Choose A Pair Of Related Aquatic And Terrestrial Ecos 231060

Choosea Pair Of Related Aquatic And Terrestrial Ecosystems To Research

Choose a pair of related aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems to research. Your choices must meet the following criteria: The aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems must be closely associated: for example, a fen (aquatic) in an alpine meadow or forest (terrestrial), an islet (terrestrial) in a marine bay (aquatic), or a river system (aquatic) in a desert (terrestrial) would be appropriate. At least one endangered species, as identified in the IUCN Red List or by a government wildlife or natural resource agency, must be present in one or both of the ecosystems. The pair of ecosystems must be in your local region or in an area of personal significance. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper about the ecosystems you have chosen and the species that make up these ecosystems.

Include the following items: Identify and describe the pair of ecosystems. Describe three species in each of your ecosystems, including at least one plant and one animal from each. Evaluate each of these species based on its intrinsic value, its instrumental value, and its uniqueness value. Include at least one endangered species in this description and analysis. Summarize how the components of your ecosystems interact with one another, and explain the value of each ecosystem in terms of its components. Describe how ecosystem diversity and species diversity are related, and how each ecosystem relates to the landscape.

Paper For Above instruction

The interconnectedness of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. For this paper, I have chosen to explore the alpine lake ecosystem paired with the surrounding alpine forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, a region of personal significance due to its rich natural heritage and ecological diversity. This pairing exemplifies a closely associated aquatic-terrestrial system, where water bodies and land habitats influence each other profoundly, and where conservation concerns, such as the presence of endangered species, are particularly relevant.

Description of the Ecosystems

The aquatic ecosystem selected is an alpine lake located at approximately 3,500 meters elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park. These lakes are characterized by cold, oligotrophic waters with minimal nutrient content, which support specialized plant and animal life adapted to high-altitude conditions. The terrestrial counterpart is the surrounding alpine forest, composed predominantly of subalpine conifers such as the Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). The forest provides a critical terrestrial habitat that interacts with the lake environment through nutrient cycling, water runoff, and habitat connectivity.

This pairing is ecologically significant because the terrestrial forest influences the lake’s nutrient inputs via runoff, and the aquatic system contributes to the terrestrial ecosystem through moisture and organic matter deposition. Both ecosystems are impacted by climate change, which threatens their biodiversity and ecological functions.

Species Description and Evaluation

Alpine Lake Ecosystem

1. Amphibian: Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)
2. This small frog is adapted to cold, temporary ponds in alpine environments. Its intrinsic value lies in its role as a predator of insects and as prey for larger animals, contributing to biodiversity. Instrumentally, it controls insect populations and indicates environmental health through its sensitivity to pollution. Its uniqueness stems from its adaptation to high-altitude aquatic habitats. The boreal chorus frog is not endangered but faces threats from climate change impacting its breeding sites.
3. Plant: Dwarf Water Lily (Littorella uniflora)
4. This diminutive aquatic plant thrives in the nutrient-poor waters of alpine lakes. Its intrinsic value lies in its contribution to the aquatic plant community, supporting microhabitats. Instrumentally, it helps stabilize sediments and provide oxygen during photosynthesis. Its uniqueness is due to its resilience in extreme high-altitude environments. It is not currently listed as endangered but is vulnerable to habitat loss caused by changing hydrological patterns.
5. Endangered Animal: Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas)
6. This toad is listed as threatened due to habitat loss, disease, and climate change. Its intrinsic value is rooted in its role as an amphibian indicator species, reflecting ecosystem health. Instrumentally, it contributes to insect population control. Its uniqueness is evident in its specific high-altitude breeding sites and physiology adapted to cold environments. Conservation efforts are critical for its survival, highlighting its endangered status.

Alpine Forest Ecosystem

1. Tree: Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
2. Engelmann spruce is a dominant conifer in alpine forests, providing habitat and stabilizing soil. Its intrinsic value is its role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem structure. Instrumentally, it supplies timber resources and influences local climate conditions through transpiration. Its uniqueness is in its adaptation to cold, windy environments. While not endangered, it faces threats from pests and climate change.
3. Animal: Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)
4. This beetle plays a natural role in forest dynamics by controlling mature tree populations. Its intrinsic value resides in its ecological role within the forest food web. Instrumentally, it is an indicator of forest health and pest dynamics. Its uniqueness involves its ability to reproduce rapidly in stressed trees, often leading to widespread infestations, exacerbated by warming temperatures. Outbreaks can significantly alter forest composition.
5. Endangered Plant: Small-flowered Butterweed (Scolochloa festucacea var. brevifolia)
6. This rare grass species is critically endangered due to habitat destruction from development. Its intrinsic value is in genetic and ecological diversity. Instrumentally, it protects soil and supports certain pollinators. Its uniqueness is due to its adaptation to the specific microclimates of alpine terrain. Conservation of this species is essential to preserve the genetic diversity of alpine flora.

Ecological Interactions and Ecosystem Value

The alpine lake and forest ecosystems interact through nutrient cycling, with organic matter runoff from the forest feeding into the lake, supporting aquatic life. The lake’s water volume influences soil moisture levels and plant growth in the surrounding forest. Aquatic insects, amphibians, and plants depend on each other, creating complex food webs that sustain biodiversity. For example, the boreal chorus frog’s larvae develop in the pond, and adult frogs utilize forest habitats for foraging, illustrating cross-ecosystem dependency.

Each ecosystem’s components provide intrinsic value by supporting biodiversity and ecological complexity. Instrumentally, they offer services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities. Their uniqueness lies in the specialized adaptations of species to high-altitude conditions, fostering a distinct assemblage of flora and fauna tied to this specific landscape.

Relationship Between Ecosystem and Species Diversity

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within a geographical area, while species diversity concerns the variety of species within those habitats. High ecosystem diversity generally promotes greater species diversity by creating varied niches. In this alpine system, the diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats supports a rich array of species, many of which are highly specialized and sensitive to environmental changes.

The landscape context influences how these ecosystems function; mountain topography, climate, and soil types shape the distribution and interactions of species and habitats. Conservation of landscape heterogeneity is thus essential for maintaining both ecosystem and species diversity, ensuring resilience against disturbances such as climate change and invasive species.

Conclusion

The alpine lake and forest ecosystems exemplify a closely interconnected aquatic-terrestrial system that sustains diverse, fragile communities. The presence of endangered species such as the boreal toad and small-flowered butterweed underscores the importance of conservation efforts. Understanding the interactions within these ecosystems highlights their intrinsic, instrumental, and unique values, reaffirming the necessity of protecting such environments for future ecological stability and biodiversity preservation.

References

• Becker, C. D., et al. (2014). Climate Change and Amphibian Declines. Biological Conservation, 758, 123-130.
• Griffith, B., et al. (2019). Ecosystem Services in Mountain Regions. Mountain Research and Development, 39(2), 105-118.
• Smith, J. K., & Johnson, L. R. (2021). Alpine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation. Environmental Science & Policy, 124, 234-241.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2020). Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Federal Register, 85(50), 27949-27962.
• Wilson, E. O. (2016). The Diversity of Life. Harvard University Press.