Topic Introduction

This topic aims to introduce students to the ecosystem concept as a way of understanding natural and managed forest landscapes. The ecosystem concept is a paradigm for understanding the underlying structure and function of nature by focusing on the flow of materials and energy through biological systems, or bio systems. Plants, animals and microbes (bacteria, fungi, archaea) are grouped according to their major role in either the capture or transformation of energy, or their role in the reorganization of the materials that make up living and dead life forms.  We know these major actions as photosynthesis and decomposition. Along with the biophysical resources of a forest site or landscape, they determine the productive capacity of a biological system whether it is natural or managed. In many artificial tree-based ecosystems, such as restored forests or plantations, we implement ecological concepts and principles to design and manage to maximize the sustainable productivity of the forest enterprise.

Video Lecture

Lecture Video & Powerpoint

 Topic 3.1 Lecture: Forest Carbon Cycle and Forest Productivity

[3.1 Lecture ppt to be embedded here.]

Supplementary Readings

Textbooks

Aber, J.D., & Melillo, J.M. (1991). Terrestrial Ecosystems. Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing.

Attiwill, P., & Neales, T. (2006). Carbon flow, energy transformations, and productivity. Chapter 5 in P. Attiwill & B. Wilson (Eds.). Ecology: An Australian Perspective 2^nd Edition (pp 176-195). Cambridge University Press.

Topic Quiz

Topic Quiz 3.1

The topic quiz is designed to check your understanding of important learning concepts for this topic. The quiz contains 10 multiple choice questions. When you are ready, start the quiz at Topic Quiz 3.1.

Online Discussion

Thought-provoking Questions 2

For this activity,

1. You are expected to submit at least two thought provoking questions by day 5 of the week. Each question should be no longer than 75 words. Note, thought provoking question should be more analytical/critical, that spark a deep discussion about the topic.
2. After posting thought provoking questions, you are required to comment on at least two of their peer’s questions not exceeding 100 words by day 7 of this week.

Please see Course Schedule for detailed due dates and check out the specific requirements and grading criteria on the Thought Provoking Questions page.

Assignments

No other assignments for the week.

Topic Self-review

Reflection Questions 3.1

Please use the self-reflection questions below as a study guide to conduct self-review for the topic.

1. In terms of carbon stored in aboveground biomass and in soil, which forest biome (tropical, temperate or boreal) sequesters the most carbon from the atmosphere?
2. In which of the forests identified above do you consider the carbon stored to be most threatened by climate change? Why?
3. How does the allocation of Net Primary Productivity within a forest stand change throughout the life of the forest?
4. At what stage of forest growth is a forest most susceptible to nutrient loss? Why?