Ecosystems are a source of unmatched natural wealth, in which we can discover the functioning and characteristics of all environmental spaces in which different species of organisms develop their life. Each ecosystem of the planet is unique and unrepeatable in terms of its formation and with respect to the numerous parameters that characterize it, both at the level of the communities of species that inhabit it, and by the climatic conditions and other physical components that occur in it.
Through ecology we can study everything related to ecosystems, such as the different classifications of ecosystems that this science has established. In this ecology article, we will focus on describing the Characteristics of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem: what is and differences.
What is an aquatic ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems are all those waters that are distributed throughout the earth. Correspond to the most abundant ecosystems on the planetpresenting the highest percentage of territory occupied in nature.
Let’s see in more detail which are its main characteristics and the Types of aquatic ecosystemss that exist:
Interior aquatic ecosystems
Within the interior aquatic ecosystems we find two large groups: the lobal systems (with current waters, for example, rivers and streams), and lentic systems (whose waters remain stagnant, without any current). In the latter group we can also differentiate between the wetland and reservoir systems and deep water systems, this being the case of lakes and lagoons.
Coastal and marine aquatic ecosystems
On the other hand, according to the geographical location and the type of body that the water presents, as well as its extension and other relevant characteristics, we find aquatic ecosystems in coastal environments (marshes and estuaries) and in marine environments, which include the ecosystems of the reef.
Characteristics of aquatic ecosystems
As for the main characteristics of aquatic ecosystems, it is important to highlight that their soils are saturated with water (except in the case where the total drought of the ecosystem comes to occur). These soils allow the presence of hydrophilic vegetation, that is, plants that survive in saturated water soils, in which they partially or totally develop their life cycle, being submerged.
Focusing now on the typical fauna of aquatic ecosystems, it is worth highlighting the presence of various aquatic species, whose behaviors and ways of life are adapted to life in water. Some groups of animals develop their entire life cycle in the aquatic ecosystem (it is the case of fish), and many others do so exclusively in concrete stages of their development (such as amphibians).
To learn more about these environments, we recommend you read this other Ecology post about what an aquatic ecosystem is and watch the video below. After immersing ourselves in the knowledge of the aquatic ecosystems, in the next section we take a firm leap and focus on the characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems.
What is a terrestrial ecosystem
Terrestrial ecosystems are earth spaces and constitute only 30% of the planet. The territory they occupy is divided in turn into terrestrial ecosystems of deserts (30%), tropical sheets and grasslands (20%), jungles (22%), temperate and coniferous forests (17%), as well as in crop areas (10%).
The importance of terrestrial ecosystems lies in their function of climatic regulators, both on a global scale and in any corner of the planet at local scale. Each and every of the different Types of terrestrial ecosystems They play a role of vital importance in the proper functioning of the environment in which it is located. They highlight, for example, for their maintenance functions of the biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as for the regulation of the composition of the atmosphere and the climate, for its intervention in the conservation of the soil (avoiding erosion) and by the characteristic that presents its vegetation coverage of sinks or carbon stores.
On the other hand, from an anthropocentric point of view, terrestrial ecosystems are responsible for providing human beings with various renewable natural goods, in addition to food, timber products and others of pharmacological interest.
If you are looking to deepen this type of ecosystems, you can consult these other articles on what a terrestrial ecosystem and its characteristics and on types of terrestrial ecosystems with examples are.
Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem: difference
He Aquatic ecosystem and land they differ mainly in the type of surface in which they are located, as well as in the different species that inhabit them.
On the other hand, both ecosystems can present a natural or artificial origin, have already been created by various natural phenomena or by the action of the human being. In both cases, the characteristics that will differentiate will continue to be those that refer to Water or Earth scope in which they develop.
If you are still more curiosity on this issue, we recommend you take a look at this other article on the main aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Spain.
If you want to read more articles similar to Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem: What is and differenceswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
- Sánchez, O. et. Al., (2007) Fundamental concepts on ecosystems. Perspectives on aquatic ecosystems in Mexico. National Institute of Ecology: Mexico. PP: 37-46.
- Moreno, JM (2005) Preliminary evaluation of impacts in Spain due to climate change: impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Ministry of Environment, University of Castilla La Manchapp: 65-80.
