Functioning of Ecosytems

All ecosystems are very complex structures with interdependence between the biotic and abiotic part. The connection with other

ecosystems is also very important. Each man’s activity in the environment, either direct (e.g. river regulation, draining, road

building) or indirect (agriculture, forestry, hunting) causes disturbances in ecological equilibrium. That is why, before each

intervention in the environment it is necessary to analyze its effect on the environment. To do that, it is indispensable to know the

functioning of the ecosystems.

Lectures 15 hours

General principles of functioning of the ecosystem (basic definition and conception of biocenosis and population; Energy

and matter flow in ecosystems; Development and evolution of ecosystem)

Still water ecosystems (abiotic factors which influence water environment; Classification; Space structure; Trophic structure;

Biotic interdependence; Productivity; Signification in nature and economy).

Running water ecosystems (abiotic factors which influence water environment; Classification; Space structure; Trophic structure;

Biotic interdependence; Productivity; Significance in nature and economy).

Forest ecosystems (abiotic factors which influence water environment; Classification; Space structure; Trophic structure;

Biotic interdependence; Productivity; Significance in nature and economy).

Grassland (Factors influencing creation and persistence; Space structure; Trophic structure; Biotic interdependence; Productivity;

Signification in nature and economy; typological classification grasslands)

Agro ecosystem (History of agriculture; Systems of agriculture in the world; Trophic structure; Biotic interdependence; Productivity

and restrictive factors; Influence of agriculture on environment) Diversity and ecosystem function (Reasons of biodiversity;

Consequences of species loss; biodiversity protection; Management of ecosystems)

Lab practicals 3 x 5 hours

Water ecosystem.

Students have to recognise plant species in different zones of littoral and make phytosociological relevè (Braun-Blanquett

method). They have also to observe vertebrates animals. Small invertebrates are caught by nest in pelagial and bental and

identified using microscope.

Grasslands

Students have to compare botanical composition of different meadow types (Braun-Blanquett method). Productivity of

grassland is assessed according to harvesting method and Kostuch method. Ecological succession of unmanaged meadows is

observed.

Forest

Students have to describe the structure of a forest (relevè made in layers). They have to determine the environmental type of a forest.

On the sample plot estimation of wood abundance is done.