Ecological Factors Influencing Terrestrial Plants And Animals Biology Essay

Ecological Factors Influencing Terrestrial Plants And Animals Biology Essay Ecology was first defined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866 as the science of relations between organisms and their environment (Bramwell 1989). The study of ecology has developed over the years from an initial descriptive field of study in the 19th century to a more quantitative, experimental and analytical discipline in the 21st century (Mayorga et al. 2002). The definition has also developed. Krebs (1972) gave the following more defined definition, Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. He omitted the use of the word environment. It is clear however that the interactions to which he referred are the very factors which create the environment and so a more complete definition which marries the definitions given by Haeckel and Krebs is suggested as follows by Begon et al. (2006): Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and the interactions that determine distribution and abundance. It is necessary to take a historical aspect and to discuss Island biogeography to understand the present distribution of plants and animals within the United Kingdom. The fauna and flora of islands are determined historically by events that occurred that affect floral and faunal populations. The initial event is generally seen to be the movement of land masses followed by glaciation. Pliestocene glaciation is largely the event determining the present day patterns in distribution of Flora and Fauna in the UK (Begon et al 2006). Recolonisation of plants and animals is dependent on distance from other populations and the ability of some animals to disperse and reproduce, grow and survive, once they arrive in a suitable environment. There are two notable contrasts with continental Europe, Britain has a relatively impoverished mammal fauna as several species, such as the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus and the beech marten Murtesfuina, now found on the western edge of the continental ma inland, failed to recolonise Britain after the last ice age (Mitchell-Jones 1996). Reptiles and amphibians species are also more diverse on the continent than in the UK. There are only 6 native species in the United Kingdom, by comparison with a single species in Ireland which is further from Europe and Europe itself boasts over 87 reptilian species (Silva et al. 2009). Inter actions between organisms and their environment can be viewed at three different levels, the individual, as part of the population and as part of the community. To discuss the factors affecting the distribution of plants and animals in the United Kingdom it is necessary to look at all aspects. The scope of the interactions which will be discussed here are outlined in figure 1. The term niche is very frequently misunderstood as and often used loosely to describe where an animal lives, this is more correctly its habitat. A niche is a summary of the organisms tolerances and requirements, how they interact to define the conditions and resources needed by an individual or species in order to practice its way of life (Begon et al 2006), and the time it occurs there (Mackenzie et al 1998). The niche of an animal is generally larger than that it actually inhabits, This is the fundamental niche which is characterised by conditions (temperature, relative humidity amongst others), within the tolerable limits of a species provided that there are enough resources available i.e. food, accommodation and that it is not limited by interactions with other organisms such as predation and competition and that it is not prevented from getting to the suitable area (dispersal). Hutchinson (1957) identified the Fundamental niche from the realised niche with the latter being the m ore limited spectrum of conditions and resources that allow an animal to persist even in the presence of competition and predation. The primary conditions influencing animal distribution are as outlined in figure 1. These are portrayed as one dimensional but clearly the effect of temperature will be affected by the effect of winds and humidity. Conditions are defined as variable environmental factors which organisms respond to. They are non depletable, the organism cannot use them up (Mackenzie et al. 1998) l Figure 1. Factors affecting distribution of plants and animals in the United Kingdom Temperature is a condition which affects the rate of development in organisms, in fact many cold blooded animals incubation and development is given in degree days rather than in actual time. What is really required is a temperature-time continuum also referred to as physiological time. An example of how temperature affects not 1 but ultimately 2 species in their realised niche and distribution is given by Randall (1982) In this case The rush moth (Coleophora alticolella) lays its eggs on the flowers of the rush Junctus squarrosus and the caterpillar uses the ripe seeds as its food resource. The moths and the larvae are little affected by low temperatures so there is no reason why they cant extend their niche further up in altitude however at the lower temperatures above 600m the seed of the rush fails to ripen and so there is no food resource for the caterpillar. The temperature related limit of tolerance has been reached for the rush, which in turn limits the niche of the caterpill ar giving us the realised niche. The pH of soil and water can have a strong influence on plant and animal communities. Plant roots tend to be damaged in soils below pH3 and above pH 9 due to the pathogenic effect of toxic levels of H+ or OH- ions. Soil pH also has an effect on the uptake of nutrients and the concentration of toxins, tolerance levels vary for pH but only a minority of plants can grow at pH less than 4.5 (Begon et al 2006). Kidd and Proctor (2001) investigated the role of the toxicity of hydrogen (H+) as an explanation of the reduced plant growth observed in the grass Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ fog) and the tree Betula pendula Roth (Silver Birch) in very acid soils. They collected soils and seeds from a range of acidic to more alkaline environments from 4 Scottish sites. It was shown that there was separate adaptation in the various populations to H+ or Al3+ toxicity which was closely related to the edaphic characteristics of the original site from which they were collected. The fact o f plant adaptation to H+ toxicity supports the view that this is an important factor in very acid soils (Kidd and Proctor 2001). Salinity is another condition which affects the distribution of organisms. The presence of salt in the soil water offers osmotic resistance to water uptake. The main effect of salinity is to cause osmoregulatory problems similar to those encountered in drought and freezing conditions. Salinity mainly affects organisms close to the sea or around inland salt sprins/ ponds. The main adaptation of plants isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ . Salt marshes encompass a broad range of saline concentrations from full strength sea water to non saline conditions. And has plants that are halophytic by degrees. Wind plays a major role in plant dispersal. Only small light seeds with special adaptations can be dispersed by the winds. These adaptations are to facilitate the seeds remaining airborne longer which means they can be carried greater distances. Such adaptations usually involve hairs or outgrowths which increase the surface area to catch the wind The flower ovary containing the seeds becomes a dry hollow container with one or more openings. The containers are shaken by the wind, scattering the seeds through the openings, dispersing them all around the immediate area. (Photo:http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/seed_dispersl/wind.htm) Wing-like outgrowths on the fruit (which contains the seed) make it spin as it falls from the parent plant. This spinning delays its fall so that the wind may carry it some distance away. (Photo:http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/seed_dispersl/wind.htm) Wind also has a negative effect on the distribution of organisms in that it has been implicated in the problem of soil erosion of arable lands and of sand dunes., thereby reducing their capacity to sustain plant communities. We cannot discuss the factors influencing the distribution of organism n the United Kingdom without looking at the effects of the activities of man. Man does have a positive impact in the management of resources and in the study of, collection of and interpretation of information ecology and ecosystems. However he also has a negative effect in that man is the perpetrator of the majority of effects leading to environmental pollution. These include the clearing of land for operations totally wiping out local habitats, the leaching of metals into the environment and the dumping of copper, zinc and lead around mines. Many of these metals are present already but at lower concentrations and some are vital nutrients for organisms in the surrounds but the practice of mining can elevate their presence to lethal levels (Begon et al 2006). Power plants and other factories may emit sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide which facilitate the problems with acid rain. After much analysis, researchers n ow know that acid rain causes slower growth, injury, or death of forests. It is practical to assume that if it has this effect in forests it may also retard the growth of other plants which affects a resource required in the energy flow of an ecosystem and will ultimately affect the core of that system. (National Geographic 2010) (http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/acid-rain-overview/) When pollution occurs, animals often find away to combat the stress and overcome the effects this is evidenced in the well known example of the peppered moth. However while the development is a reaction to industrial pollution there are many other factors at play, such as genetic variability. With the increasing industrialisation in Britain, the peppered moth survived by developing a darker coloured form which was better camoflaged from predators when it landed on the soot darkened trees after the lichens had died off. (Majerus and Stevens 2006) CLIMATE Furthermore Berry et al (2003) have undertaken a study which shows the vulnerability of terrestrial habitats and species distribution in Britain to climate change which is essentially the temperature increase of 0.6 °C over the past century. They contend that with such changes that it is not safe to assume that a species historical range of distribution will remain suitable. Organisms face hazards in everyday life, they develop ways to combat or counteract these hazards, however occasionally the disturbances are on such a large scale they are to b

Foreign Aid Speech

Australia's foreign aid should be reduced Today I'm bringing a serious subject that has Influenced the world and the development of countries around us into perspective. Foreign aid, and how the government should Increase It, but first we have to ask the question, â€Å"What Is foreign aid? ‘ Simply, It Is the economic, or military lad given by one nation to another for purposes of relief and rehabilitation, for economic stabilization, or for mutual defense. The 620 or group of 20 is the premier forum for its members' international economic cooperation and decision making.And their existence is more important than ever because the world's economy is in such a precarious state and so the decisions they make will be vital in the development of poorer countries. A part of this that people may not recognize is that when the economy is weak, the poorest countries suffer the most. $1 dollar can help a hundred people in a poor country more than it can help someone in a rich or develo ped country. Although we have stronger affinity towards our citizens and if money was equally effective we would whose our own citizens first, when it's 100 times more effective in impacting lives, then we think we're all human beings.The suffering of a mother whose child Is sick and might die Is a universal value. And If a dollar has so much Impact then I must ask you, not as a student, but as a fellow human: why are we all still so greedy? If I were to ask you what percentage of the federal budget is spent on foreign aid, would you be surprised that it is 0. 35%? That equates to $5. 44 billion dollars of our IN (gross national income) in 2012. The government expects to reach 0. 5% by 2017, but in recent media, Julie Bishop, the Minister of foreign affairs has implemented a cap of 5 billion dollars over the next two financial years.The promise Australia made with the UN along with many other developed countries, was an agreed 0. 7% of our countries IN. The 2014 Australian budget IS a broken election promise to the world's poorest people. The Abbott Government has torn up its promise to Increase aid. This year's budget, announced two days ago, shows that the Australian government Is cutting rut the most vulnerable members of the communities around the world. Every second we breathe, 30, 000 children under the age of five die from preventable diseases.It is made evident that Australia's contribution to alleviate poverty through overseas aid is successful. The average life expectancy of individuals living in developing countries has increased by approximately twenty years in the last decade, which is substantial in contrast to the figures fifty years ago. Vaunt has reduced the incidence of malaria by 80% with the support of Australian aid. It is a myth that reign aid doesn't work. 79% of Australians, according to the essential report, agree that the Government should reduce spending in foreign aid when 41% don't know what it Is.The ignorance surrounding foreign aid Is what potentates suffering of individuals living In developing countries. Australia Is already providing less foreign aid compared to other developed countries. We are ranked 1 13th. The Abbott Government's abolition of Causal, which manages our tax dollars for overseas aid, Is because they want to see a better alignment between aid, trade and diplomatic erection and aid programs going in another direction† yet there is no evidence for this. Aid vs.. Diplomacy is a false dichotomy.Helping neighboring countries develop strong economies means a better market for our own goods. Helping our neighbors improve their health systems means fewer health threats. Increasing the number of children in our region going to school reduces the opportunity for indoctrination in place of education. The success of our neighbors are good for us. In 2006 and 2007, Australia gave 2. 9 billion dollars through Said and in 2013, 2014, it grew to 5. 44 lion dollars, almost doubling the overseas as sistance.Now, the proportion of aid to IN is back to 2000, 2001 levels under Abbot's government, especially now that foreign aid will grow in line with the Consumer Price Index or inflation rate. With the help of global initiatives, the number of people living in poverty has fallen by 200 million people since 1980 and increasing. Australia shouldn't turn their back on the less fortunate as an affluent country. The children suffering every single day rely on our international aid. The government has slashed the foreign aid budget which asses many problems and places a strain on our relationship with other countries.If Australia works with the countries we're aiding, to redirect foreign aid funds to priorities assets, deregulate their economy and opened up their economy to global trade for economic growth, then the output of foreign aid would be effective in forming a sustainable economy and alleviating poverty. We should raise our Foreign aid budget to the agreed 0. 7% IN. Australia is a generous country, we can afford to provide aid to those in need and grow, not only as a country, but as humans of this earth.

Describe the Policies and Procedures of the Setting Essay

It is important that this policy is constantly being applied to ensure full safety of the pupils, this is why all staff MUST be familiar with this policy. Within this the school also has home school agreements for each year group which set out the Code of conduct/Golden Rules. Is a set of rules/guidelines for the pupils so they understand how they should behave and what is expected of them. It is important that the children are reminded of the code of conduct so that it becomes their routine and they fully understand it. It is essential that positive behaviour is always promoted, praised and used as children notice when adult’s behaviour is out of character, if positive and professional behaviour is continually used it is more likely that the pupils will also behave in that way. The golden rules are a focus around the school and are visibly displayed for all to see within the classrooms and the school hall. The children learn about these golden rules from the day they start at Springdale and it becomes a big part of Springdale life. Rewards and sanctions Although good behaviour is encouraged in schools, children will still behave inappropriate at times. Consequences for bad behaviour in my placement school can take many forms. †¢ Move from the sunshine to the black cloud. †¢ Miss time out from golden time, break or lunch play. †¢ Be sent to the head of year/deputy head †¢ Be sent to the head teacher and a meeting arranged with parents. Rewards for good behaviour can include the following. †¢ Full golden time awarded Raffle tickets gained/stickers †¢ Star of the day †¢ Extra time to choose activities †¢ Certificates in assembly Springdale Golden Award All staff can given certain rewards/sanctions however some may be given by a certain member of staff for example, if you do some good work in class then your teacher will put you forward for a Golden award which you get from the Headteacher in assembly. The child gets a certificate and a sticker infront of their peers. Dealing with conflict and inappropriate behaviour The schools policy for behaviour will give information on how you should manage more difficult behaviour as a teacher or TA. It is also important that pupils understand the behaviour policy of the school so that they have a clear idea of how bad behaviour will be dealt with if they choose to go against school rule or behave in an inappropriate manner. Anti-bullying My placement school has a separate anti-bullying policy but bullying is also built in to the behaviour policy for the whole school. It covers all forms of bullying including cyber bullying. Anti bullying is promoted for all pupils within the SEAL project, the golden rules and the home school agreements. Attendance My schools attendance policy sets out how the school manages issues around attendance. Attendance has to be monitored carefully to ensure there are no unauthorised absences or long spells of unexplained absences. Both children and parents have a responsibility to ensure they attend school and this policy will explain what will happen if the policy is not followed.

How I Changed My Life Essay - 2273 Words

A person’s life cannot be defined by just one word or event; it is defined as a series of glorious moments, memories that last a lifetime, people who make an impact, decisions that take you down new roads and family. As I have lived my long but young life I have realized I still have many more years to come and many more life experiences to live. Throughout my paper I will discuss how it was growing up in my family. I will then discuss how I matured into being a young adult which helped me grow into my motherly responsibilities. Thirdly, I will walk through on how I adopted into my current career choice. Lastly, I will explain how marriage has had the most impact upon my life. In my eyes life is never easy, it is supposed to be a challenge because this allows us to appreciate and work for what we have in life! Throughout my childhood I had a diverse amount of experiences that have helped to shape who I become today. My father and my mother both worked as I grew up. 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