What is an ecosystem? What is an Ecosystem? An ecosystem includes all of the living things (plants, animals and organisms) in a given area, interacting with each other, and also with their non-living environments (weather, earth, sun, soil, climate, atmosphere). Ecosystems are the foundations of the Biosphere and they determine the health of the entire earth system. In an ecosystem, each organism has its own niche or role to play. Consider a small puddle at the back of your home. This very complex, wonderful interaction of living things and their environment, has been the foundations of energy flow and recycle of carbon and nitrogen. Anytime a ‘stranger’ (living thing(s) or external factor such as rise in temperature) is introduced to an ecosystem, it can be disastrous to that ecosystem. Usually, biotic members of an ecosystem, together with their abiotic factors depend on each other.
Mocomi.com - Where kids can learn, discover, explore, play and more! Threats to Ecosystems Anything that attempts to alter the balance of the ecosystem potentially threatens the health and existence of that ecosystem. Some of these threats are not overly worrying as they may be naturally resolved provided the natural conditions are restored. Other factors can destroy ecosystems and render all or some of its life forms extinct. Here are a few: Habitat Destruction Economic activities such as logging, mining, farming and construction often involve clearing out places with natural vegetative cover. Pollution Water, land and air pollution all together play a crucial role in the health of ecosystems. Eutrophication This is the enrichment of water bodies with plant biomass as a result of continuous inflow of nutrients particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Invasive species Any foreign specie (biological) that finds its way into an ecosystem, either by natural or human introduction can have an effect on the ecosystem. Overharvesting UV Radiation
Better Lesson India just banned all forms of disposable plastic in its capital | The Independent India’s capital city Delhi has introduced a ban on disposable plastic. Cutlery, bags, cups and other forms of single-use plastic were prohibited by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). There is particular concern in the country about the amount of plastic waste it produces. The ban affects the whole National Capital Territory (NCT) area of Delhi. It was introduced after complaints about the illegal mass burning of plastic and other waste at three local rubbish dumps, which has been blamed for causing air pollution. The Tribunal said in a statement: “Each of these sites is a depiction of the mess that can be created for environment and health of people of Delhi. “We direct that use of disposable plastic is prohibited in entire NCT of Delhi. “The Delhi government shall take steps for storage and use of plastic materials.” The ban came into force at the start of this month. India elephants with knitted jumpers Reuse content
HippoCampus The Tree of Hope - A compilation of messages World Environment Day, 5 June 2011 Celebrating the International Year of Forests 2011 The Tree of Hope A compilation of messages The ‘Tree of Hope’ was one of the popular attractions of the ICIMOD Open House Day 2011, held on 12 March. What were the messages? Messages of all kinds adorned the tree; some reflected on the values of forests, their spiritual significance, their role in sustaining all kinds of biodiversity, and their tangible and intangible services to people. The message from the youngest one read, “People cut trees and I don’t like it”. Here we make an effort to compile the essence of all the messages as take-home statements that may inspire us to be responsible on our part.
HowStuffWorks Earth Hour UK What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is an annual global campaign that encourages people and businesses around the world to switch off electricity at the same time for one hour. Earth Hour started in Australia in 2007 when 2.2 million people in the city of Sydney turned off all non-essential lights for an hour. Since then it has grown to a massive global event. In 2013, millions of people in 7,000 cities and towns around the world switched off their lights for 60 minutes at the end of March. Who organises Earth Hour? Earth Hour is organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Why March? The end of March is around the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, so sunset times in both hemispheres are at similar times. UK events In 2013 in the UK, the pop group McFly gave a live acoustic performance (using no electricity!) #passthepanda The WWF’s famous panda logo recently helped to promote Earth Hour.
Homeschool Freebie of the Day Less Plastic. In your Life. On the Planet. - Less Plastic Homeschool Helper Online