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Ecosystems at Risk

Biophysical Interactions
Vulnerability and Resilience
Importance of Ecosystems
Evaluation of Management Strategies
Kosciuszko Alpine Landscape
Great Barrier Reef
Ningaloo Reef
Badu Intertidal Wetlands

Ecosystems at Risk

Throughout the globe, the survival of many ecosystems been placed in enormous risk. Some ecosystems are at greater risk than others, due to the specificity of their biophysical requirements, their rarity on earth or their ability to provide humans with desirable resources.

Large and relatively pristine ecosystems, such as Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia can be at great risk from global changes far beyond the control of local management stakeholders. While, small and quite damaged ecosystems, such as the Badu Intertidal Wetlands can be in a relatively stable state, although requiring ongoing life support in the form of intensive levels of management.

This topic investigates the linkages between ecosystem functioning, the types of management employed and the degree of threat an ecosystems' sustainability faces. 

Syllabus Headings


General Information
  • Biophysical interactions which lead to diverse ecosystems and their functioning 
  • Vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems 
    – impacts due to natural stress 
    – impacts due to human induced modifications to energy flows, nutrient cycling, and relationships between biophysical components 
  • The importance of ecosystem management and protection 
    – maintenance of genetic diversity 
    – utility values 
    – intrinsic values 
    – heritage values 
    – need to allow natural change to proceed 
  • Evaluation of traditional and contemporary management strategies. 

Case Study ONE: Ningaloo Reef: 
  • spatial patterns and dimensions: location, altitude, latitude, size, shape and continuity 
  • biophysical interactions including: 
    – the dynamics of weather and climate 
    – geomorphic and hydrologic processes such as earth movements, weathering, erosion, transport and deposition, soil formation 
    – biogeographical processes: invasion, succession, modification, resilience 
    – adjustments in response to natural stress
    – the nature and rate of change which affects ecosystem functioning 
  • Human impacts (both positive and negative) 
  • Traditional and contemporary management practices. 

Case Study TWO: Badu Intertidal Wetlands: 
  • spatial patterns and dimensions: location, altitude, latitude, size, shape and continuity 
  • biophysical interactions including: 
    – the dynamics of weather and climate 
    – geomorphic and hydrologic processes such as earth movements, weathering, erosion, transport and deposition, soil formation 
    – biogeographical processes: invasion, succession, modification, resilience 
    – adjustments in response to natural stress
​    – the nature and rate of change which affects ecosystem functioning 
  • Human impacts (both positive and negative) 
  • Traditional and contemporary management practices. 

Practice Extended Response Questions

  1. "Explain how fieldwork can enhance management of an ecosystem at risk" Refer to fieldwork you have undertaken."
  2. "Assess the extent to which knowledge of biophysical interactions  improves traditional and contemporary management strategies."
  3. "Evaluate how contemporary management strategies can affect the vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems."
  4. "Analyse the human impacts on an ecosystem you have studied."
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  • Home
    • Preliminary Geography >
      • Biophysical Interactions
      • Senior Geography Project
      • Global Challenges >
        • Population Geography
    • HSC Geography >
      • Ecosystems at Risk >
        • Kosciuszko Alpine Ecosystem
        • Great Barrier Reef
      • People and Economic Activity
      • Urban Places
    • IB Geography >
      • IB Core Topics >
        • Changing Populations
        • Global climate
        • Resources
      • Optional Themes >
        • Oceans and their coastal margins
        • Extreme environments
        • Leisure, sport and tourism
        • Food and health
        • Urban Environments >
          • The variety or urban environments
          • Changing Urban Systems
          • Urban Environmental Stresses
          • Sustainable Urban Systems
      • HL Extension Topics >
        • Power, places and networks
        • Human development and diversity
  • Links
    • Geo Researching Skills
    • HSC Geo Skills
    • SGP/Internal Assessment Projects
  • News
    • National Geo Comp
    • GTA NSW/ACT Fieldwork Awards
  • Contact
    • Latitude Geography authors