10.4 Ecosystem services and biodiversity
5 min read•august 16, 2024
Climate change is reshaping ecosystems worldwide, altering their functioning and the services they provide. From shifts in species distribution to disruptions in water regulation and pollination, these changes have far-reaching consequences for both nature and human societies.
Biodiversity loss is a major concern as climate change impacts vulnerable ecosystems like coral reefs. This loss cascades through food webs, affecting everything from pest control to nutrient cycling. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies.
Climate Change's Impact on Ecosystems
Ecosystem Functioning and Services
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Top images from around the web for Ecosystem Functioning and Services
Frontiers | Climate Change Effects on Secondary Compounds of Forest Trees in the Northern Hemisphere View original
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Frontiers | Global Drivers on Southern Ocean Ecosystems: Changing Physical Environments and ... View original
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Frontiers | Editorial: Biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services: Interrelationship with ... View original
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- Climate change alters ecosystem functioning through shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events
- Temperature changes affect species distribution and phenology
- Altered precipitation patterns impact water availability and ecosystem productivity
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts) disrupt ecosystem stability
- Climate-driven changes in ecosystem services include alterations in:
- Water regulation (changes in hydrological cycles)
- Pollination (mismatches between plant flowering and pollinator activity)
- Pest control (shifts in predator-prey relationships)
- Nutrient cycling (altered decomposition rates and soil microbial activity)
- Tipping points in ecosystems can lead to rapid, irreversible changes when critical thresholds are crossed
- Example: Amazon rainforest transitioning to savanna due to deforestation and drought
- Example: Arctic permafrost thawing, releasing stored carbon and methane
Biodiversity Loss and Vulnerable Ecosystems
- Biodiversity loss due to climate change occurs through:
- Habitat degradation (melting sea ice for polar bears)
- Species range shifts (poleward movement of many species)
- Phenological mismatches between interdependent species (timing of bird migration and insect emergence)
- Coral reef ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change
- Ocean acidification reduces coral calcification rates
- Warming leads to coral bleaching events (loss of symbiotic algae)
- Reduced biodiversity impacts reef-dependent species (fish, crustaceans)
- Climate change impacts on ecosystem services have cascading effects on human societies
- Food security (reduced crop yields, changes in fish stocks)
- Water availability (altered precipitation patterns, glacier melt)
- Economic stability (impacts on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism)
Ecosystems' Role in Climate Regulation
Carbon Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Ecosystems play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, acting as both sources and sinks of greenhouse gases
- Forests, particularly tropical rainforests, are major carbon sinks
- Sequester large amounts of carbon in biomass (trunks, branches, leaves)
- Store significant carbon in soils through root systems and leaf litter
- Example: Amazon rainforest stores an estimated 150-200 billion tons of carbon
- Wetlands and peatlands store disproportionately large amounts of carbon
- Peatlands cover only 3% of Earth's land surface but store 30% of soil carbon
- Can become sources of methane emissions under certain conditions (warming, drainage)
Oceanic Carbon Sequestration and Climate Regulation
- Oceanic ecosystems contribute significantly to global carbon sequestration
- Phytoplankton absorb CO2 through photosynthesis
- Marine vegetation (seagrasses, mangroves) store "blue carbon"
- Biological pump transfers organic matter to deep ocean, sequestering carbon long-term
- The albedo effect of different ecosystems influences climate patterns
- Snow-covered tundra reflects more sunlight than forests
- Changes in vegetation cover can alter regional temperature and precipitation
Ecosystem Degradation and Climate Feedbacks
- can lead to positive feedback loops
- Carbon release from damaged ecosystems exacerbates climate change
- Example: Deforestation releases stored carbon and reduces future sequestration capacity
- Example: Thawing permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas
- Ecosystem restoration can enhance carbon sequestration
- Reforestation and afforestation projects
- Wetland and peatland restoration initiatives
Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Resilience
Ecosystem Stability and Functioning
- Biodiversity loss reduces
- Diminishes capacity to withstand and recover from disturbances
- Reduces functional redundancy (multiple species performing similar roles)
- Loss of has disproportionate effects on ecosystem functioning
- Can lead to trophic cascades (changes across multiple )
- Example: Sea otter decline in Pacific Northwest led to kelp forest ecosystem collapse
- Reduced within species decreases adaptive capacity
- Limits ability to evolve in response to environmental changes
- Example: Low genetic diversity in cheetahs increases vulnerability to diseases
Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Human Well-being
- Biodiversity loss impacts crucial ecosystem services
- Food provision (reduced crop and livestock diversity)
- Water purification (loss of filtering organisms in aquatic ecosystems)
- Disease regulation (altered host-pathogen dynamics)
- Loss of biodiversity in agricultural systems increases vulnerability
- Greater susceptibility to pests and diseases
- Reduced resilience to climate variability
- Example: Irish Potato Famine caused by reliance on a single potato variety
- Cultural and aesthetic values associated with biodiversity contribute to well-being
- Eco-tourism opportunities
- Traditional ecological knowledge and practices
- Spiritual and cultural significance of certain species or ecosystems
Conservation Strategies for a Changing Climate
Adaptive Management and Protected Areas
- Protected area networks designed with climate change in mind
- Incorporate potential species range shifts and habitat alterations
- Example: Corridor planning for species movement between protected areas
- Connectivity conservation focuses on maintaining and restoring ecological corridors
- Facilitates species movement in response to changing climatic conditions
- Example: Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
- Ecosystem-based adaptation approaches integrate biodiversity conservation
- Combine climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Example: Mangrove restoration for coastal protection and carbon sequestration
Innovative Conservation Techniques
- Ex situ conservation strategies serve as insurance policies for at-risk species
- Seed banks preserve plant genetic diversity (Svalbard Global Seed Vault)
- Captive breeding programs maintain populations of endangered species
- Assisted migration involves intentional relocation of species
- Moves species to areas more suitable under future climate conditions
- Example: Translocation of Florida torreya trees to cooler northern habitats
- Community-based conservation initiatives engage local stakeholders
- Enhance effectiveness and sustainability of conservation actions
- Example: Community-managed marine protected areas in the Pacific Islands
Conservation Financing and Policy
- Innovative financing mechanisms incentivize biodiversity conservation
- Payments for ecosystem services reward landowners for conservation
- REDD+ programs (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
- Policy integration of climate and biodiversity objectives
- Mainstreaming biodiversity into climate adaptation and mitigation policies
- Example: European Union's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 linked to climate goals
- International cooperation and agreements
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets
- Paris Agreement recognition of ecosystem-based approaches
Key Terms to Review (18)
Biodiversity Hotspots: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in unique species and under significant threat from human activities. These areas are crucial for conservation efforts because they contain a high number of endemic species and have experienced considerable habitat loss, making their protection vital for maintaining global biodiversity. Understanding biodiversity hotspots helps to prioritize conservation strategies, particularly in ecosystems influenced by tropical, temperate, and polar climates where species diversity can vary dramatically.
Conservation Biology: Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study and protection of biodiversity, aiming to understand the causes of biodiversity loss and develop strategies to preserve and restore ecosystems. This field emphasizes the importance of maintaining ecosystem services, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation, which are crucial for human survival and well-being. It also explores the interdependence between species and their habitats, highlighting the role of biodiversity in maintaining the health and resilience of ecosystems.
Cultural services: Cultural services are the non-material benefits that ecosystems provide to people, contributing to cultural identity, recreation, and overall well-being. These services include opportunities for tourism, artistic inspiration, spiritual enrichment, and education, which enhance the human experience and foster a connection to nature. They play a vital role in promoting mental health and community cohesion by allowing people to engage with and appreciate their surroundings.
E.O. Wilson: E.O. Wilson was an influential American biologist, naturalist, and author known for his work in the fields of biodiversity and conservation biology. His research emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the role it plays in ecosystem services, highlighting how the loss of species can significantly impact ecological stability and human well-being.
Ecosystem degradation: Ecosystem degradation refers to the decline in the health and functionality of an ecosystem due to various pressures, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. This process diminishes biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services, which are the benefits that humans derive from healthy ecosystems, including clean air, water, and food production. As ecosystems degrade, their ability to support diverse plant and animal life diminishes, further impacting the services they provide to society.
Ecosystem Resilience: Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and still maintain its basic structure and function. This concept highlights how ecosystems can recover from stressors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species, while continuing to provide essential services like clean water, air purification, and biodiversity support. Understanding ecosystem resilience is crucial as it relates directly to the health and sustainability of biodiversity and the ecosystem services that humans depend on.
Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a particular species or population. This diversity is essential for the adaptability and resilience of species, allowing them to survive and thrive in changing environmental conditions. It plays a critical role in ecosystem services by enhancing productivity, stability, and the ability to recover from disturbances.
Habitat destruction: Habitat destruction refers to the process by which natural habitats are rendered unable to support the species present, leading to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services. This destruction can result from various human activities, including deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and pollution, severely impacting ecosystems' ability to function effectively and provide resources for both wildlife and humans. The loss of habitat directly affects the delicate balance of ecosystems and poses significant risks to health and disease transmission.
Invasive Species: Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced to a new environment, where they can disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species for resources. These species can lead to significant changes in biodiversity, often resulting in ecological imbalances and a decline in native populations. Understanding their impact is crucial for preserving ecosystem services and maintaining biodiversity.
Keystone Species: A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. These species play crucial roles in maintaining the structure and stability of their ecosystems, often influencing the types and numbers of other species present. The removal or decline of a keystone species can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem, potentially causing a collapse of the ecological community.
Land-use change: Land-use change refers to the alteration of the natural landscape caused by human activities, such as agriculture, urban development, and deforestation. This change significantly impacts ecosystem services and biodiversity, as it can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and changes in the distribution of plant and animal species. The way land is used influences ecological processes, and understanding these changes is crucial for conservation efforts and sustainable development.
Provisioning services: Provisioning services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, including the supply of food, fresh water, timber, fiber, and genetic resources. These services are vital for human survival and economic activities, as they provide essential materials and resources that support livelihoods and well-being. The ability of ecosystems to deliver these services is closely linked to biodiversity, as a diverse range of species can enhance productivity and resilience in natural environments.
Regulating Services: Regulating services are the benefits provided by ecosystems that help to regulate natural processes, contributing to the stability and health of the environment. These services include climate regulation, water purification, and pollination, which are essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting human well-being. By functioning as natural buffers against environmental changes, regulating services play a critical role in biodiversity and the overall resilience of ecosystems.
Robert Paine: Robert Paine was an influential ecologist known for his groundbreaking work on the concept of keystone species, which are critical to maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. His research, particularly in the intertidal zones of the Pacific Northwest, demonstrated how the presence or absence of certain species can drastically impact biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Paine's findings highlighted the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems and underscored the importance of biodiversity in promoting ecosystem services.
Species richness: Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given ecological community or habitat. This metric is important because it reflects the diversity of life forms in an area, influencing ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services. High species richness often indicates a healthy ecosystem, as more diverse communities can better withstand environmental changes and provide essential resources for humans and wildlife alike.
Supporting Services: Supporting services are the natural processes that maintain and support the conditions for life on Earth, enabling other ecosystem services to function. These processes include nutrient cycling, soil formation, and primary production, which are vital for sustaining biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems. By providing the necessary foundation for other ecosystem services, supporting services play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and resilience.
Sustainable Management: Sustainable management refers to the practice of overseeing resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes the balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations to promote long-term health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Trophic Levels: Trophic levels refer to the hierarchical positions that organisms occupy in a food chain, ranging from producers to various levels of consumers. Each level represents a step in the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem, with primary producers at the base and higher trophic levels comprising herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. Understanding these levels is crucial for assessing ecosystem dynamics and how biodiversity impacts the services ecosystems provide.