1. Ecosystem health can be assessed using measures of resilience, vigor and organization: Vigor is measured in terms of `activity, metabolism or primary productivity'[25].
What is ecosystem health monitoring?
The Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) is a comprehensive and scientifically robust waterway monitoring program which provides a regional assessment of the health for each of South East Queensland’s major catchments, river estuaries and Moreton Bay zones.
What do you mean by ecosystem health?
Ecosystem health is defined as “the state or condition of an ecosystem in which its dynamic attributes are expressed within the normal ranges of activity relative to its ecological state of development” (van Andel and Aronson, 2006), while ecosystem integrity is “the state or condition of an ecosystem that displays the …
What factors make an ecosystem healthy?
A healthy ecosystem consists of native plant and animal populations interacting in balance with each other and nonliving things (for example, water and rocks). Healthy ecosystems have an energy source, usually the sun. … Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, returning vital nutrients to the soil.
What does indicator species tell us about the health of an ecosystem?
Indicator species (IS) are animals, plants, or microorganism used to monitor changes in our environment. For example, they can tell us about the impact of pollution on an ecosystem, or how well an impaired environment is being managed or restored.
Why is knowing the health of an ecosystem important?
Ecosystem health is essential for an ecosystem to provide services that benefit the human population in terms of social and economic value.