Terrestrial ecosystems

Definition

Terrestrial ecosystems are land-based environments where living organisms interact with each other and their physical surroundings. These ecosystems play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, acting as both sources and sinks of carbon dioxide through processes like photosynthesis and respiration, which link them closely to climate change and overall environmental health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terrestrial ecosystems cover approximately 30% of the Earth's surface and include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras.
2. They contribute significantly to the global carbon cycle by sequestering carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and releasing it back into the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition.
3. Different types of terrestrial ecosystems have varying capacities to act as carbon sinks; for example, tropical forests are known for their high productivity and ability to store large amounts of carbon.
4. Human activities, such as deforestation and land-use change, can disrupt the balance of these ecosystems, reducing their ability to sequester carbon and exacerbating climate change.
5. Restoration and conservation efforts in terrestrial ecosystems can enhance biodiversity and improve their function as carbon sinks, contributing positively to climate mitigation strategies.

Review Questions

• How do terrestrial ecosystems contribute to the carbon cycle?
  • Terrestrial ecosystems contribute to the carbon cycle primarily through photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter. This process not only helps regulate atmospheric carbon levels but also supports food webs by providing energy for various organisms. Additionally, when these organisms respire or decompose after death, they release carbon back into the atmosphere, creating a continuous flow of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere.
• What factors influence the capacity of different terrestrial ecosystems to act as carbon sinks?
  • The capacity of terrestrial ecosystems to function as carbon sinks is influenced by several factors including climate conditions, soil quality, vegetation type, and land management practices. For example, tropical forests tend to be more effective at sequestering carbon due to their high rates of photosynthesis and biomass accumulation. Conversely, degraded ecosystems or those impacted by human activities may lose their ability to store carbon effectively. This highlights the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for climate change mitigation.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems and their role in the carbon cycle.
  • Climate change poses significant threats to terrestrial ecosystems by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, which can disrupt plant growth and phenology. These changes may lead to shifts in species distribution and loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystem stability. As temperatures rise, some ecosystems may transition from being carbon sinks to sources due to increased respiration rates or disturbances like wildfires. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies for ecosystem management and climate change adaptation.

Related terms

photosynthesis: The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

carbon sink: Natural systems, such as forests and soils, that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release, helping to mitigate climate change.

biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular ecosystem, including the range of species, genetic diversity, and ecological processes that sustain those species.