Ecosystem Essay Example for Free

Ecosystem Essay In this paper, I will be sharing facts on the major structural and functional dynamics of the ecosystem of Tallgrass Pririe Preserve in Pawuska, Oklahoma. I will share information pertaining to how humans have affected biogeochemical cycles in this ecosystem and how knowledge about that ecosystems structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management and restoration. This paper will reveal only a short synopsis of the many facts pertaining to this very nteresting ecosystem. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on Earth. It is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. At the present time, it has been measured as spanning over 39,000 acres. The tallgrass prairie is a complex environment , filled with a rich diversity of various plants and animals. The 39,000-acres first began with an initial purchase of the historic Barnard Ranch of 29,000 acres in 1989 and is now anaged by the Nature Conservancy to be enjoyed as a scenic drive. If visitors and tourists want to take a good scenic drive, this is one that should be on the list. It begins and ends in Pawhuska and is about 50 miles long. This is a summary of the results of my assessment that compares the four consumption categories by biome. The first category that I will be summarizing is the cropland footprint. It is one of the most important land categories for supplying us with food. Of this category, it shows the land that is filled. In this category, the national average that is used is 29. 61% and my quiz shows that I use 20. 31% so I am below average on the use of cropland so there isnt a need for improvement or more that I need to do to help society in this area. This only measures the land use. Pasture land is grassland and pasture area used to raise animals for meat, hides, wool, and milk. In this area, the national average is 68. 02% and my measurement is 46. 18%. I do not show to be using any excessive amounts in this area. Marine ecological footprints MEFs) measure the marine ecosystem area appropriated by human populations to supply seafood and other marine products and services. In this area the quiz shows that the national average is 49. 33% and my usage is 33. 50%. I still show that I am not overusing in this area. The Forestland footprint shows the amount of forest that is needed to fulfill the demand for pulp, fuel wood, and timber products. In this area, the national usage is 99. 45% and I show that I am using 64. 95%. It looks like the things that I am doing to onserve in this area are being beneficial to the planets use of this resource. The ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on the Earths ecosystems. As I look at the results of my quiz, it is apparent to me that I am not at risk of being one that overuses the earths resources and that I am doing a good Job of helping the planet have a sufficient amount of resources for all of us.