What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of plants, animals, birds and other organisms as well as the vitamins and minerals and energy sources that keep them alive.

In an ecosystem, all of the organisms and their environment can be highly dependent on each other, and can affect each other profoundly.

There are various different types of ecosystems. Usually these are divided into two categories:

1. Ecosystems under water. These are called aquatic ecosystems.
2. Ecosystems on land. These are called terrestrial ecosystems.

But, marine and aquatic ecosystems can also be divided up into various different kinds, such as:

• Freshwater ecosystems: the fish, plants and birds that live in rivers and lakes.
• Marine ecosystems: ecosystems under the sea.

Do you want to learn more about ecosystems? Below, you will find out some of the characteristics of ecosystems.

A closed system: though it may be permeable to outside influences, an ecosystem can be thought of as a relatively self contained system.

Interdependence: the organisms that live in an ecosystem are dependent on each other, and their actions and lives impact on each other’s lives.

Dynamic: ecosystems are able to change and evolve – indeed evolution is one reason why we have distinct ecosystems in the first place.

Adapted: the organisms in an ecosystem have adapted to their environments. They live in such a way as to draw the most benefit from the environment.

Fragile: many ecosystems are considerably fragile when faced with global warming, pollution and other human made problems in the world. One example is the marine ecosystem of the great barrier reef: the precious and ancient coral in this reef is now visibly dying out due to human pollution.

Beautiful: the organisms in various ecosystems have a beauty of their own – not just taken as individuals but also in their interactions with other organisms in the ecosystem. Many scientists and biologists find the delicate balance of organisms in an ecosystem to be something very beautiful in its own right, and indeed this can be a key reason why girls and boys decide to study science at school and university – and to become biologists as adults.

Importance: ecosystems are all responsible for keeping the planet as a whole in balance. Animals and other life forms can only thrive if their ecosystems are thriving as a whole. And, the lives of humans are very much dependent on the life of all of the ecosystems in the planet. Though ecosystems can be thought of as distinct systems, they are also all connected with each other and if one ecosystem starts to fail this can have repercussions on other ecosystems all across the world.

Conclusion.

What kinds of ecosystems are in existence near to where you live? Are they thriving, or are they experience problems? What could you do to help promote healthy ecosystems in your area – and around the world in general?

The world’s ecosystems are complex, beautiful and vitally important phenomena. Safeguarding them is a responsibility that belongs to us all.

Laura