Parramatta High School

Year 8 Depth Study 2023

Living System- Researching Component
Student name:
Praneet Kausik Ramu
8 Sci A 8 Sci B 8 Sci C 8 Sci D 8 Sci E 8 Sci G 8 Sci H 8 Sci J 8 Sci K 8 Sci L
Malas Vignone Wells Sharma Singh Singh/ Yu/ Malas/ Goundar Goundar
Shao Sharma Joshi /Kaur

The Depth Study consists of

● Research component- 3 lessons in class to cover the following:
o Ecosystems
o Effects on an Ecosystem
o Human Impact on an Ecosystem

● Written component test- where you can use the notes in your written component to complete
the test.

Task Description:
You are to conduct guided research on the factors that affect the interactions between organisms in
an Australian ecosystem.
You will then be asked a series of questions based on your chosen ecosystem and an unseen
ecosystem.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills
● SC4-4WS identifies questions and problems that can be tested or researched and makes predictions based on
scientific knowledge
● SC4-6WS follows a sequence of instructions to safely undertake a range of investigation types, collaboratively
and individually
● SC4-7WS Processes and analyses data from a first-hand investigation and secondary sources to identify
trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions
● SC4-8WS Selects and uses appropriate strategies, understanding and skills to produce creative and plausible
solutions to identified problems
● SC4-9WS Presents science ideas, findings and information to a given audience using appropriate scientific
language, text types and representations
Content
● LW5 a. Construct and interpret food chains and food webs, including examples from Australian ecosystems.
● LW5b. Describe interactions between organisms in food chains and food webs, including producers, consumers
and decomposers.
● LW5 - Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to conserving and managing sustainable
ecosystems.
● LW5e. Explain, using examples, how scientific evidence and/or technological developments contribute to
developing solutions to manage the impact of natural events on Australian ecosystems.
● LW5d. Predict how human activities can affect interactions in food chains and food webs, including examples
from Australian land or marine ecosystems

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The schedule is shown below.
Week 1 Term 3

Class MonA TueA WedA ThuA FriA

8ScA P2 P2 Lesson 1 P5 Lesson 2
8ScB P4 P2 Lesson 1 P4 Lesson 2
8ScC P5 P2 Lesson 1 P1 Lesson 2
8ScD P4 P1 Lesson 1 P2 Lesson 2 P2 Lesson 3
8ScE Staff P2 P1 Lesson 1
8ScG Development Day P5
8ScH P1 P5 Lesson 1
8ScJ P2 P1 Lesson 1
8ScK P4
8ScL P2

Week 2 Term 3

Class MonB TueB WedB ThuB FriB

8ScA P5 Lesson 3 P3 P5
8ScB P5 Lesson 3 P3
8ScC P1 Lesson 3 P2
8ScD P1 P5
8ScE P1 Lesson 2 P1 Lesson 3 P3
8ScG P4 Lesson 1 P4 Lesson 2 P4 Lesson 3
8ScH P1 P1
8ScJ P1 Lesson 2 P4 Lesson 3 P3
8ScK P4 Lesson 1 P2 Lesson 2 P1 Lesson 3
P4
8ScL P4 Lesson 1 P1 Lesson 2 P5 Lesson 3 P5

Written examination: Thursday Wk. 4 Thursday 10th August

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Ecosystems
Activity 1 Go to the following web links provided below.
https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/organisms-and-environments-competition-abiotic-and-biotic-f
actors
https://www.turito.com/learn/biology/interaction-within-the-environment-grade-6
Complete all the sections on the organisation of an Ecosystem. In the space provided below write a
set of summary notes that will help you understand the factors that affect the interaction between
organisms.
Activity 2: Go to the following web link and watch the Crash Course for Kids videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtb3I8Vzlfg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZhE2p46vJk
Next, complete the Build a food chain game.
https://www.cserc.org/sierra-fun/games/build-a-food-chain-game/
As part of your summary notes answer the following questions while completing the Food chain
game.
a) What are the main components of a food chain?
b) What are the main components of a food web?
c) Explain how a food chain differs from a food web?

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Summary notes:
Main components of a food chain:
There are five main components of a food chain. These include producers, consumers- primary,
higher-level consumers and apex predators, decomposers, detritivores and scavengers.
1. Producers: These are organisms that produce their food, by photosynthesis. They do this by
using sunlight to produce their food. Producers form the base of the food web and are
also known as autotrophs. Autotrophs are usually plants or one-celled organisms.

2. Consumers: These are organisms that eat other organisms or autotrophs, as they can’t
produce their food, unlike the producers.
a. Primary Consumers: Herbivores or primary herbivores are also known as primary
consumers and are organisms that occupy the second trophic level in a food chain.
Primary consumers are direct consumer producers, which are usually plants or
algae, as their primary source of food. These consumers play a crucial role in
transferring energy and nutrients from the producers to a higher trophic level in an
ecosystem.
b. Higher-level Consumers: Higher-level Consumers include secondary, tertiary
consumers and higher. These are usually carnivorous/omnivorous animals such as
snakes, wolves, bears, humans or lions. They eat the primary consumers and play an
important role in regulating populations of lower-level consumers and maintaining
the balance of the ecosystem.
c. Apex Predator: Apex predators are at the top of the food chain and have no natural
predators in their ecosystem. They regulate the population of consumers and play a
crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They help control the
population of higher-level consumers to ensure there are primary consumers in a
habitat.

3. Decomposers: Decomposers are a crucial group of organisms in an ecosystem responsible

for breaking down dead organic matter and returning essential nutrients into the
environment. They play a fundamental role in the process of decomposition. Their activities
help recycle organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil and making them
available for uptake by plants. This nutrient recycling is essential for the growth and
development of living organisms within the ecosystem.

4. Detritivores: Detritivores are organisms that directly feed on partially decomposed organic
matter, known as detritus. They include animals such as earthworms, woodlice, millipedes,
and some insects. Detritivores contribute to the process of decomposition by breaking down
larger pieces of dead organic matter into smaller particles, which increases the surface
area for decomposers to act upon. Unlike decomposers, detritivores are macroscopic
organisms that physically consume the dead material and grind it up in their digestive
system. They play a critical role in the early stages of decomposition, helping to fragment
the dead material and initiating the breakdown process.

5. Scavengers: Scavengers are organisms that feed solely on deceased animals, without
engaging in predatory behaviour. These creatures, also called carrion-eaters, satisfy a
completely unique ecological function, wonderful from decomposers and detritivores. Unlike
the latter, scavengers do not break down organic rely, nor do they release nutrients back
into the atmosphere. Rather, they gather nourishment by eating the remains of lifeless
organisms. By scavenging and removing deceased animals from the environment, they are
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 useful in the method of waste disposal, while additionally preventing the spread of diseases
that may stand up from decaying carcasses. Common examples of scavengers include
vultures, hyenas, crows, and some insects

Main components of the food web:

There are five main components of a food web. (Although it depends) These are:
1) Producers - These are organisms that produce their food through using either
photosynthesis or chemosynthesis(Chemosynthesis occurs in bacteria and other
microorganisms and involves the use of energy released by inorganic chemical reactions to
produce food.) These producers use methods of converting energy from sunlight or
inorganic chemicals to form organic matter. Some examples of producers are grass, moss
and flowers.
2) Consumers - These are organisms that gather energy by consuming other different
organisms. They cannot produce their food and need to consume organic matter. These
consumers can be classified into different trophic levels, but it depends on their position in
the food web.
3) Decomposers - These organisms break down dead organic matter. Decomposers are a very
important part of the food web, as they recycle decomposing material into more simple
substances. Examples of decomposers are different types of fungi and bacteria.
4) Detritivores - These are organisms that feed on detritus, which is dead organic matter in
various forms of decomposition. However, unlike decomposers, detritivores feed on larger
forms of organic material, such as decaying animal carcasses and fallen leaves. Some
examples of this type of organism are earthworms and some insects.
5) Predators and Prey - Predators are organisms that kill and eat other organisms as their
primary food source. They can play a helpful role in thinning out and controlling population
sizes. Prey are organisms that are hunted by predators.

How a food chain differs from a food web:

Simply put, both a food chain and a food web describe the flow of energy and nutrients in an
ecosystem, but they differ in their complexity and scope. A food chain is a direct linear
representation of the nutritional relationships of different organisms in an ecosystem. When living
things eat one another, it depicts energy transfer. For example, in the main terrestrial food chain,
a grasshopper eats grass, which is then eaten by a frog, and the frog may be eaten by a snake. A
chain shows a direct path for transferring energy from producers (such as plants) to consumers
(such as animals). On the other hand, a food web is a more complete and interconnected
representation of food relationships in an ecosystem. It contains several food chains that are
interconnected to form a complex network. In a food web, organisms can have multiple trophic
relationships with multiple other species, reflecting the reality that most species in an ecosystem
have more than one food source and predator. This connectivity ensures that when one species is
affected, it can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. Food webs provide a more realistic
and detailed view of the movement of energy and nutrients through ecosystems, highlighting the
complex and delicate balance of nature.

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Activity 3: Research
Research the following information:`
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is like a living community where plants, animals and smaller organisms live and
interact in a given environment. It is a complex network of relationships where each member has
a role and their actions affect the entire system. residing organisms rely on each other for
meals, refuge, or even replicas. For instance, bees pollinate flora, permitting plants to produce
culmination and seeds that provide meals for different animals and help new vegetation develop
At the same time, predators support prey populations and ensure ecosystem balance. Equally
important are non-living elements such as air, water and sunlight. They provide the resources
necessary for life to thrive and support living parts in their daily activities.
An ecosystem may be as low as a pond or as massive as a jungle, and every has its very own
distinct functions. Lifestyles on the planet depend on the stability and energy of these
ecosystems. This sensitive equilibrium can be disrupted by human activities like deforestation,
pollutants, and weather exchange, which may have detrimental results on both the environment
and us as people.
Describe what is considered an abiotic factor of an ecosystem.
An abiotic factor is a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment. In a
terrestrial ecosystem, examples might include temperature, light, and water. In a marine
ecosystem, abiotic factors would include salinity and ocean currents. Abiotic and biotic factors
work together to create a unique ecosystem.

Examples of abiotic factors include sunlight, water, air, humidity, pH, temperature, salinity,
precipitation, altitude, type of soil, minerals, wind, dissolved oxygen, mineral nutrients present in
the soil, air and water, etc.
Describe what is considered a biotic factor of an ecosystem.
A biotic factor is a living organism that shapes its environment. For example, in a freshwater
ecosystem, biotic factors would be aquatic plants, fish and amphibians. In a tropical ecosystem,
examples of biotic factors would be plants, trees, animals, and insects.

Biotic factors play an important role by interacting with the environment. Different animals and
plants rely on each other to survive. However, in some other situations, biotic factors may cause
harm to the balance of the ecosystem. An example of one of these harmful biotic factors could
be the introduction of an invasive species.

To conclude, biotic factors are factors in an ecosystem that comprise all living organisms. These
organisms interact with each other and rely on each other to survive.

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Activity 4
Choose an Australian ecosystem for your research:
Ecosystem: Great Southern Reef

List the organisms living in this ecosystem.

- Abalone
- Australian Sea Lion
- Blue Swimmer Crab
- Boxfish
- Dumpling Squid
- Giant Australian Cuttlefish
- Giant Kelp
- Golden Decorator Crab
- Golden Kelp
- Golden Weedfish
- Harlequin Fish
- Leafy Seadragon
- Long Spined Sea Urchin
- Nudibranch
- Pipefish
- Port Jackson Shark
- Red Handfish
- Spotted Handfish
- Sea Star
- Skeleton Shrimp
- Smooth Anglerfish
- Sponges
- Southern Bluefin Tuna
- Southern Blue Ringed Octopus
- Southern Calamari
- Southern Dumpling Squid
- Southern Fan Worm
- Southern Right Whale
- Southern Rock Lobster
- Spider Crab
- Sponges
- Spotted Wobbegong
- Weed Whiting
- Weedy Seadragon
- Western Blue Groper

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Construct a food web to show the interactions between organisms including producers, three
levels of consumers, and decomposers in your chosen ecosystem.

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Effects on the ecosystem.
Research how changes in the abiotic and biotic factors in your chosen ecosystem may affect the
food web and the population of each organism. (Suggestion: you may want to create a mind map
first)

Answer: The Great Southern Reef is a vast and diverse aquatic ecosystem located off the southern
coast of Australia. These surroundings are domestic to an extensive range of marine species, from
macroalgae and seagrasses to fish, invertebrates, and mammals. The delicate stability of the food
web within the Great Southern Reef is interdependent on the interactions among abiotic and biotic
factors. Any adjustments in these factors may have serious impacts for the environment.

Abiotic factors discuss the non-living components of an ecosystem, which can include temperature,
water quality, and sunlight. Sunlight is one of the largest abiotic elements that may affect the Great
Southern Reef. Rising sea temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, causing a decline in coral
populations. As corals serve as the foundation of the reef surroundings, this decline could have a
cascading impact on different organisms that depend on them for shelter and food.

Moreover, modifications in ocean currents and water movement styles can also impact the
availability of nutrients and food for numerous marine species. For example, altered currents might
also lead to decreased phytoplankton increase, which may affect the populations of zooplankton and
small fish that depend on them for sustenance. Therefore, this could have a ripple impact on large
predators that prey on these smaller organisms, disrupting the whole food web.

Biotic factors, however, encompass the dwelling components of the ecosystem, such as interactions
between special species. Overfishing is a sizable biotic element that can disrupt the stability of the
Great Southern Reef. If certain fish species are overexploited, their populations can also decline,
affecting the predators that depend on them as a food supply and lead to growth inside the
populations in their prey.

In addition, the introduction of non-native species also can have adverse outcomes on the food web.
Invasive species may outcompete native organisms for resources or introduce new predators that
can devastate neighbourhood populations. This can cause a reduction in biodiversity and modify the
overall structure and dynamics of the environment.

Adjustments in the abundance or distribution of species in the Great Southern Reef can have
resulted in a domino impact on the whole food web. For example, if a selected species that serves as
a number one food source for predators declines, it can cause a lower in the predator populations
due to meal shortage. Consequently, the populations of their prey may additionally increase in the
absence of their natural predators, leading to additional imbalances within the atmosphere.

Universally, the stability of the Great Southern Reef's food web is fairly sensitive to changes in each
abiotic and biotic element. Conservation efforts and sustainable management practices are crucial to
preserving the delicate balance of this environment and retaining the numerous array of marine
species that depend on it for survival. By way of knowledge and addressing the impacts of human
activities and climate change, we can assist in shielding the extraordinary Southern Reef and its
inhabitants for future generations.

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Human impact on the ecosystem.

Assess the environmental impacts on your chosen ecosystem due to the following:
- Urbanisation.
- Agriculture.
- Removal of organisms from the food web.
- Introduced species.
- Change in climate.

You may use the scaffold to assist in your writing.

Answer:
The Great Southern Reef, placed off the southern coast of Australia, is an intensive and particular
marine surroundings that supports a numerous array of marine existence. However, like many
ecosystems around the sector, it is not immune to the impacts of human sports. One tremendous
human-brought-on effect on the tremendous Southern Reef is urbanisation. The coastal
development and growth of towns and cities have caused extended pollution from stormwater runoff,
sewage discharge, and commercial waste. This influx of pollution can degrade water quality and
harm the sensitive balance of the reef's marine existence. Sedimentation from production and land
clearance also can smother coral reefs and seagrass beds, which might be crucial habitats in the
Great Southern Reef.

Agriculture is every other significant issue affecting the Southern Reef. The runoff of agricultural
chemical compounds, such as fertilisers and insecticides, from farms into nearby rivers and streams
can discover its manner into the sea. These chemicals can cause algal blooms and disrupt the
natural stability of the atmosphere, leading to reduced oxygen ranges and potentially dangerous
influences on marine lifestyles. Additionally, excessive land clearing for agriculture can bring about
habitat loss and fragmentation, further contributing to the degradation of the reef's ecosystems.

The elimination of organisms from the food net, through practices like overfishing and
indiscriminate harvesting of marine assets, will have far-accomplishing effects for the Southern
Reef. Overfishing disrupts the herbal predator-prey dynamics and can result in the crumbling of fish
populations, affecting the complete food chain. a few species play important roles in retaining the
reef's fitness, and their decline will have cascading results on other species and environmental
capabilities.

The creation of non-native species poses an extreme chance to the extraordinary Southern Reef's
local biodiversity. Invasive species, whether intentional or unintended, can outcompete native species
for resources and disrupt existing ecological relationships. As an example, invasive marine flora and
animals can overgrow or prey upon native species, leading to imbalances within the ecosystem and
doubtlessly changing the shape of the reef.

Climate exchange is possibly one of the maximum giant demanding situations going through the
first-rate Southern Reef. growing sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and intense climate
occasions are already impacting the reef's delicate ecosystems. Coral bleaching events have become
more common and intense, inflicting considerable mortality on corals. Sea stage rise threatens
coastal habitats and might exacerbate erosion and sedimentation, similarly stressing the reef's
ecosystems.

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In the end, Southern Reef faces numerous environmental challenges because of human activities.
Urbanisation and agricultural runoff degrade water fine and habitats, even as the elimination of
organisms from the internet disrupts ecological stability. The creation of non-local species and the
changing climate in addition compound the atmosphere's vulnerability. To preserve the ecological
integrity of this fantastic reef system, it's far more important to put into effect sustainable practices,
shield crucial habitats, and address the root causes of those environmental impacts.

Glossary:
What is a food chain:

A food chain is a group of organisms linked in order of the food they eat, from producers to
consumers.

What is a Food web:

A Food web consists of all the food chains in a single ecosystem.

Each living thing in an ecosystem is part of multiple food chains.

What is a producer?

Producers, also known as autotrophs, make their own food. They make up the first level of every
food chain. Autotrophs are usually plants or one celled organisms. Nearly all producers use a
process called photosynthesis to create "food" (a nutrient called glucose) from sunlight, carbon
dioxide, and water.

What are the types of consumers?

Primary consumers, Secondary consumers and Tertiary consumers.

What is a Primary consumer?

The second trophic level consists of organisms that eat the producers.

These are called Primary consumers, or herbivores. Deers, turtles and many types of birds are
herbivores..

What is a Secondary consumer?

Secondary Consumers are largely comprised of carnivores that feed on the primary consumers or
herbivores. Other members of this group are omnivores that not only feed on primary consumers
but also on producers or autotrophs. An example of this would be a fox eating a rabbit.

What is a tertiary consumer?

A tertiary consumer is an animal that obtains its nutrition by eating primary consumers and
secondary consumers. Usually tertiary consumers are carnivorous predators, although they may also
be omnivores.

What are trophic levels?

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A trophic level is the relative position of an organism in the food chain. It forms the feeding
positions in a food web or chain.

All food webs and chains have at least two or three trophic levels.

What are the different trophic levels?

First Trophic Level: Autotrophs

Second Trophic Level: Primary Consumers
Third Trophic Level: Secondary Consumers
Fourth Trophic Level: Tertiary Consumers
Fifth Trophic Level: Quaternary Consumers

What are decomposers?

Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, complete the food chain. Decomposers turn organic wastes,
such as decaying plants, into inorganic materials, such as nutrient-rich soil. They complete the cycle
of life, returning nutrients to the soil or oceans for use by autotrophs;

Human Impact on Ecosystems:

The five major impacts humans have on the environment include deforestation, global warming, over
harvesting, pollution and agriculture These have contributed to vast species extinctions, incremental
and continuous rises in the sea level, and record setting hot temperature in the earth's greenhouse
atmosphere.

Solutions to conserving and managing sustainable ecosystems:

By promoting biodiversity, conserving water, managing waste responsibly, supporting local

environmental organisations, engaging in restoration projects, educating and raising awareness,
protecting wildlife, and practising sustainable land use, we can contribute to preserving and
enhancing local ecosystems.

Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef:

In the past 30 years, it has lost half its coral cover,pollution has caused deadly starfish outbreaks,
and global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching.

Human Impact on the Daintree Rainforest:

The forest has already lost a significant portion of its area to agriculture, mining and logging. The
construction of roads and the development of infrastructure are also leading to the fragmentation of
the forest, which can have a severe impact on the ecosystem.

What happens when an Oil leak/spill occurs in the ocean:

Oil spills in the ocean can have a devastating impact on marine life, coastal communities, and the
economy. The effects of an oil spill can vary depending on the size of the spill, the type of oil, and
the location of the spill.
Short-term effects:

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The immediate effects of an oil spill can include:

- Death of marine animals: Oil can coat animals, preventing them from breathing, swimming, or
regulating their body temperature. This can lead to death by drowning, hypothermia, or
starvation.
- Damage to marine habitats: Oil can smother coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other important
marine habitats. This can disrupt food webs and make it difficult for animals to find food and
shelter.
- Pollution of beaches and coastal areas: Oil can wash up on beaches, making them unsightly
and unsafe for recreation. It can also contaminate shellfish beds, making seafood unsafe to
eat.
The long-term effects of an oil spill can include:

- Delayed mortality: Some animals may not die immediately after an oil spill, but may die later
from the effects of exposure to oil.
- Reproductive problems: Oil can damage the reproductive organs of animals, leading to birth
defects and lower birth rates.
- Changes in food webs: The loss of marine animals can disrupt food webs, which can have a
cascading effect on other marine life.
- Economic damage: Oil spills can damage tourism and fishing industries, leading to economic
losses for coastal communities.
There are a number of methods used to clean up oil spills, including:

- Mechanical recovery: This involves using skimmers, booms, and other equipment to physically
remove oil from the water.
- Chemical dispersants: These are chemicals that break up oil into smaller droplets, making it
easier for it to disperse in the water.
- In situ burning: This involves burning oil on the surface of the water.
- Bioremediation: This involves using bacteria to break down oil.
The best method for cleaning up an oil spill depends on the size and location of the spill, as well as
the type of oil.

Preventing oil spills

The best way to prevent oil spills is to take steps to reduce the risk of them happening in the first
place. This includes:

- Improving safety procedures: This includes training workers on how to prevent and respond
to oil spills.
- Inspecting equipment regularly: This can help to identify and fix potential problems before
they lead to a spill.
- Using safer technologies: There are a number of safer technologies available that can help to
reduce the risk of oil spills.
Oil spills are a serious environmental problem that can have a devastating impact on marine life,
coastal communities, and the economy. By taking steps to prevent oil spills and to clean them up
quickly and effectively, we can help to minimise the damage they cause.

What happens when an ocean loses too much kelp:

Kelp forests are important marine ecosystems that provide a variety of benefits, including:

- Food and habitat for marine life: Kelp forests provide food and shelter for a wide variety of
marine animals, including fish, invertebrates, and mammals.
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 - Carbon storage: Kelp forests are important carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Protection from storms: Kelp forests help to protect coastal communities from storm surges
and erosion.
- Water quality improvement: Kelp forests help to filter pollutants from the water, improving
water quality.
When an ocean loses too much kelp, it can have a number of negative consequences, including:
- Loss of marine life: The loss of kelp forests can lead to the loss of food and habitat for
marine life, which can have a cascading effect on other marine ecosystems.
- Increased erosion: The loss of kelp forests can lead to increased erosion, which can damage
coastal infrastructure and threaten coastal communities.
- Decreased water quality: The loss of kelp forests can lead to decreased water quality, as
pollutants are no longer filtered from the water.
- Increased risk of sea level rise: The loss of kelp forests can increase the risk of sea level rise,
as there is less vegetation to help buffer the coastline from waves and storms.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the loss of kelp forests, including:
- Overfishing: Overfishing of kelp-eating fish can lead to a decrease in the number of
kelp-grazers, which can allow kelp populations to grow unchecked.
- Climate change: Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, which can stress kelp
and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Pollution: Pollution can also stress kelp and make them more susceptible to disease.
There are a number of things that can be done to help protect kelp forests, including:
- Sustainable fishing: Sustainable fishing practices can help to ensure that there are enough
kelp-eating fish in the ocean to keep kelp populations in check.
- Climate action: Taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help to slow the rate
of climate change and reduce the stress on kelp forests.
- Pollution reduction: Reducing pollution can help to improve water quality and reduce the
stress on kelp forests.
- Kelp restoration: Kelp restoration projects can help to re-establish kelp forests in areas where
they have been lost.
Protecting kelp forests is important for the health of our oceans and the well-being of the marine
life that depends on them. By taking steps to protect kelp forests, we can help to ensure that these
important ecosystems thrive for generations to come.

What happens when a wildfire occurs in a forest:

When a wildfire occurs in a forest, it can have a devastating impact on the ecosystem. The fire can
burn for days or weeks, destroying trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. The heat from the fire can
also kill animals and insects.

The effects of a wildfire can vary depending on the size of the fire, the type of vegetation, and the
weather conditions. In some cases, a wildfire can completely destroy a forest. In other cases, the
fire may only burn a small area and the forest may recover relatively quickly.

The immediate effects of a wildfire can include:

- Death of vegetation: The fire can burn trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, leaving the ground
bare.
- Death of animals: The heat from the fire can kill animals and insects.
- Pollution of air and water: The smoke from the fire can pollute the air and water, making it
difficult to breathe and unsafe to drink.
- Damage to infrastructure: The fire can damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
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The long-term effects of a wildfire can include:
- Changes in the ecosystem: The fire can change the composition of the ecosystem, leading to
the dominance of different plant and animal species.
- Increased erosion: The fire can remove vegetation that helps to hold the soil in place, leading
to increased erosion.
- Increased risk of flooding: The fire can remove vegetation that helps to absorb water, leading
to increased risk of flooding.
- Economic losses: The fire can cause economic losses, such as damage to property and loss of
tourism revenue.
The recovery of a forest after a wildfire can take many years. The first step is for the fire to stop
burning. Once the fire is out, the forest will begin to regenerate. The first plants to grow back are
usually grasses and shrubs. These plants provide food and shelter for animals, which helps to
kickstart the recovery process. Over time, the forest will return to its former state.

However, some forests may not recover completely after a wildfire. This is especially true if the fire
is very large or if the vegetation is not adapted to fire. In these cases, the forest may be replaced
by a different type of ecosystem, such as a grassland or shrubland.

Wildfires are a natural part of the forest ecosystem. However, the frequency and intensity of wildfires
have been increasing in recent years due to climate change. This is a major concern, as it means
that forests are more likely to be destroyed by wildfires.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of wildfires, such as:
- Preventing human-caused fires: This includes things like campfire safety and prescribed
burns.
- Managing forests: This includes things like thinning vegetation and creating fire breaks.
- Adapting to climate change: This includes things like developing fire-resistant building
materials and creating fire-resistant communities.
By taking steps to reduce the risk of wildfires, we can help to protect our forests and the wildlife
that depends on them.

How has Science and Technology contributed to finding solutions to conserving and managing
sustainable ecosystems:
- Improved understanding of ecosystems: Science has helped us to better understand the
complex interactions between different species and their environment. This understanding has
helped us to develop more effective conservation and management strategies.
- New technologies for monitoring and tracking ecosystems: Technology has made it possible
to monitor and track ecosystems in ways that were not possible in the past. This information
can be used to identify problems early on and to track the effectiveness of conservation and
management efforts.
- New technologies for restoring ecosystems: Technology has made it possible to restore
ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities. This is important because restored
ecosystems can provide a number of benefits, such as improved water quality, increased
biodiversity, and reduced risk of flooding.
- New technologies for sustainable agriculture and forestry: Technology has made it possible to
develop more sustainable methods of agriculture and forestry. These methods can help to
reduce the environmental impact of these activities and to ensure that they are compatible
with the conservation of ecosystems.
These are just a few of the ways that science and technology have contributed to finding solutions
to conserving and managing sustainable ecosystems. As these technologies continue to develop, we
can expect to see even more progress in this area in the years to come.

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Here are some specific examples of how science and technology have been used to conserve and
manage sustainable ecosystems:

- Satellite imagery: Satellite imagery can be used to track changes in land cover, such as
deforestation or desertification. This information can be used to identify areas that are at
risk and to develop conservation and management plans.
- Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering can be used to develop plants and animals that are
more resistant to pests and diseases. This can help to reduce the need for pesticides and
herbicides, which can have harmful impacts on ecosystems.
- Remote sensing: Remote sensing technologies, such as drones and sonar, can be used to
monitor and track wildlife populations. This information can be used to identify populations
that are declining and to develop conservation and management plans.
- Ecosystem restoration: Ecosystem restoration projects are often used to restore damaged
ecosystems, such as wetlands and coral reefs. These projects can help to improve water
quality, increase biodiversity, and reduce the risk of flooding.
These are just a few examples of how science and technology have been used to conserve and
manage sustainable ecosystems. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see
even more progress in this area in the years to come.

The Pet Food Question from before:

PET FOOD: The ‘pet food’ business is booming as more and more people own cats. Catches of small fish
such as anchovy and pilchard need to be increased to satisfy this growing market.

• What are the consequences of increasing harvesting of these small fish?

- Decreased fish populations: If too many small fish are harvested, it can lead to a decrease in fish
populations. This can have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, as small fish are an important
food source for other animals.
- Increased competition for other uses: Small fish are also used for a variety of other purposes, such as
bait, fertiliser, and fish oil. If the demand for small fish for pet food increases, it could lead to increased
competition for these other uses.
- Higher prices: If the supply of small fish decreases, it could lead to higher prices for pet food. This
could make it more difficult for people to afford to feed their pets, especially those who are on a
budget.
- Environmental impacts: The harvesting of small fish can also have a number of environmental impacts,
such as water pollution and habitat destruction.

• Can you think of a more sustainable way to feed pets?

- Feed your pet a plant-based diet. There are a number of plant-based pet foods available that are just
as nutritious as traditional meat-based diets. This is a great way to reduce your pet's environmental
impact, as it requires less land, water, and energy to produce plant-based foods than meat-based
foods.
- Choose pet food that is made from sustainably-sourced ingredients. There are a number of pet food
companies that are committed to using sustainably-sourced ingredients. This means that the
ingredients in their food are produced in a way that minimises the environmental impact.
- Feed your pet less food. Overfeeding your pet is a common problem, and it can have a number of
negative consequences, including obesity, health problems, and environmental impact. By feeding your
pet less food, you can help to reduce their environmental impact and improve their health.
- Recycle pet food packaging. Pet food packaging can be recycled, so it is important to recycle it

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whenever possible. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

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