Ecosystems and How They WorkThe recycling of elements is another vital functional process occurring in all ecosystems. Describe the biogeochemical cycles for carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen. How have humans impacted these three cycles?

Authors Avatar
Ecosystems and How They Work

Carole Holmes

March 25, 2006

Unit 1: Individual Project (SCI210)

Laura Step

Ecosystems and How They Work

Revolutionary changes in human culture have greatly changed the relationship between humans and the environment. How have the Neolithic and Industrial Revolution impacted the natural environment, and what is meant by the Environmental Revolution?

The Neolithic Revolution has impacted the natural environment because it allowed a shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture which has lead to more permanent settlements and population increases. This was a major turning point in human history. The expansion of humans and activities into the natural environment increased uniformity in landscapes and greatly reduced the area of each wildlife habitat.

The Industrial Revolution impacted the natural environment because the mass consumption of fossil fuels and natural resources used to push this revolution forward has caused a great deal of environmental damage such as pollution and exploitation. The industries discharged foul, sometimes toxic, solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes as well as loud, repetitive, mechanical noises and vibrations into the surrounding air, water, and land. These emissions blackened the air and water and disturbed ecosystems wherever rivers were dammed for power.

The Environmental Revolution is "a coming change in the adaptation of humans to the rising deterioration of the environment". (Wright, 2005). I believe that this type of revolution would require sacrifices but would lead to enormous gains. It would have to start at grass-root level if we want to preserve the world's limited natural resources, its forests, and wild animals. The steps we take now may be crucial in determining the fate of humanity.
Join now!


Ecosystems and How They Work

The recycling of elements is another vital functional process occurring in all ecosystems. Describe the biogeochemical cycles for carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen. How have humans impacted these three cycles?

The biogeochemical cycle of carbon constitutes the basic mechanism for the production of renewable resources such as food, fiber, and fuel and for the removal of organic waste material through mineralization. Organisms use carbon from the ocean and atmosphere to produce organic matter and construct shells of calcium and carbonate.

Carbon dioxide is release from cellular respiration, which is used ...

This is a preview of the whole essay