Name: HERNANDITO U.

PLAZA III______________ Date: 02-25-2024______

Section:__L2__________________Instructor’s Signature:___________________

------- TOPIC OUTLINE

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I. Introduction
Differentiating ecosystem from environment
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• Ecosystem: The highest level of ecological integration encompassing one or more
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communities and an abiotic environment
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• Environment: Everything present around us, including physical, chemical, and
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natural forces
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Overview of basic physical, chemical, and biological processes in an ecosystem
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------- II. Basic Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes
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------- Integrated Plate Tectonic Theory
------- • Explanation of Pangea and modern plate tectonics
------- • Impact on Earth's evolution and geological phenomena
------- Global wind and current patterns
------- • Influence of Earth's rotation, shape, and solar heating on climate
------- • Importance for biodiversity, distribution, and dispersal of organisms
------- Biogeochemical cycles
------- • Carbon cycle: Dependence on photosynthesis and respiration
------- • Phosphorus cycle: Reliance on rock weathering
------- • Nitrogen cycle: Importance of bacterial processes
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------- III. Biomes of the Earth
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------- Definition of biome
------- • Distinct biological communities shaped by shared physical climate
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------- Major terrestrial biomes
------- • Mountains
------- • Characteristics: Geological diversity, climatic variation
------- • Importance: Biodiversity hotspots, ecological niches
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------- Desert
-- • Features: Arid climate, minimal vegetation
• Adaptations: Xerophytic plants, nocturnal animals

Grasslands
• Description: Open landscapes dominated by grasses
• Variability: Influenced by rainfall, temperature
Forest
• Types: Tropical, temperate, boreal
• Functions: Carbon sequestration, habitat provision
Aquatic ecosystems
• Marine
• Description: Saltwater environments covering most of Earth's surface
• Importance: Resource abundance, climate regulation
Freshwater
• Characteristics: Low salt concentration, diverse habitats
• Threats: Pollution, habitat destruction

IV. Philippine Environment

Geological characteristics of the Philippines

• Volcanic origin, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire
• Mountainous terrain, susceptibility to typhoons and earthquakes

Biodiversity significance
• Considered one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries
• Rich ecosystems supporting diverse flora and fauna

Environmental threats
• Typhoons: Impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods
• Global warming: Accelerated climate change, rising temperatures

Impact on biodiversity and ecosystems

• Decline of forest cover, loss of habitat and species
• Degradation of coral reefs, reduction in mangrove areas

V. Case Studies

Decline of Philippine forests

• Historical overview: Illegal logging, conservation efforts
• Current status: Forest cover trends, reforestation initiatives

Status of Philippine coral reefs

• Assessment: Extent of degradation, conservation measures
• Recovery efforts: Mangrove reforestation, marine protected areas

VI. Extinction

Definition and types of extinction

• Local, global, and mass extinction events

Example of extinction in the Philippines (dwarf buffalo)

• Causes: Habitat loss, hunting pressure
• Implications: Loss of biodiversity, ecological imbalance