Ecosystems - WJEC Geography A-level

Introduction to Ecosystems

• Definition of an ecosystem: a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
• Importance of ecosystems in supporting life and maintaining ecological balance.

Components of Ecosystems

• Biotic Components: All living organisms in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Abiotic Components: Non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem, including sunlight, air, water, minerals, and temperature.

Types of Ecosystems

• Terrestrial Ecosystems: Forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra.
• Aquatic Ecosystems: Freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds) and marine (oceans, seas) environments.

Functions of Ecosystems

• Energy Flow: Transfer of energy from one organism to another in a food chain or food web.
• Nutrient Cycling: Recycling of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through biogeochemical cycles.
• Ecological Interactions: Predator-prey relationships, symbiosis, competition, and cooperation.

Human Impact on Ecosystems

• Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and urbanization as major threats.
• Conservation efforts and sustainable practices to protect and restore ecosystems.

Case Studies

• Examples of successful and failing ecosystem management.
• Analysis of specific ecosystems (e.g., Amazon rainforest, coral reefs).

Conclusion

• Summary of ecosystems' role in biodiversity and human survival.
• Call to action for sustainable management and conservation efforts.