Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology
An ecosystem is a natural or artificial (artificial because of human intervention; natural because of the effect of the environment on organisms) community of living organisms. Ecosystems are composed of the biotic components (animals, plants, and microorganisms) and the abiotic components (air, water, soil, rock, and mineral nutrients) within a given area. The interaction of these life forms with their environment plays a critical role in the overall process of ecosystem functioning, which is also known as the biogeochemical cycle. Ecosystems are not static, but undergo dynamic changes over time. These changes include the introduction of new species, degradation of old species, and the evolution of species as they adapt to a changing environment. In addition, an ecosystem may be subject to disturbances and stresses that cause rapid and/or irreversible changes. Ecosystems are very important for human civilization. They are the source of virtually all the food we eat and the air we breathe. They also provide services such as water purification, waste treatment, and the production of renewable materials. The study of ecosystems is known as ecology. Ecosystems can be divided into many categories. Some of the more common types are freshwater and saltwater, terrestrial and marine, wetland, tidal, and coral reef. Restoration ecology is the study of how and why ecosystems change over time. Ecologists and conservation biologists study the factors that affect the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbance, and to maintain its function in the face of change. This field of study is used to determine how to best manage an ecosystem for the future. The most common types of disturbances are those that alter the ecosystem in some way: fire, insect or disease outbreaks, drought, floods, and windstorms.
