WHAT IS ECOSYSTEM? TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM.

ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem is a basic functional unit in ecology. It includes all the living organisms and all their inter-relationship in a particular unit of space and physical environment.

There are two types of ecosystem :

1. Natural ecosystem

2. Artificial ecosystem

1. Natural ecosystem :A natural ecosystem is the result of interactions between organisms and the environment. For example, an ocean is classified as a marine ecosystem, which consists of algae, consumers and decomposers. A cycle occurs in this type of ecosystem that begins with algae converting energy via photosynthesis. After consumers feed on the algae, energy is transferred between the organisms. Once consumers die in this system, decomposers turn them into organic matter. This process occurs naturally over a period of time.

It has two components namely, (i) Terrestrial ecosystem and (ii) Acquantic ecosystem

(i) Terrestrial ecosystem :

• It is a land based ecosystem.
• It includes Forest ecosystem, Grassland ecosystem, Desert ecosystem and Tundra ecosystem.
• This ecosystem can be found anywhere apart from heavily saturated places.
• This ecosystem can be shown upon small area of earth. So it is small in compare to acquantic ecosystem.
• The availability of lights in this ecosystem is vast.

(ii)  Acquantic ecosystem :

• It is a water based ecosystem.
• It includes Marie ecosystem and Fresh water ecosystem. Again Fresh water ecosystem includes Lotic (Running water) ecosystem and Lentic (standing water) ecosystem.
• This ecosystem can be found in a body of water.
• This ecosystem can be shown upon large area of each. So it is large compare to terrestrial ecosystem.
• The availability of light is little.

2. Artificial ecosystem :

An artificial ecosystem is not self-sustaining, and the ecosystem would perish without human assistance. For example, a farm is an artificial ecosystem that consists of plants and species outside their natural habitat. Without humans, this ecosystem could not sustain itself. The plants and animals need the help of humans to eat and survive. Another major difference between a natural ecosystem and artificial ecosystems is diversity. Natural ecosystems contain more natural factors and organisms. The relationships between organisms, each other and the environment in this ecosystem are more complex than that of artificial ecosystems.