RNR 1001 Chapter : Chapter 2 Shit
Document Summary
Resource conservation can be viewed as applied ecology. Ecology is a relatively young science (mid-20th century) The sum total of all biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors that affect an organism. Applied ecology - manipulation of organisms and their environment to achieve specific objectives. Good science, conservation, and management depends on good objectives. Applied ecology requires a thorough understanding of all of the effects of the proposed manipulations. There are always positive and negative consequences when we change habitats. Applied ecology therefore is dependent on understanding how nature works and the complex responses that living organisms exhibit when their environment is altered. Life in the biosphere depends on photosynthesis (plants take inorganic substances and make organic molecules) by autotropic organisms. Earth systems also include: atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), geosphere (rocks and soil), and the cryosphere (ice) Photosynthesis in terrestrial systems is primarily dependent on temperature, water availability, and nutrient concentrations.
