Ecosystem Support Systems

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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