Ecosystem Support Systems

Ecosystems are identified by their dominant vegetation cover. They provide different life support systems.Green Lungs: Forests remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This reduces global warming Forests give out oxygen - purifying the atmosphere More than 20% of the worlds oxygen is produced in the Amazon rainforests Deforestation is responsible for 18-25% of global CO2 emissions Nutrient Cycling: Forests provide leaf litter which forms humus. This makes the soil more fertile for growing crops Roots hold soil in place to stop nutrients being washed away Hydrological Cycle: Forests protect watersheds from soil erosion and intercept precipitation preventing flash flooding By trapping silt forests keep water pure Reefs and mangroves provide protection from coastal storms