of natural selection. • In natural selection, the best-adapted members of a species survive, grow strong and reproduce more easily than the rest of that species. • In ecosystems, ecological succession (primary succession and secondary succession) also occurs, as changes tend to favour certain ecological conditions over others as an ecosystem matures.
3.1 How Changes Occur Naturally in Ecosystems • Natural selection • process where individuals with advantages are better able to reproduce and pass along their traits.
Example: • The Finches of the Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador) • There are 13 species of finches on the island… http://science.discovery.com/videos/100-greatest-discoveries-shorts-natural-selection.html
All the species are descended from one finch species on the mainland. • Each species has uniquecharacteristics that allows them to thrive in their own niche, • and not compete with other finches for resources. • Adaptive radiation • a form of natural selection when many different species appear from one original species.
Natural Changes to Ecosystem Life Without People
1) Steps of Primary Succession • Pioneer Speciesare the first organisms to survive and reproduce. e.g. Lichens and mosses
Disturbances that Might Cause Secondary Succession • Flooding • Leads to soil erosion, • spread of pollutants and harmful bacteria associated with sewage • Climate change and global warming may be increasing incidents of flooding. • A tsunami occurs when huge waves from large earthquakes, flood coastal areas.
Disturbances that Might Cause Secondary Succession - Most insects are helpful, but when normal conditions change, infestations can occur. - Example: Mountain Pine Beetle: Usually it is not a problem…it helps remove old trees, but…. • Drought • Insect infestation
In our forests there are … • a lot of old trees, • the climate is warming, and • the bugs are not dying in the winter. Pine beetle has • blue stain fungus in its mouthparts, which it transmits to the trees (symbiotic relationship). • Fungus slows down resin production on trees so the beetle can eat the tree more easily.