Investigate The Biotic And Abiotic Structure And Function ✓ Solved

Investigate The Biotic And Abiotic Structure and Fu

In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem. You will also investigate how ecosystems recover from disturbance naturally and through human restoration. Choose 1 of the following ecosystems: Tropical rainforest, Grassland, Coral reef, Estuary, Desert. You will write an APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem, including the following elements:

• Describe where this type of ecosystem might be located. Name 1 specific example.
• Describe the structure of the ecosystem.
• List at least 3 specific examples of both abiotic components and biotic components for the ecosystem type selected.
• Describe the function of the ecosystem.
• In your own words, explain or define biogeochemical cycle.
• Describe the steps in the carbon cycle as an example of one biogeochemical cycle.
• Describe disturbance and recovery.
• Describe 1 natural and 1 human-caused disturbance to the ecosystem that you have chosen.
• Describe the damage to the ecosystem for each example, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
• Provide 2 examples of natural resources provided by the ecosystem that you have selected.
• How can these be sustained into the future?
• How can humans act as good stewards to assist ecosystem recovery? Provide 1 example specific to the ecosystem that you have chosen.

Paper For Above Instructions

The ecosystem chosen for this paper is the coral reef, a vibrant underwater habitat found in warm, shallow waters across the globe. Coral reefs are primarily located in tropical regions, particularly around the Caribbean Sea, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Red Sea. This ecosystem stands out not only for its beauty but also for its complex interdependence of living organisms and physical components that contribute to its overall health.

Structure of Coral Reefs

The structure of a coral reef is characterized by its three-dimensional framework composed of calcified coral polyps, which form colonies over time. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate, contributing to the reef’s growth and structure. The reef itself encompasses various microhabitats, providing a unique environment for different species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. The three major components of the reef structure include:

• Coral Polyps: The living organisms that contribute to the reef's growth.
• Rubble Zone: Broken coral and substrate that serves as habitat for many organisms.
• Seagrass Beds: Adjacent areas that support biodiversity and are often associated with coral reefs.

Abiotic and Biotic Components

Coral reefs are influenced by a myriad of abiotic and biotic factors:

Abiotic Components:

• Water Temperature: Most coral reefs thrive in water temperatures between 23°C and 29°C.
• Salinity: Coral reefs are sensitive to changes in salinity, generally thriving in marine environments with a salinity level around 35 ppt.
• Light Availability: Corals require sunlight for the photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues to thrive.

Biotic Components:

• Coral (Stony Corals): The foundational organisms of the reef.
• Fish Species: Such as clownfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish that rely on the reef for habitat and food.
• Algae: Including zooxanthellae, which play a significant role in the energy transformation within the reef ecosystem.

Function of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs serve essential functions, including providing habitat and food for numerous marine species, protecting coastlines from erosion by absorbing wave energy, and supporting local economies through tourism and fishing. Moreover, reefs contribute to global biodiversity and are involved in nutrient cycling, ensuring ecological balance.

Biogeochemical Cycles

A biogeochemical cycle refers to the movement of chemical elements and compounds through biological, geological, and chemical processes within the ecosystem. One crucial biogeochemical cycle is the carbon cycle, which involves the transfer of carbon among living organisms, the atmosphere, oceans, and geological formations. The key steps in the carbon cycle include:

1. Photosynthesis: Plants and algae convert carbon dioxide into organic matter.
2. Respiration: Plants and animals use oxygen to convert organic matter back into carbon dioxide.
3. Decomposition: Dead organic matter is broken down, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or soil.
4. Ocean Absorption: Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

Disturbance and Recovery

Disturbances are alterations that disrupt the ecosystem's structure and function. They can be natural, such as storms or coral bleaching, or human-induced, such as pollution and overfishing. For example, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered from coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures. Such disturbances can lead to significant shifts in both abiotic and biotic characteristics, including reduced biodiversity and altered habitat structures.

Natural and Human-Caused Disturbances

A natural disturbance affecting coral reefs is a hurricane, which can physically damage the coral structure and alter water flow patterns. In contrast, a human-caused disturbance is sedimentation from coastal development, which can smother corals and reduce light penetration essential for photosynthesis.

Damage and Change

These disturbances result in a loss of coral cover, decreased fish populations, and altered community dynamics. As coral structures degrade, the reef habitats can become uninhabitable for many species, thereby diminishing the abiotic balance of the ecosystem.

Natural Resources and Sustainability

Coral reefs provide vital natural resources, such as fisheries and materials for coastal protection. To sustain these resources for future generations, it is essential to adopt practices such as sustainable fishing, pollution control, and habitat restoration efforts.

Human Stewardship

Humans can act as good stewards of coral reefs by participating in conservation initiatives, advocating for protective regulations, and engaging in responsible tourism that minimizes ecological footprints. For instance, organizing beach clean-ups and supporting marine protected areas can significantly contribute to ecosystem recovery.

Conclusion

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems facing numerous threats from both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding their structure and function, along with effective strategies for recovery and stewardship, is imperative for maintaining these ecosystems and preserving their biodiversity.

References

• Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington, DC: Author.
• Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Nature, 543(7645), 373-377.
• Marine Pollution Bulletin, 24(11), 529-536.
• Nature Communications, 6, 7615.
• Reefs at risk revisited in the coral triangle. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute.
• Corals of the world. Townsville, Australia: Australian Institute of Marine Science.
• Coral Reefs, 21(1), 1-4.
• Ecological Economics, 29(2), 215-233.
• Marine Ecology Progress Series, 533, 189-199.