Biotic Components Paper Essay Example

sinkholes and other karsts features. (Florida Springs. Com, 2006) This particular ecosystem also has many different species that depend on its sources. Springs, streams, lakes and ponds are home to many types of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, invertebrates, and plants.

Clean, clear water flowing from the aquifer at a constant temperature are the essential ingredients that support the variety of life found in and around a spring. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2007) How Humans Affected Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ecosystem Biogeochemical cycles are nutrient circuits involving both biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. Elements such as carbon, oxygen, sulphur, and nitrogen have gaseous forms, thus, their cycles are global in character and the atmosphere serves as a reservoir.

Humans have altered the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles by adding these elements to croplands as fertilizers, which has contributed to over-fertilization of aquatic ecosystems when excess amounts are carried by runoff into local waterways. The biogeochemical cycles of Florida’s springs are affected more and more everyday by the growth of human population, human activities, and our technological capabilities has disrupted the atrophic structure, energy flow, and chemical cycling of ecosystems in most areas of the world.

Some effects are local, some regional, and a few are global. Threats to the quality and quantity of water in Florida’s aquifer and springs are being impacted due to springs being opened to the public.

Springs recreation are a multi-million dollar industry in north Florida. Due to the immense population that these ecosystem experience by providing camping grounds, swimming areas, tubing, diving, and canoeing, for humans, they have increased harm to health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Tubers and swimmers

unknowingly tread on native vegetation, and increase cloudiness of water. Trash thrown by humans in the springs and around the environment introduces pollutants into the water and harm native wildlife such as turtles and manatees which might mistake plastic bags and wrappers for food. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2007) Knowledge about the Aquatic Ecosystem Helps Helping people understand the connection that we as humans have with the world empowers us to protect and sustain an ecosystem.

People affect an aquatic ecosystem services by altering the structure and function of the ecosystem. Goods and services generated by aquatic ecosystems have sustained human society since earliest history. By providing knowledge it ensures safe drinking water; healthy aquatic ecosystem; and reliable, quality water supplies for sustainable economy. In addition, understanding management actions can enhance the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources within an aquatic ecosystem as well as overall ecosystem health.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2007) Conclusion Ecosystems are a major part of humans’ existence. Without these ecosystems humans would not be able to survive. Ecological system is sustaining everything in this world including human beings, animals and plants. Human beings, however, are trying to destroy the ecological balance. Many of the human activities that modify or destroy natural ecosystems may cause deterioration of ecological services whose value, in the long term, dwarfs the short-term economic benefits society gains from those activities.

References

1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2007).
2. Life in a spring. Retrieved June 28, 2010, from , http://www. floridasprings. org/anatomy/life/ MyFlorida.com. (2009).
3. Florida springs. Retrieved June 28, 2010, from http://www. dep. state.fl. us/springs/ Southwest Florida Water Management District. (2005).
4. Springs a unique water resource. Retrieved,
   

June 28, 2010, from, http://www. swfwmd.state. fl. us/about/isspapers/springs. html