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Forest Ecosystem 2007 Status Article
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The Forest Ecosystem
from:The forest ecosystem covers the flora, fauna and ground conditions with in the parameters of a forest. From the climatic conditions to the members and relationships in the food chain, the forest ecosystem is dependant on the major resources available. In the forest ecosystem the proportion of flora, including the varieties of trees, grasses, fungi and flowers will effect the way in which fauna exist.
The fauna in a forest ecosystem will include the minute and the massive. The forest ecosystem offers shelter and living conditions to insects, birds, arachnids and mammals, from the tiny bush mouse to the largest primate or predator.
In the forest ecosystem the smallest creatures and plants are still important to the structure of the environment. From the smallest gnat to the largest predator, the relationship between the food chain is vital to the balance of the ecosystem. In the way that grass feeds cattle so too do smaller creatures become food for larger. Even the plants of the forest will become fodder for larger herbivores or small creatures. The forest ecosystem is balanced by the resources available. The number of trees, fungi, grass or flowers will be, maintained by the number of animals or insects using them for their lifestyle or food sources. If the number of predators in the forest ecosystem should alter, then the food chain would be unbalanced right down to the fundamental level. Even a slight alteration in the forest ecosystem, due to floods or drought or human intervention, can lead to the destruction of the forest ecosystem itself.
The forest ecosystem is reliant on the balance being maintained, between growth and decay. While rotting timber and mulch can offer sustenance to some creatures, the death of a plant is still part of the forest ecosystem. The mulch provides the ideal place for germination of other seeds. All this is part of the balance of the forest ecosystem.
The forest ecosystem includes the life cycle of the larger animals too. Their living, reproducing, hunting and dying all effect the way the forest ecosystem achieves balance. Any variation to the numbers of creatures within the forest ecosystem could change the fragile balance drastically. To few predators could mean an over production of smaller herbivores. This would lead to a loss of plant life within the forest ecosystem. Once the balance is lost, it can be impossible to regain.
The delicate balance of the forest ecosystem is vital to the health and vitality of the forest itself. From climate conditions, water quality and quantity, to human intervention, or exploitation, the forest ecosystem is prone to influences that can alter it forever.
Forest Ecosystem 2007 Status Specific links
Forest Ecosystem 2007 Status News
DLNR seeks comment on Ka'u Forest Reserve draft EA - Big Island Video News
 Big Island Video News | DLNR seeks comment on Ka'u Forest Reserve draft EA Big Island Video News The plan is being prepared by The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. According to the draft document's summary: The Plan responds to a need to maintain and restore key watershed, preserve a unique ecosystem ... |
The Greening of West Africa - CO2 Science Magazine
The Greening of West Africa CO2 Science Magazine ... that "the continent is also characterized by a fast growing human population (up to 3% per year; FAO, 2007), which is imposing an increased pressure upon ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen forest to deciduous forest, savanna and grassland. |
Mining Exploration in the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve: what are the consequences ... - The Media Co-op (blog)
Mining Exploration in the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve: what are the consequences ... The Media Co-op (blog) Forest reserve status prohibits logging, but allows mining exploration and development. Mining exploration is on-going, and continues to damage this old growth forest ecosystem. Access trails have a very negative impact. Observed to be approximately 3m ... |
New national forest supervisor comes with diverse experience - Mail Tribune
New national forest supervisor comes with diverse experience Mail Tribune He became supervisor of the Dixie National Forest in Utah in early 2007 before taking the top job at the Rogue River-Siskiyou. "I've worked on a lot of different ecosystems, a lot of different communities," he said. "But most of my career, ... |
Introducing: Kathleen Raven - Scientific American (blog)
 Scientific American (blog) | Introducing: Kathleen Raven Scientific American (blog) My father taught me to identify trees in the forest. A blissful place to grow up. How did you get into science and how did you get into writing? And how did these two trajectories fuse into becoming a science writer? Writing came first. |