An ecosystem refers to the interactions that exist among organism and

between organism and their physical environment. The habitat is a place

organism live. When a number of different species live together in a
habitat, we call it as a biotic community. Ecosystem vary in size (small –
body of cat with ticks and mites a big one like a rain forest of the
amazon), and a place where these are found. Different ecosystems
compose a biome and biomes compose of biosphere. The living world is
the biosphere.

Let us discuss further examples of ecosystems found in the Philippines.

Aquatic ecosystems are the intertidal zones, coral reefs, the open sea,
estuaries (mangroves), ponds, lakes, and rivers. Intertidal zones are
regions in the coastal areas that are covered by water at high tide and
exposed at low tide. Tide pools from the rocks crevices along shoreline
of coastal areas and these are affected by tides. Some water are left in
pools and spaces during low tide enabling sea stars, clams, brittle star,
small fishes and crabs to move out. Animals like barnacles attach
themselves on rock surfaces to remain in place when tide recedes.
Clams dig on the sand and sea anemone close their tentacles. Animals
adapt to changes in temperature salt content of water and sunlight
exposure.

What are estuaries? A region where the river meets sea water is an
estuary. Estuaries are affected by high and low tides. The water varies
in levels of salt content. There may be an intertidal zone with
mangroves growing in it. Mangrove swamps, salt marshes, sea grass
beds, sand or mudflats are examples of estuaries. Mangroves swamps
are found in many coastal shores of the country.

In Panay for example, several mangroves forests include century old

sturdy trees. Mangrove trees are able to live in salty water, like
rhizopora, Sonneratia and Avicenia. They have special roots, such as
prop roots, cable roots, knee roots, and plank roots that enable them to
survive. Some species even release salt particles in their leaves. Fishes,
crabs, snails, oysters, shipworms, prawn and shrimps are plenty in
mangrove swamps.
Several interactions occur in mangroves- hermit crabs borrow empty
shell of snail as shelter, birds feed on fruits of trees. Mangroves protect
the coasts from being eroded by storm surges. Commercially important
species use mangroves as breeding or nursery materials for shelter,
boat and lumber for furniture. Stands for nipa palms are established for
roofing materials and rows of bakhaw or Rhizophora are planted for
firewood clean. The mangroves are natural cleaners of the air as they
use carbon dioxide fore photosynthesis and release oxygen.

There are several examples of interactions that are anchored on feeding

relationships. These are mutualism, commensalism, parasitism,
predators, competition, and cooperation. In any of the ecosystems we
examine, these interactions occur but involve different species living
things.

Disturbances in ecosystems are either naturally or man-made occur. For

example, typhoons may bring about landslide, floods, storm surges that
destroy habitats and wipe out organisms. Forests were converted to
agricultural uses limiting the habitat of the forest animals. Many species
have been endangered because of human activities, logging, mining,
hunting, and tourism.
Many fishponds and coastal areas that were not protected by buffer
zones of mangroves were destroyed by storm surges. As human
population increases, it puts pressure on resources from mangroves like
overharvesting of fishery and forestry products. Man dredges and fills in
the edges of mangroves to expand land and the mangrove swamps are
gone. Roads and buildings for residential and commercial uses fill up the
area. In many cities, the estuaries receive pollutants from oil slicks and
spill.
Maintaining balance and sustainability is a major challenge in the
ecosystems we have studied. While we have man-made ecosystems
(farm, city, fishponds, dams, seaports), it is a must that we have a
conservation practices. There are government laws, proclamation and
regulations on the use, protection, conservations and management of
resources that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
the Local Government and the community people have to work together
for proper implementations.
It is the Philippine Environment code (P.D. 1152) that began the crafting
of laws dedicated to environment. LGU's had various ordinances,
programs, and awards for environment. Along coastal areas, you might
pass by a sign that this particular barangay is a marine sanctuary. There
are protected areas like parks and wildlife. People may involve in tree
farming for land and mangrove forests. They are also key players in
integrated coastal resource management programs. Schools have
various initiatives —war on waste, school in a garden, composting, tree
planting and landscaping, environmental quiz contests, green schools
award to intensify knowledge and improve practices for environmental
protection. Peoples' organization at the local, national and even
international levels are in harmony in protecting our environment. It is
suggested that each one should know about our laws to ensure its
successful implementation. The challenge is — what have you done in
your own way to help Mother Nature?