ecosystems

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  • ecosystems B7
    • stable ecosytem
      • rainforest
        • losses and gains balanced
          • water out - rivers;
          • water in - rainfall
      • vegetation
        • prevents soil erosion
        • leaves protect soil from direct rainfall
        • prevents extremes of temperature
        • promotes cloud formation
    • human impact
      • unbalance
        • eutrophication - nitrates added by farmers
        • biomass - over fishing, unsustainable timber harvesting
        • clearing vegetation
          • reduces biodiversity
          • increases soil erosion
          • desrtification
        • non-recyclable waste
          • heavy metals - mercury
            • build up to harmful levels
              • bioaccumulation
      • not closed loop systems
        • non-recyclable waste
          • heavy metals - mercury
            • build up to harmful levels
              • bioaccumulation
        • fossil fuels
          • produces waste emissions
            • carbon oxides
          • fossil sunlight energy
          • decay of organisms
    • managing ecosystems
      • humans rely on ecosystems
        • Fertile soil
        • clean air, water, food
        • pollination
      • using resources sustainably
        • sustainability
          • meeting needs without harming the environment
            • allow future generations to meet their needs
        • replace resources at a safe rate
          • planting new trees
          • fishing quotas
      • sunlight is a sustainable source
        • cannot be used up by human activity
        • natural ecosystems
          • photosynthesis
        • sustainable agaculture
          • powering equipment
      • conflicting with community needs
        • decisions
          • producing more at the expense of the ecosystem
            • desertification
  • decay of organisms
  • replace resources at a safe rate
    • planting new trees
    • fishing quotas

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