Surely you've ever heard of the ecosystems. Although this term is often associated exclusively with ecology, its meaning is much broader and more fundamental. An ecosystem is a natural environment that is composed of both living beings and inert elements, in which all components interact in a balanced way to maintain life. This balance is crucial, because without it, ecosystems would enter a process of degradation, affecting all the organisms that inhabit them.
Definition of ecosystem
An ecosystem not only refers to the set of Facilities, from? y other living organisms that interact with each other, but also to the integration of these with the inert elements from the environment, such as soil, water and air. This set forms a dynamic system in which energy flows and nutrient cycles allow the continuity of life.
Each component of an ecosystem has a defined function. For example, herbivorous animals consume plants, predators feed on herbivores, and finally, decomposers recycle organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. In this way, everything is interrelated to maintain a ecological balance.
It is important to mention that human intervention has progressively altered many ecosystems, which makes it necessary to include humans as a relevant factor in the study of ecosystems, especially those humanized ecosystems.
Ecosystem visibility
Planet Earth is home to a vast range of ecosystems, from seas and oceans but also deserts and mountains. Since the largest proportion of the Earth's surface is covered by water, it is not surprising that the aquatic ecosystems are the most predominant. However, human activity has reached almost every corner of these natural habitats. Resource exploitation, pollution and urban expansion have caused the degradation of many ecosystems, threatening biodiversity.
In any ecosystem, two main types of factors are considered:
- Abiotic factors: These are the non-living components of the ecosystem, such as climate, soil, water, and sunlight. These elements determine which species can inhabit a specific ecosystem and how they interact with each other and their environment.
- Biotic factors: They are the living components that are part of the ecosystem, such as plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. These organisms interact with each other and with their environment, establishing a network of dependency relationships, known as Trophic chains.
Any significant alteration in these factors, such as climate change or habitat destruction, can lead to ecological imbalance, which affects not only the species that inhabit the ecosystem, but also the stability of the environment as a whole.
Types of ecosystems
There are several types of ecosystems in the world, each with Unique features adapted to their specific environment. Below we delve into some of the main types of ecosystems:
Natural ecosystems
These ecosystems are those that emerged without human intervention. They are divided into terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic y mixedEach of these ecosystems depends on particular environmental factors, such as climate, altitude, amount of available water, among others.
Artificial ecosystems
The artificial ecosystems are those created or significantly modified by human activity. Examples of these include agricultural areas, cities and reservoirs. Human intervention in these ecosystems aims to modify or control the environment to obtain economic benefits, such as food production or energy generation.
Terrestrial ecosystems
These ecosystems develop on the surface of the soil. Unlike aquatic ecosystems, in this type of ecosystem, vegetation and animals depend closely on factors such as temperature, moisture and altitude. Among the most notable terrestrial ecosystems are:
- Tropical forests: Habitats that are characterized by their great biodiversity and abundant vegetation.
- Deserts: Arid ecosystems with little vegetation, but adapted to the extreme conditions of dryness y heat.
- forestsThey range from dry forests to the vast taigas of the northern hemisphere, which are essential for regulating the global climate.
Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems are those that take place in water, both in sweet water as in saltwater. In these ecosystems, a wide range of living beings adapted to the specific conditions of the aquatic environment develop.
- Freshwater ecosystems: They include lakes, rivers, springs and wetlands. They are characterized by their low salt concentration, which favors the development of particular life forms, such as phytoplankton and water-dependent organisms such as amphibians.
- Marine ecosystems: They are the most abundant on the planet and are home to a vast number of species. From small coral reefs to great depths, the oceans are essential for life.
Desert ecosystems
Desert ecosystems are characterized by the lack of water and flora. However, both animal and plant species have appeared that have adapted to the extreme conditions temperature and lack of humidity, such as those cactus or nocturnal animals that avoid the heat of the day.
Mountain ecosystems
Mountain ecosystems are those located on high ground. Due to their altitude, they have very particular climatic conditions, such as colder temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure. These ecosystems are often more difficult for life, and their biodiversity decreases as altitude increases.
forest ecosystems
In forest ecosystems, the predominant species are: big trees which provide shelter to a large number of animal species. Some of the most important tree ecosystems in the world include:
- The rainforests, in which the level of biodiversity is extremely high.
- Temperate forests, located at latitudes where all four seasons are experienced.
- The taigas, which are found in boreal regions and are home to trees such as conifers that are resistant to extreme cold.
Life on Earth depends largely on the health of these ecosystems. Maintaining the natural balance is essential for the well-being of all species, including humans.