Embedded Files
Caroline Byler, Avery Verzaal, Tanner Schafer, Alonso Vides, McKenzie Simmons, Emily Quintana
BIOL 102L-013, Jasmine Caillier
February 8, 2024
Ecosystem Facts
Ecosystem Facts
Tropical ecosystems are found in the equitorial zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. These latitudes have warmer temperatures and almost constant sunlight (Butler, 2020).
About 80% of the world's biodiversity is found in tropical environments (Lemelin, M., 2020).
Threats to the Ecosystem
Deforestation
Deforestation
Land conversion for the use of large-scale agricultural production is the leading cause of deforestation in the tropics (Lemelin, M., 2020).
In 2018, over 2.9 million acres of tropical forests were destroyed (Lemelin, M., 2020).
Climate change
Climate change
Climate change reduces the amount of available land an organism can inhabit, which can eventually eliminate the species altogether (Morris, R., 2010).
Tropical plants are also affected, as they are forced to either adapt, migrate, or go extinct (Bawa, K.S., Dayanandan, S., 1998).
Poaching
Poaching
Poaching/Hunting animals in the tropics can damaged the ecosystem by removing certain species that are a key to the functioning environment. (Butler, 2012)
The loss/decrease of certain species can affect other species and lead to extinction. (Butler, 2012)
Heavy hunting of certain animal species can alter the forest composition of trees and lead to a lower tree diversity of trees. (Butler, 2012)
Hunting of seed dispersers and pollinators can also affect the structure of the ecosystem. (Butler, 2012)
Organisms That Will Be Discussed
Eonycteris spelaea (Dawn Bat)
Phyllobates terribilis (Golden Dart Frog)
Durio zibethinus (Durian)
Trypanosoma spp.
Phytophthora palmivora
Aeromonas hydrophila
Eonycteris spelaea
(Dawn Bat)
Phyllobates terribilis
(Golden Dart Frog)
Durio zibethinus
(Durian)
Trypanosoma spp.
Phytophthora palmivora
Aeromonas hydrophila
References
Bawa, K.S., Dayanandan, S. 1998. " Global Climate Change and Tropical Forest Genetic Resources." SpringerLink.
Lemelin, M. 2020. "Devastating Truths of Deforestation and How You Can Help." Rainforest Trust.
Morris, R. 2010. "Anthropogenic impacts on tropical forest biodiversity: a network structure and ecosystem functioning perspective." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Butler, Rhett A. 2012. "Impact Of Hunting In Rainforest." World Rainforests.
Butler, Rhett A. 2020. "Rainforest Information." Mongabay.
Images
Images
Eonycteris spelaea (Dawn Bat) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_short-nosed_fruit_bat
Phyllobates terribilis (Golden Dart Frog) - https://www.dailysabah.com/gallery/the-most-dangerous-animals-in-the-world/images
Durio zibethinus (Durian) - https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/products/durian-fruit
Trypanosoma spp. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypanosoma
Phytophthora palmivora - https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v11/text/web_mini/entities/papaya_phytophthora_fruit__root_rot_152.htm
Aeromonas hydrophila - https://news.emory.edu/stories/2013/04/genomics_helps_distinguish_bacteria/index.html
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse