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Ecological health
Ecological health refers to the overall condition and functioning of an ecosystem. It is an assessment of how well an ecosystem can maintain its structure, processes, and services while supporting a diverse range of life forms and withstanding environmental stressors and changes.
Here are some key aspects that define ecological health:
- Biodiversity: A healthy ecosystem typically has a high level of biodiversity, meaning a variety of species coexisting, which contributes to resilience against disturbances and the ability to recover from environmental stress.
- Water Quality: In aquatic ecosystems, water quality is a crucial indicator of ecological health. Parameters such as oxygen levels, nutrient concentrations (e.g., nitrates and phosphates), pH, and the presence of pollutants or contaminants are measured to determine water quality.
- Habitat Integrity: The physical structure and condition of habitats within the ecosystem are vital. This includes the presence of natural features like vegetation, wetlands, and riparian zones that support wildlife.
- Functional Processes: These include nutrient cycling, energy flow, and the natural processes that sustain the ecosystem, such as predation, decomposition, and reproduction.
- Resilience: The ability of the ecosystem to absorb disturbances, adapt to changes, and recover from adverse conditions is a key aspect of its health.
- Human Impact: The degree of human impact and management practices can significantly affect ecological health. This includes pollution, land use changes, and resource extraction.
A healthy ecosystem supports a balance where species thrive, water bodies remain clean and life-sustaining, and natural processes function efficiently, providing essential services to humans and wildlife alike. In contrast, poor ecological health is often characterized by reduced biodiversity, polluted water, degraded habitats, and disrupted ecological processes.
