(par 3.10.2) What Happens if Something Disrupts the Ecosystem
by Kari Norborg Carter, Demand Media http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/happens-something-disrupts-ecosystem-38354.html Ecosystems are dynamic, ever-changing communities of interdependent organisms and their environment. When disaster strikes, natural ecosystems can be affected just as humans communities are. Natural and human-caused disturbances and disasters can alter or devastate an ecosystem temporarily or for an extended period of time. But like human communities, […]
(par 3.10.2) State of equilibrium
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-equilibrium.htm Equilibrium is a state in which no net change is occurring. Something in a state of equilibrium could be considered to be stable, balanced, or unchanging, and such a state is extremely rare, usually only existing for brief periods of time before something disturbs the balance. This concept is very important in the sciences, […]
(par 3.10.1) Change in the Environment – Ask an Indicator Species
http://www.dw.de/change-in-the-environment-ask-an-indicator-species/a-18009616 Indicator species such as pikas or frogs can signal a biological change in an ecosystem and can be used to diagnose its overall health, helping conservation efforts. Yet, picking the right indicator is not easy. Polar bears straddling melting ice may be the most visible global symbol of climate change. But another harbinger, say […]