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SPECIES IN ECOSYSTEMS

Explore the effects of introduced species on ecosystems through research on native vs. introduced species, keystone species, and species diversity. Learn about specialists and generalists in ecosystems and the importance of maintaining a balanced species equilibrium.

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SPECIES IN ECOSYSTEMS

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  1. SPECIES IN ECOSYSTEMS

  2. NATIVE SPECIES • NORMALLY LIVE WITHIN THE GIVEN ECOSYSTEM • EXAMPLES: SNAILS, FIDDLER CRABS AND MARSH GRASS ARE NATIVE SPECIES IN MARSHLANDS

  3. INTRODUCED SPECIES(research topic) • NOT NORMALLY FOUND IN A GIVEN ECOSYSTEM • MAY BE INTRODUCED ACCIDENTLY. EXAMPLE: ZEBRA MUSSEL LARVAE IN SHIPS BILGE. BILGES WERE CLEANED IN THE GREAT LAKES. ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW THRIVE IN GREAT LAKES. (research) • INTRODUCED INTENTIONALLY. EXAMPLE: SALT CEDAR INTRODUCED FOR EROSION CONTROL AND IS NOW INVASIVE

  4. INDICATOR SPECIES(research topic) • NATIVE • SUCCESS PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH OF THE ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM • DECLINE SERVES AS AN EARLY WARNING SIGN OF CHANGES IN ECOSYSTEM • EXAMPLES: Leopard Frogs & SelaginellaMoss

  5. INDICATOR SPECIES Leopard frogs once found throughout wetlands in the U.S. • SelaginellaMoss in Alaskan rain forest

  6. KEYSTONE SPECIES • NICHE AFFECTS MANY OTHER SPECIES • LOSS OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES LEADS TO DECLINE OR EXTINCTION OF OTHER SPECIES • EXAMPLES: SEA OTTER & PRAIRIE DOG

  7. SEA OTTER FOOD WEB SEA OTTERS FEED ON SEA URCHINS, WHICH IN TURN FEED ON ALGAE AND KELP. KELP & ALGAE ARE THE PRIMARY PRODUCERS FOR MARINE LIFE Large populations of sea urchins can destroy kelp beds.

  8. Keystone of the plains Prairie dogs eat grass allowing other plant species to compete. Biodiversity in plant life allows for better grazing of all herbivores. Their grazing manner reduces transpiration & increases plant regeneration. Burrows provide nesting sites for birds, aerate & add nutrients to soil

  9. SPECIES DIVERSITY • NUMBER & ABUNDANCE OF DIFFERENT SPECIES IN COMMUNITY • OLDER COMMUNITIES USUALLY MORE DIVERSE • DIVERSITY LIKELY HELPS ECOSYSTEMS ADAPT TO CHANGES

  10. SPECIES & COMMUNITIES • EDGES - BOUNDARIES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES - MAY BE NATURAL SUCH AS ABRUPT CHANGE IN ROCK, DISTURBANCES SUCH AS FLOODS OR FIRES, OR HUMAN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FARMS • ECOTONES - TRANSITION AREA AT EDGES WHERE SPECIES FROM ADJOINING COMMUNITIES COMPETE. MAY FORM NEW COMMUNITIES.

  11. Ecotones may form specialized habitats

  12. CLASSIFICATION OF SPECIES BY NICHE • SPECIALISTS: ONLY OCCUPY FEW NICHES. HAVE NARROW TOLERANCE FOR CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENT AND/OR FOOD. LESS COMPETITION. PRONE TO EXTINCTION WITH EVEN SMALL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES. EXAMPLE: KOALA • GENERALISTS: OCCUPY BROAD RANGE OF NICHES. BROADER TOLERANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES. MORE COMPETITION. BETTER ADAPTORS. EXAMPLE: CRABS

  13. SPECIALISTS Koalas eat only eucalyptus leaves which are low in protein, hard to digest and have compounds that are toxic to most species.

  14. GENERALISTS CRABS WILL EAT snails, mussels, clams, other crabs, isopods, barnacles, algae & more. CRABS CAN LIVE in estuaries, the rocky intertidal region and sandy beach areas. Crabs compete with birds, fish & other crustaceans

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