Value of ecosystems: tropical rainforests and corals
- Created by: Anoush
- Created on: 16-12-15 14:57
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- Value of ecosystems
- Economic value
- Maintaining a genetic pool means we can access ecosystems for new medicines.
- 25% of all drugs are from plants.
- Only 1% of rainforest plants have been tested for medicinal use so far.
- E.g.Horseshoe crab, the peptides in its blood look as if it will aid resistance to HIV in humans.
- Rosy periwinkle was source for successful drug for childhood leukaemia.
- 25% of all drugs are from plants.
- A healthy ecosystem can help reduce the financial impacts of floods- interception by the rainforest helps protect flooding and soil erosion.
- No need to use fertilisers- natural nutrient cycle.
- Maintaining a genetic pool means we can access ecosystems for new medicines.
- Cultural/ aesthetic value
- Recreational use. Many want access to natural ecosystems for walking/ outdoor activities. Adds to quality of life.
- Education and scientific research expanding our understanding of the natural world.
- Supporting the lives of local peoples and helping maintain traditional cultures.
- Rainforest aboriginal people are the original owners of the Wet Tropic rainforests. The natural features of the rainforest are interwoven with the people's religion.
- Amerindians- Amazon. Aborigines- Australia.
- Economic value as it attracts tourism.
- Idea of sustainability- we should pass on the same resources we have had access to.
- Ecological value
- Loss of biodiversity makes ecosystems less stable and more vulnerable.
- Plants' ability to photosynthesise provides the base for food chains (they're primary producers). Reduction of biodiversity reduces this ability.
- Carbon sequestration: Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
- Plant communities are essential components in the hydrological cycle. Transpiration recycles water back into the atmosphere and interceptors aid infiltration and reduce rainfall impact.
- Wastes are broken down within ecosystems by bacteria as part of the nutrient cycling process.
- Coral reefs
- South-east Asia is home to over 30% of the world's coral reefs.
- 700 species of coral out of a world total of 1,000.
- Algae photosynthesise and produce 95% of the nutrition for the coral.
- Coral reefs act as a protection for the coastline, breaking the power of the waves before they reach the the land.
- Important as a food source (fish, shellfish), especially for local villages.
- Some reef species e.g. sponges are used pharmaceutical industry to medicine.,
- Highly biodiverse ecosystems- 'rainforests of the sea'.
- Important attraction for tourism. Reef tourism is a growing sector of the market. Snorkelling and scuba diving in income.
- Coral habitats allow relatively easy access for research into complex marine ecosystems. Also important for education about sustainable management of marine systems.
- Economic value
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