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Climate Change from an Ecological Perspective. Steven T. Rier Dept. of Biology and Allied health. Photo by Chris Vogel. An ecological perspective?. Sunlight. Cycling of Carbon, Nitrogen, & Phosphorus. organisms (animals, plants, and microbes) interact in and with the natural world. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Climate Change from an Ecological Perspective
Steven T. RierDept. of Biology and Allied health
Photo by Chris Vogel
An ecological perspective?organisms (animals, plants, and microbes)
interact in and with the natural world
Sunlight
Photosynthesis
Cycling of Carbon, Nitrogen, & Phosphorus
Ecosystem example
Humans are a part of ecosystems
Functional Ecosystems• Balanced, adaptive, and diverse assemblage of
organisms• Often provide functions essential for humans– Detoxify pollutants in water– Lessen the effects of flooding– Pollination of crops
Effects of climate change on ecosystems are complex
Human Population
Industry and transportationAgriculture
CO2 Increase
Other human-caused disturbances• Altered nutrient cycles• Pollution• Spread of exotic species
Global climate change
Land use/ cover changes
Loss of ecosystem integrity
CO2 Increase
Global climate changeLoss of ecosystem integrity
Direct effects of elevated CO2 on Plants
Increased production of C-based compounds
More carbohydratesMore fiber More tannin
Less protein
Effects of elevated CO2 on ecosystems
CO2 Increase
Global climate changeLoss of ecosystem integrity
Global climate change
Loss of ecosystem integrity
Warming Extreme weather events Drought
Human Population
Industry and transportationAgriculture
CO2 Increase
Other human-caused disturbances• Altered nutrient cycles• Pollution• Spread of exotic species
Global climate change
Land use/ cover changes
Loss of ecosystem integrity
