THE LIVING LANDSCAPE
An Australian Ecosystem Series is a documentary-style series designed for use with students in junior secondary involved in the studies of society and environment.

Information about buying copies of the series can be found at the bottom of this page.
The Series was written by Pan Rushby.

Ecosystems: an Introduction (14 min)
This program provides an overview of the series briefly illustrating the characteristics and diversity of the ecosystems featured and highlighting the human impact.

Through the use of computer graphics, the concept of an ecosystem is introduced. To assist in the study and understanding of the various ecologies, the terms used throughout the series are introduced and defined: ecosystem, biodiversity, species adaptation and sustainability.

By presenting dramatic examples of the effects of human impact, the program highlights the need to preserve our resources and to adopt responsible management practices.

Urban Ecosystem (16 min)
This program examines this totally artificial ecosystem that is only sustainable by exploiting external inputs from neighbouring systems. It explores the inputs and outputs of an urban ecosystem, and the matter and energy flows.

The program highlights the problems and costs associated with population density and growth, waste generation and disposal. The challenge is to ensure the city of the future is more biologically healthy and ecologically sustainable than the city of today.

Rainforests (15 min)
Found primarily east of the Great Dividing Range, rainforest, or closed forest, is the most diverse ecosystem in Australia with well over 700 species per hectare in some areas. The characteristics of rainforests are closed canopy, high humidity and usually warm to hot temperatures.
Under the canopy, this ecosystem needs nothing from outside except sunlight and rain. The plants and animals interact to maintain a range of microclimates from ground to canopy. The program explains the different types of Australian rainforests - tropical, temperate and littoral.

With the use of computer graphics, the importance of leaf litter in creating the nutrients that feed the whole ecosystem is explored. By focusing on some of the plants and animals found in the rainforest, the program highlights the great biodiversity of this ecosystem. Because many of Australia?s watercourses start in rainforests, the rainforests play a vital role in water quality and quantity.

Rivers and Riparian Fringe (18 min)
In studying this ecosystem the program investigates the whole catchment approach, problems arising downstream, and the valuable corridors of remnant vegetation. These corridors support a wide diversity of plant and animal life which have evolved in various ways according to their circumstances.

Seasonal changes (depth, width, flow turbidity) and their effects are also considered. Human dependence, interference and inappropriate land management practices impact on the watercourses. Finally, the program looks at possible solutions to human impact such as integrated catchment management.

Mangrove and Wetlands (18 min)
The mangrove and wetlands ecosystem is one of the most complex and productive forming a vital link in the food chain. The program explores the unique characteristics of this system and the interdependence of freshwater marshes, salt marshes, mangroves and sea grass beds.
Mangroves and wetlands are important breeding and nursery areas for migratory birds, fish and crustacean species and provide a habitat for a great diversity of species.

Their importance as silt traps and role in stabilising estuaries are explained. Increasing population demands, changing technology and pollution are having a profound impact on this ecosystem.

Dry Sclerophyll Forest (15 min)
The dry sclerophyll forest, or open forest, is the most characteristic Australian vegetation, although it is less valued than other ecosystems. The unique flora and fauna of this ecosystem which is home to a number of Australian mammals is examined.
Computer graphics are used to explain the cycle which is influenced by nutrient poor soils, fires and periodic droughts.

The program explores the wide effect of human activity on the ecosystem through farming, grazing and development, and highlights the need for better understanding and appreciation.

Arid Inland (20 min)
With its poor, ancient soils supporting six major vegetation types, this ecosystem covers three-quarters of Australia. Whilst appearing sparsely populated, the arid inland is home to a variety of flora and fauna that have evolved to survive the harsh conditions.
The program investigates how the flora and fauna have evolved by focusing on mulga, spinifex, kangaroo, wallaby and the bilby. The effect of introduced species is examined since their introduction has threatened the vegetation and led to the removal of the fragile top soils causing enormous erosion problems.

The damage caused by mining, tourism and human intervention through clearing, fire and erosion is explored.

Island (20 min)
Islands are delicately balanced ecosystems. Their isolation and small size can be seen as both advantageous and disadvantageous. Because islands are isolated, species different from those on the mainland may be able to develop. But because of their small size, any imbalance can have a great impact.
The introduction or removal of a single species may impact across the whole ecosystem. This program looks at ways in which islands are formed, and how they are colonised by plants and animals.

In particular, the importance of islands as breeding sites for turtles, and the problems associated with introduced animals, are explored.

Reef (22 min)
Coral reefs have existed in the earth's shallow seas for over 450 million years. Yet their abundance of life flourishes in waters that are extremely low in basic in basic nutrients. Reefs have developed as self-supporting systems, retaining and recycling most of the available nutrients within the reef itself. They are very well organised systems.

This program looks in detail at corals, the framework of the reef, and the complex reef energy cycle. It also examines threats to reefs such as natural ones like the crown of thorns starfish, and threats through the impact of humans in farming, fishing and tourism practices.

Remnant Ecosystems (22 min)
Human activity has made vast changes to the natural landscape of Australia. In many places, forest, woodland wetland and heath has been replaced by towns, farmland, roads, railways, and industrial areas. But in between these areas of development, there may survive patches of the native remnant vegetation, large and small. These patches, or remnants, are often the only places where some species of native plants and animals continue to survive.

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