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Open-system self-regulating EcosystemsÕ
overall stability ÒdynamicallyÓ maintained by 3 chief mechanisms: |
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Controlling the rate of chemical and
material cycling with the ÒwaterÓ system |
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Controlling the rate of energy flow
through the ÒwaterÓ system |
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Maintaining a diversity of species
& food webs so that system stability is not affected seriously by the
loss of some food web links and/or species |
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Human-induced alterations of ÒnaturalÓ
water systems |
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Disruption of essential
material/nutrient cycle: |
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Changing the rate of cycling by
material overloads or leaks in the system |
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Breaking the cycle |
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Introduction of human-made chemicals
into the water, especially those with no natural decomposition chain |
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Disruption of energy flow(s) |
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Entropy or heat build-up in the system
by consumption of too much energy by human society |
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Changing properties and/or composition
of the atmosphere leading to an increase or decrease in the solar energy
input involved in hydrological cycle |
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Altering drainage systems (quality,
quantity, direction of flow, etc.) |
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Disruption of the ecosystem by
destruction of species diversity and/or the food web |
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