Question

Watch Ecosystem Services, and then read Levels of Organization (all), and Ecology (Wikipedia) sections 1-1.7 and 2.1 (Holism).

Turn this assignment in online, AND bring to class a copy of your answers to the following questions, either a hard copy or on a tablet or laptop.

In a few sentences, describe an example of an ecosystem service.

Describe an example of each level of biological organization above the level of the individual organism.

In a single paragraph, explain the difference between niche construction and ecosystem engineering.

Write down two questions about things you do not understand in the reading.

Answer 1

1). In a few sentences, describe an example of an ecosystem service.

The following are the four types of ecosystem services:

1). Habitat services: Habitats with different environmental conditions provide the unique locations of evolution, which also provide habitat for various migratory species.

2). Provisioning services: The essentials of life such as food, water, shelter, medicines and genetic resources.

3). Regulating services: The limitations of each environmental condition such as regulation of climatic conditions, regulation of natural hazards, pollination, purification of water and waste management.

4). Cultural services: The non-material benefits such as intellectual, spiritual and ethical development.

Q2). Describe an example of each level of biological organization above the level of the individual organism.

The ecosystem services provided by soil microbes:

The ecosystem services provided soil microbes can be particularly linked to the plant life and soil diversity. Several of the microorganisms are symbiotic with plants and play an important role in plant growth and soil quality, and thus, enhances the soil biodiversity. The soil organisms allow the plant growth and indirectly prevent the soil erosion, help in maintaining the balance between the soil and the other ecosystems. The manures spread over the field, the dead plants and animals, etc. are decomposed by the microbes and return the nutrients back to the soil in their free form. These nutrients can be directly used by the plants, and they again release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (carbon cycle). Similarly, the nitrogen is also fixed by the soil microbes, which is taken up by the plants, the animals eat plant products, get the nitrogen and again return back to the soil after they die. Thus soil bacteria play an important role in carbon and nitrogen cycle.