| Impact of human activity on ecosystems |
Study the impact of human activity on ecosystems in
terms of how this activity modifies the structure of the
system. Study the processes that operate within the
ecosystem in terms of changes in species diversity and
number, input flow, output, energy transfer, nutrient
cycle, productivity level and sustainability. |
Human impacts: forestry, farming,
pollution |
Study human impacts through detailed case studies of
three ecosystems, including at least one forest and one
grassland biome. Be familiar with the factors affecting
development of the selected biomes such as climatic
factors (precipitation, temperature, wind, humidity,
light, seasonality, growing season), soil factors (acidity,
depth, texture, structure, organic, mineral, water and
air content), landscape factors (aspect, slope, altitude)
and biotic factors (competition between plants and
animals). |
| Management and conservation |
Study the location, vegetation, fauna and soil type(s)
associated with the relevant biome, as well as the
climatic background. Understand the nature and
intensity of the human impact upon the system,
including management and conservation strategies. |
