Ecology

   We will be exploring temporal changes in an ecosystem. Temporal refers to time so temporal changes simply put mean changes over time. These changes within an ecosystem can result in succession within a species. Species are a type of living organism that are able to breed and live in groups.

 succession

 

 Over time ecosystems change and the reasons behind these changes include climate, weather, new competition, pollution and seasons.

Succession can be defined as the gradual changes in the types of species that live in a certain area can be classed as primary or secondary.

 Primary succession is where life begins in a place without soil, occurring in events such as landslides and flooding. Figure 1

Following an event such as landslides and flooding leaves an environment completely baron until the arrival of a living organism (also known as a pioneer species). These pioneer species are the first things to arrive and are often brought in from the sea such as Lichen. Lichen is a plant that is two species combined together to form two organisms living in harmony with one another. This is known as a symbiotic relationship. Lichen is a plant and fungus combination that aids in the decomposition of rocks. Their diet consists of minerals within the rocks which them breaks these rocks down into a sandy substance. Soil is formed as the lichen continue break down the rock and outside forces from erosion and weather begin to erode and break the sandy substance into smaller pieces. Simple plants begin to emerge from the new soil, (ferns and mosses), once theses simple plants die they add more organic matter to the soil whilst thickening it up. Grassland then develops followed by wildflowers and other plants begin to grow., and as these plants die they add more nutrients in the soil so trees and shrubs are able to survive now. Insects, birds and animals will now be able to move in and survive.

Once everything settles down and stabilises in this environment then it results in a final stage of climax community (stability).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Succesion begins in a damaged environment however is not totally devoid of life, as seeds or roots remain from the plants that were once there grow again, pioneer species may also develop. (some die or are replaced), Climax community then develops as small and large trees grow, (M7 Science, 2015). Secondary succession is featured in figure 2.

 

Succession Of A Pond In A Woodland Area

 

Temporal changes of ecosystem communities for both aquatic and terrestrial can be seen in the succesion of a pond in a woodland area, illustrated in figure 3. The initial stage consists of the pond which begins to fill with sediment from organic such as soil, and animal or plant matter which is rotted down and the pond becomes smaller and shallower. Plants grow and these take up even more space and the pond becomes a wetland. Wetlands then develop into solid ground or Carrs which can be developed nto a woodland. If the pond is conserved then the life of fish and wild fowl can be preserved which is essential to avoid the formation of a woodland. Plant buffers, preventing excess pollutants and preventing excess erosion are essential in maintaining  balanced pond eco systems.

Pollutants from other farms and homes contaminate water in the pond and  promote plant and algae growth (eutrophication). The oxygen levels plummet in the pond  and cause the death of some fish from lack of oxygen, (Texas Aquatic Science, 2016).

 

Climax is the final, stable stage of succession, and Sub climax refers to the stage short of climax as succession can not be completed due to events such as repeated forrest fires.

Sub climax succession of  a Pond can be achieved by using conservation tactics to limit the climax succession of the pond

 

 

Conservation

Strategies to manage wetlands could include tree removal: Cattle and sheep can be introduced to graze and consume saplings or people can manually remove sapligs preventing tree growth.

 

Water can be diverted or dredged to manage systems by removing excess sediment.

 

 

Banks can be increased or expanded or trees can be removed from the edges.

 

New species can be introduced to improve species variations for an ecosystem.

These methods can be implemented  to prevent the wetlands (sub climax) becoming woodlands (climax succession). Flora and fauna species introduction of Spartina Cordgrasss (cordgrasss) was used to provide coastal defences within the Humber Estuary although this has affected roosting habitats for birds.

 

 

Education: Increasing awareness through education is a useful conservation technique. Education can be can promoted through Visiting centres or and enables money to be collected for further conservation efforts.

 

 

Broardwalks can be introduced so people can visit areas without damaging the environment.

Conserving a wetland area is extremely important for maintaining biodiversity of species in an ecosystem, and provide wildlife habitats for these species.

 

Conservation can also be carried out for other ecosystems such as the Humber Estuary uk, by declaring areas are to be protected by laws. Special protection areas have been introduced in the Humber Estuary European Marine site. The RSPB created six Brackish lagoons for encouraging breeding and feeding grounds for avocet and little tern. Maintaining saltmarshes. Commercial fishing for mussels and shrimp have been limited so enough food is available for bird populations and for stock control, (English Nature 1994)

Changes in ecosystems vary in their outcomes. Change can be good for ecosystems as it allows oppurtunities from more species variation and more competition however change is not good for endemic reasons. If a species is endemic in one area (local to an area) then the species may become extinct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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