Lesson 4: Maintenance of Ecosystems

In nature, everything is interconnected. Ecosystems, therefore, interact with one another.

The forest ecosystem has been shown to positively affect the health of neighbouring ecosystems. For example, streams often flow through forests. It has been shown through scientific studies that the health of the stream ecosystem is directly affected by the forest ecosystem:

• Water quality in a stream is improved when it is bordered by a healthy forest. This is because forests filter the water that feeds the stream. As well, forests prevent the banks of the stream from eroding. This is very important because it prevents excessive sediments (soil) from entering the stream.

• Forests shade the stream, preventing it from getting too warm. This is critical because many species are sensitive to any change in water temperature.

• Fallen branches and leaves provide micro-habitats within the stream, greatly increasing the stream's biodiversity.