Chapter 1: Problem 13

Identify at least one action we could take as a society to follow each of the four characteristics of a sustainable ecosystem.

Short Answer

Expert verified

To promote a sustainable ecosystem, society could take the following actions: 1) Establish well-managed composting systems to recycle nutrients, 2) Create protected natural areas and implement regulations to maintain a diverse and stable set of species, 3) Promote responsible resource consumption by educating the public and encouraging sustainable practices, and 4) Invest in solar power infrastructure to primarily depend on solar energy.

Step by step solution

Characteristic 1: Recycling nutrients

To incorporate nutrient recycling within our society, we could establish a well-managed composting system for both individual households and businesses. By composting organic waste such as food scraps, garden waste, and paper products, we would effectively recycle these materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This action contributes to the sustainable ecosystem's natural nutrient cycling process.

Characteristic 2: Maintaining a diverse and stable set of species

To promote biodiversity and the stability of various species, one action we could take as a society is to create protected natural areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves. By protecting these areas, we could provide habitats for different plant and animal species to thrive while preserving their ecosystems to maintain the overall health of the environment. Additionally, this could involve implementing stricter regulations for businesses and urban planners to ensure they are respecting the biodiversity of their surroundings.

Characteristic 3: Keeping population sizes in check

To ensure population sizes are stable within the ecosystem, we need to promote responsible resource consumption. As a society, we can achieve this through the implementation of education and public outreach programs that emphasize the importance of reducing waste and limiting the overall use of resources. This could also involve measures to protect natural habitats from over-exploitation and the encouragement of sustainable farming and fishing practices.

Characteristic 4: Primarily depending on solar energy

Considering solar energy as the primary energy source contributes to a sustainable ecosystem. To promote this, our society should invest in the development and expansion of solar power infrastructure, such as solar panels on rooftops, solar farms, and solar power initiatives for public facilities. This action would help reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources that negatively impact the environment, while simultaneously promoting a sustainable energy source with minimal ecological impact.

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Identify at least one action we could take as a society to follow each of the four characteristics of a sustainable ecosystem.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Characteristic 1: Recycling nutrients

Characteristic 2: Maintaining a diverse and stable set of species

Characteristic 3: Keeping population sizes in check

Characteristic 4: Primarily depending on solar energy

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