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
