Ecosystems are the home of numerous living beings, where they live and relate to each other and with non -living factors, which are the ones that form the environment, climate, temperatures, chemical substances or geological characteristics of the territory. As to Mexico is among the 17 countries with the greatest biodiversity. This is due to its different climates, reliefs and biogeographic areas, which define its multiple ecosystems.
For being such a peculiar place in terms of nature, in this article of Ecology Verde we talk about the main ecosystems from Mexico and its characteristics.
List of the main ecosystems of Mexico
To begin with, we present as a scheme the List of the main Mexican land and sailor ecosystems:
Terrestrial ecosystems
- Tempered forests
- Cloudy forests
- Thickets
- Pastizales
- Wet jungles
- Dry jungles
Marine ecosystems
- Coastal lagoons
- Mangroves
- Coral reefs
- Giant algae forests
In the following lines we describe one by one the main ecosystems from Mexico and its characteristics.
Terrestrial ecosystems of Mexico
Among the main Mexican land ecosystems We can find the following:
Tempered forests
Among the different terrestrial ecosystems of this place in the world we can find temperate forests occupying approximately 15% of the country’s extension. In these forests we can find up to half of pine species known in the world (about 50 species) and at least 200 species of oaks. It is estimated that some 7 thousand plants live in it. However, more than 20% of this type of forests have been lost.
Cloudy forests
While they occupy only 1 % of the territory of Mexico, cloudy forests have great importance in the collection of water in the arid areas where they are located, be the habitat of up to 10 % of plants in Mexico (some of them endemic) and for their contribution of oxygen. Currently, a big problem is that many of these forests are being lost.
Thickets
It represents the most important ecosystem of Mexico in extension. It extends from the north to states such as Puebla and Oaxaca, located in the center and the south of the country. In this ecosystem you can find different species of cactus, some of them endemic and very important for the food and culture of the country. Mexico is the country that houses more cactus species in the world.
Pastizales
Pastizales are also called steppes and extended through the northwest of the country, covering up to 6% of the territory of Mexico. In these grasslands a good number of species, shrubs and small trees are developed. However, the easy access of humans to these species makes them very vulnerable to human activities, such as grazing and livestock.
Wet jungles
Wet jungles are also known as tropical forests or tropical jungles and are located to the southwest of the country, extends up to 5 % of the territory of Mexico. This ecosystem has lush vegetation and inhabit most of the mammals in Mexico. This ecosystem has disappeared very fast and up to 70 % are deteriorated. In this other ecology article, you can consult why the conservation of tropical forests or wet jungles is important.
Dry jungles
The dry jungles are in the Pacific plain, north of the Yucatan Peninsula and in the Balsas basin. In this ecosystem they live up to 6 % of the plants throughout the country, of which up to 40 % are endemic to Mexico. In addition, they are drought -resistant ecosystems and with abundant copal and huajes trees. Its appearance is very variable, since with the rains its vegetation is transformed.
Mexico’s aquatic ecosystems
Among the main Mexican aquatic ecosystemswe find:
Coastal lagoons
We find coastal lagoons along the entire coast of Mexico. It is estimated that there are up to 125 coastal lagoons throughout the country. The lagoons constitute closed bodies of marine water that reach up to 50 meters deep. These ecosystems contain mangrove forests, marine pastures and algae meadows. In addition, coastal lagoons represent important areas to cushion some natural phenomena.
Mangroves
Mangroves are one of the most important marine ecosystems in Mexico, occupying the country the fourth world place in number of mangroves. Although, they occupy 4% of the territory, they are very important in the natural balance of the coasts, coastal protection and reproduction. In addition, mangroves are the only aquatic forests that develop on soils and resist high concentrations of sea salt. However, this ecosystem is very threatened by aquaculture farms and tourism development, since they are areas of great attraction.
Learn more about this type of ecosystem with this other ecology article about what is a mangrove and its characteristics.
Coral reefs
They are submarine ecosystems close to the coast and low depth. They are very beautiful, colorful ecosystems and the habitat of many species that seek protection and food. Only in Mexico are up to 10% of the world’s species in the world. They are mainly concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Mar del Caribe (forming the Mesoamerican reef: the second largest reef barrier in the world).
They are threatened by pollution, ship’s running, uncontrolled tourism, coral extraction or docks construction.
Giant algae forests
It extends through Baja California, the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. They are the habitat of large number of species and algae that reach up to 30 meters high. They also house sea lions, sea elephants, crabs, fish or snails. In addition, they are protective barrier of coastal areas, they are water purifiers and maintain the natural balance of the area.
If you want to read more articles similar to Main ecosystems from Mexico and its characteristicswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
