Discover and understand the Ecosystems operation From the planet it is one of the most difficult tasks and at the same time surprising that we have carried out human beings during practically the whole history of our evolution. Through observations, scientific analysis linked to physiology, chemistry, physics and biology, as well as through global ecological studies, it has been possible to know in detail the composition and functioning of ecosystems. In these complex systems of communications networks and flows of matter and energy, life develops, so knowing them and conserving them will be of vital importance to ensure life on earth as we know it.
If you want to know closely the surprising world that concerns ecology, continues to read this ecology article in which you will learn How an ecosystem works.
What is an ecosystem
Ecosystems They are defined as biological systems in which we include all the interactions and relationships between living beings and habitat or medium in which they live. It was the Ecologist Roy Clapham The one that, in 1930, defined the concept of ecosystem, with the objective of being able to better define those interactions that exist naturally and spontaneously between the communities of living beings and the different habitats of the planet.
Thus, it is possible to differentiate a wide variety of ecosystems, depending on the type of habitat and biotic factors and abiotic factors that constitute them, so that both in terrestrial, aquatic and mixed environments, it is possible to differentiate natural ecosystems full of life. Learn more about this subject with these other articles on what an ecosystem and natural ecosystem is: what is, characteristics and examples.
To continue expanding the information related to ecosystems and their operation, in the next sections we will see in detail how an ecosystem works exactly and what are the main components that integrate it.
How an ecosystem works – relationships, flows, succession and balance
To understand How an ecosystem works It is necessary to attend to what type of ecological relationships They occur in them and what are the components that constitute it.
To first understand how ecological relationships are given within ecosystems, it is important to highlight the role played by the Biological communities of living beings (or ecosystem biocenosis), which interact with each other with the objective of ensuring their reproduction, survival and evolution, within the determined environment (or biotope) in which they live.
How an ecosystem works: relationships and balance
In this way, ecosystems function as a complex system of networks in which such interspecific relationships (between individuals of the same species) and intra -specific relationships (between individuals of different species and communities) determine the Ecosystem evolution and balance Like a whole.
To understand more about relationships in ecosystems, we recommend that, apart from reading specific articles about interspecific and intra -specific relationshipsyou also take a look at this other post on the trophic relationships of ecosystems: definition and examples.
How an ecosystem works: flows and succession
The multiple relationships of organisms, as well as the constants Matter and energy flows They create one ecological succession in the communities of living beings, as well as the development of different components of the ecosystem and the maintenance of a optimal balance of it, as long as there are no external disturbances that alter it. Biodiversity and apparent chaos of energy and matter that characterizes ecosystems actually a series of a series of Laws of Nature of great complexity and amazing precision.
It expands the concept of ecological succession: definition, stages and examples with this other post of ecology.
Components of an ecosystem
Now that we know more about what an ecosystems is in general, let’s see in more detail what the main components of an ecosystem mentioned above. Within every ecosystem it is possible to differentiate a series of structural components, as well as functional components.
The structural components of an ecosystem
They are represented by those Abiotic components (lifeless elements, physical and chemistry) and by biotic components (living beings). The soil, the climate, the temperature, the humidity, the latitude, the altitude, the sunlight and the wind, are some of the most representative abiotic components, which as a whole, constitute The habitat or natural space in which living beings are.
On the other hand, the biodiversity of flora, fauna and microorganisms would be part of the biotic components or living beings of the ecosystem. To better study their characteristics and behaviors it is possible to group them in populations and communities, it is possible to characterize communities of concrete living beings for an ecosystem, which do not appear in a different ecosystem.
The functional components of an ecosystem
These are represented by the Energy and matter flowswhich can be differentiated in different cycles, such as complex nutrient cycles, water cycle and carbon cycle, as well as trophic chains and trophic networks.
Both types of main components (structural and functional) are those that allow and maintain interrelations between living beings and their environment or means in which they live.
How an ecosystem works: balance and imbalance
Now that we have seen how an ecosystem works, we can better understand the Ecosystem concept in equilibrium or the ecological equilibrium.
When it is said that there is Ecological balance Or that an ecosystem is in equilibrium, we mean that this part of the planet manages to maintain the laws of nature optimally, which means that there is an adequate balance between the different components of the ecosystem (structural and functional). Therefore, in an ecosystem in balance the abiotic elements, biotic elements, flow and energy flows, etc. are all in harmony allowing the whole or The biological system works correctly for all elementseverything benefits as a whole.
On the other hand, when there is an element that leaves natural measures, the Ecological imbalance or the imbalance in ecosystem. For example, if a species disappears, if an area is destroyed, if a polluting element enters, etc., thus, the ecosystem balance is broken.
We recommend that, if you want to find out more about how an ecosystem works, also read these other ecology article about what is the ecological balance, equilibrium ecosystem: what is and how is it maintained and ecological imbalance: what is, causes, consequences and examples.
If you want to read more articles similar to How an ecosystem workswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
- Sánchez-Cañete, FJ and Ponte, A. (2010) The understanding of ecology concepts and their implications for environmental education. Eureka Magazine about teaching and dissemination of science. Volume 7.
- García, Je (2003). Investigating the ecosystem. School Research Magazine. Volume 51, pp: 83-100.
