Techniques for Monitoring Ecosystem
Quadrats are used regularly to sample both biotic and abiotic biodiversity. It marks off an exact area so that the plants in that area can be identified and counted.
Quadrats are also used in coastal oceans to monitor the damage done by human activities and if they have disturbed the same area tested before. The results are then compared to relatively pristine reefs. This information allows environmentalists to study ecosystems and bring forth strategies to conserve them. |
Abiotic Factors |
Abiotic factors include non-living chemicals and physical components of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
Water temperature: The rise of water temperature can result in the loss of nutrients and micropscopic organisms. Coastal oceans are on average 22° celsius. Sunlight: essential for the survival of plants and animals. In coastal oceans, there is enough sunlight to support photosynthesis and in turn provide food and shelter for animals. Macronutrients: these include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which need to be present in order for plants to absorb and convert to energy. Soil: many coastal region plants grow rooted in soil. The soil must be high in nutrients to support the plants growth. Substrate: can be hard rock or soft sediment, depending on the location of the coast. |
Biotic Factors |
Biotic factors include the living factors of the ecosystem. Coastal oceans have extremely high biodiversity as the conditions are well suited for many organisms. Animals: sea turtles, sea snail, dolphins, seahorses and seagulls.
Plants: kelp beds, coral, sea grasses and sea anemones. |