Natural ecosystem and human activity

Part one- Understanding the ecosystem

What is an ecosystem?

1) Abiotic
2) Biotic

Ecosystem structure and abiotic factors

1) Population and communities

2) Habitat
3) Temperature, water, humidity
4) Oxygen, salinity, light

Ecosystem process

1) Food chain and food web

2) Herbivores and carnivores
3) Primary and secondary consumers
4) Decomposers

Energy flows and nutrient cycles

1) Chemical reactions
2) Consumers of the pyramid
3) Energy flow
4) Mineral cycle

Part 2- Importance of preserving biodiversity

Biodiversity

1) Meaning of biodiversity

Animal and plant sampling

 1) Quadrant
2) ACFOR
3) Pitfall traps and nets
4) Pooters

Causes and impact of habitat loss

1) Extinction and vulnerability

2) Drainage of wetlands
3) Intensive agricultural practices
4) Deforestation
5) Climax community

Causes and impact of deforestation

1) Need for wood

2) Natural disasters
3) Settlements
4) Habitat loss
5) Soil erosion and desertification
6) Climate change

Part 3- Efforts to preserve our biodiversity

Sustainable management of forests

1) Carbon sinks and stores

2) Prevention of soil erosion
3) Ecotourism

Conserving the biodiversity and genetic resources of natural ecosystems

1) Harvesting of wild plants and animals

2) Sustainable forestry and agroforestry
3) Reserves for plants and animals
4) World biosphere reserves