Ecology and Environmental Conservation

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 in Geography

Introduction

Ecology studies the interactions of organisms with each other and their physical environment. It explores how environmental factors (biotic and abiotic) influence life, regulating the number and abundance of species in specific locations and times. A living environment comprises interconnected biotic, abiotic, and social elements. Human interaction with the environment has intensified, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, leading to environmental and social problems. Humanity must address these challenges, often through international cooperation. Environmental education aims to cultivate a value system that promotes environmental preservation and improvement.

Environment and Conservation

Definitions Related to the Concept of Environment

The environment encompasses all influencing factors on an organism, including abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) elements, and the organism itself acts as a factor. Two primary physical environments exist: terrestrial, where water availability is limited, and aquatic, encompassing seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers.

A related concept is population—individuals of the same species living together, characterized by size, density, and distribution. A biological community consists of interacting populations of different species in a given area, characterized by biodiversity and physical structure.

Environmental Factors

Organisms have adapted to their specific conditions through evolution. These conditions include temperature, light, humidity, soil composition, salinity, and oxygen concentration. A species’ habitat is the physical space where it lives. Optimal conditions maximize a species’ reproductive success.

Relationships within Populations and Communities

Intraspecific Relationships (within a population)

These can be competitive or cooperative:

  • Competition: Interaction between individuals of the same species vying for limited resources (light, food, etc.).
  • Colony: Permanent grouping of individuals descended from a common parent (e.g., corals).
  • Family: Temporary or permanent organization for reproduction (monogamous or polygamous).
  • Gregariousness: Large groups for security, defense, foraging, and reproduction (e.g., flocks, herds, schools).
  • Society: Organized group with interdependence for survival (e.g., bees, ants).

Interspecific Relationships (between species)

These occur between individuals of different populations within the same community:

  • Predation: One species captures and consumes another, maintaining population balance.
  • Parasitism: One species (parasite) feeds on another (host), causing harm without killing.

Preserving the Environment

Environmental degradation, exacerbated by human population growth, consumerism, and resource consumption, is a critical issue. Sustainable development aims to balance economic progress with equitable wealth distribution and environmental protection. The 1987 Brundtland Report defined it as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Achieving sustainability requires measures like slowing population growth, controlling pollution, promoting research, using renewable energy, and preserving biodiversity. The 1992 Earth Summit emphasized sustainable development, particularly North-South cooperation. Effective conservation requires changing approaches, attitudes, and behaviors through education and legislation. Protected area designations like parks and reserves are crucial conservation tools.

Relationships Between Ecosystem Elements

An ecosystem comprises interacting living and nonliving components through which energy flows and matter cycles. Trophic levels are:

  1. Producers (Autotrophs): Use light energy to produce organic matter (photosynthesis).
  2. Consumers (Heterotrophs):
    • Primary Consumers: Herbivores.
    • Secondary Consumers: Carnivores.
  3. Decomposers: Break down organic matter, releasing inorganic compounds.

Energy Flow

Energy enters as light, captured by plants, and flows through the food chain. Energy is lost as heat during respiration. Energy flow is unidirectional and open, while matter cycling is closed.

Biogeochemical Cycles

These cycles describe the movement of essential elements (carbon, water, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur) through biological and nonbiological processes. The geological environment (atmosphere, earth’s crust, oceans) and biological components (producers, consumers, decomposers) interact in these cycles.

Self-Regulation

Energy flow and matter cycling drive ecological succession, a self-regulatory process. An ecosystem progresses through stages until reaching a relatively stable climax community.

Human Impact on Nature

Environmental Problems

  1. Climate Change (Greenhouse Effect): Increased greenhouse gas concentrations (CO2, water vapor, methane) trap heat, leading to global warming. Consequences include rising sea levels, ecosystem changes, and altered weather patterns. Solutions involve reducing emissions, using renewable energy, and protecting forests.
  2. Ozone Layer Depletion: Chemicals like CFCs deplete stratospheric ozone, increasing harmful UV radiation. This can lead to skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system suppression.
  3. Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction, deforestation, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change contribute to biodiversity loss.
  4. Air and Water Pollution: Emissions from vehicles, industry, and heating pollute the air. Acid rain damages ecosystems and infrastructure. Water pollution contaminates water sources, harming aquatic life and human health.
  5. Soil and Freshwater Acidification: Acid rain acidifies soils and freshwater, reducing fertility and harming aquatic life.
  6. Desertification: Overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable land use contribute to desertification, reducing land productivity.
  7. Waste Management: Increasing waste requires effective management strategies like selective collection, recycling, composting, and proper landfill disposal.
  8. Freshwater Management: Access to clean water is a critical issue, particularly in developing countries.
  9. Coastal Zone Alteration: Pollution, particularly from landfills and plastics, harms coastal ecosystems.
  10. Urban Pressure: Urbanization leads to air and noise pollution, traffic congestion, and increased resource consumption.

Environmental Education

Addressing environmental problems requires changing attitudes and behaviors through education. Environmental education promotes awareness, fosters scientific understanding, and encourages responsible action.

Educational Intervention

Curriculum Integration

Environmental education should be integrated into the curriculum, focusing on topics like resource use, human impact, and responsible behavior.

Educational Resources

Teachers play a key role in environmental education, utilizing resources like field trips, printed materials, audiovisuals, and computer programs.

Conclusion

Environmental conservation encompasses a wide range of concepts, from spatial awareness to human impact on nature. Understanding these concepts is crucial for addressing environmental challenges.

References

  • Roberts, L. “Global Resources.” Ministry of Environment, Madrid 1998.
  • Tatamá, R. “Ecology and Sustainable Development.” Alianza Ed., Madrid 1995.