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Module 3: Effects of the Environment on Organisms
Module 3: Effects of the Environment on Organisms
Inquiry question: How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance?
Location of Awabakal Environmental Education Centre on Google Maps
Field work takes place in Awabakal Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve is located between the suburbs of Dudley and Redhead, 15 km South of Newcastle, NSW. We make our way through the Nature Reserve collecting data at four unique ecosystems.
The Study Site
The Study Site
Wet Closed Forest
2. Dry Open Forest
Aerial photograph of Awabakal Nature Reserve and the location of the four ecosystems where measurements are collected
3. Paperbark Forest
4. Dry Closed Coastal Heath
Activity 1- Impact of selection pressures
Activity 1- Impact of selection pressures
Examine the videos and the photographs of the 4 ecosystems below. Predict some selection pressures on the vegetation in each ecosystem;
list abiotic factors that you have observed.
explain how the abiotic factors influence the vegetation you would find in each ecosystem.
identify the biotic factor that gives an advantage to selected species in the photographs.
Dry Open Forest
Wet Closed Forest
Wet Closed Forest
Wet Closed Forest.mp4Wet closed forest ecosystem | Awabakal EEC (0:44min)
Archontophoenix cunninghamianaBangalow Palm
Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig
Culcita dubia Rainbow Fern
Dry Open Forest
Dry Open Forest
Dry Open Forest.mp4Dry open forest ecosystem | Awabakal EEC (0:43 min)
Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle
Angophora costataSmooth-barked Apple
Pteridium esculentumBracken
Paperbark Forest
Paperbark Forest
Paperbark Forest.mp4Paperbark Forest | Awabakal EEC (0:51min)
Melaleuca quinquenerviaBroad-leaved Paperbark
Viola henderaceaNative Violet
Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart
Dry Closed Coastal Heath
Dry Closed Coastal Heath
Dry Closed Coastal Heath.mp4Dry closed coastal heath ecosystem |Awabakal EEC (0:39min)
Leptospermum flavescensYellow Tea Tree
Banksia serrataOld Man Banksia
Xanthorrhoea resiniferaGrass Tree
Module 4: Future Ecosystems
Module 4: Future Ecosystems
Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
'Aborigines cooking and eating beached whales, Newcastle, New South Wales'| Joseph Lycett ca. 1817Hunter Living Histories UON | National Library of Australia| Public Domain
The Awabakal Aboriginal People
The Awabakal Aboriginal People
Awabakal Nature Reserve was named after the traditional custodians of the land, the Awabakal Aboriginal people.
The Awabakal people have lived for over 6000 years in the coastal strip south of Muloobimba (Newcastle). The variety of environments provided important resources for them including food, freshwater and shelter.
View of Australia, Newcastle | Joseph Lycett ca. 1824Hunter Living Histories UON | National Gallery of Australia | Public Domain
Use of the land since European arrival
Use of the land since European arrival
After the discovery of coal in the early 1800s the town of Dudley was established. With the increase in population, land was cleared for housing and farming.
Coal mining occurred in Dudley between 1878-1938.
Newcastle Glass Works mined sand deposits until the 1980s (with permission from NPWS). The fine sand was transported to Newcastle to make glass for light globes.
Coastal Heath Vegetation
Current Management
Current Management
As living near the coast became more desirable, people sought to develop this area. Locals petitioned for this area to be conserved.
In 1978, 228 ha of bushland was classified as a Nature Reserve.
Nature Reserves are similar to National Parks with the primary purpose to conserve nature. To be classified as a Nature Reserve there is something special about the area. They might be predominantly untouched in their natural condition and with a high conservation value e.g. unique ecosystems.
Awabakal Nature Reserve contains a number of endangered ecological communities, threatened species (e.g. powerful owl, squirrel glider, Black-eyed Susan) and contains one of the largest remaining coastal heath communities in the region.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manage Awabakal Nature Reserve. The Statement of Management Intent outlines the values, issues and key management strategies for the reserve.
Activity 2 - Past changes in ecosystems and management
Activity 2 - Past changes in ecosystems and management
Research the powerful owl, squirrel glider and black-eyed susan using the links above and other resources to:
Describe human activities that threaten the survival of these species.
Justify management strategies to assist in the species survival.
Complete the table. Click on the table to download a copy or construct your own.
Past Changes in Ecosystems and Management.docxRecent Photographs
Recent Photographs
Fire occurred in the the nature reserve in 2012 and 2013
Students completing fieldwork in the Nature Reserve
Swales (mounds) on a steep slope with a ditch diversion
Introduced plants- Lantana
Gates to restrict vehicle, motor bike and horse access
Limited waking trails through the Nature Reserve
Domestic pets are prohibited
Limited seating and facilities
Activity 3 - Human use and impact
Activity 3 - Human use and impact
Examine the recent photographs above, the description of past human use of this area since European arrival (above) and the NPWS Statement of Management Intent for Awabakal Nature Reserve.
Identify human activity and use of Awabakal Nature Reserve. Describe the impact of these activities and use on the ecosystems in Awabakal Nature Reserve.
Using the NPWS Statement of Management Intent, describe the management practices that are in place and strategies that are recommended based on past changes to ecosystems.
Human Use and Impact.docxPage updated
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