The main types of ecosystems that exist are Terrestrial ecosystemsthe aquatic ecosystemsthe Mixed ecosystems and the Artificial ecosystems. Among these are other ecosystems. In our eagerness to better understand nature, human beings use the study of ecosystems as one of the most important functional units and tools that allow us to describe, from an ecological point of view, any corner of the planet.
If you want to learn to know how many types of ecosystems there are and more about the classification of ecosystems and some curiosities about them, continue reading this ecology article about the different classes or types of ecosystems that exist.
What is an ecosystem
An ecosystem is a Biological system of great complexity In which they are included Each and every one of the different interactions that occur, both among living beings, and between these and the environment in which they are.
Ecosystems thus collect a whole series of intra -specific interactions (between individuals of the same species) and interspecific (among individuals of different species), based on the different resources that the ecosystem itself provides to living beings, and the various energy flows that occur in it. In these other ecology articles, you can find information about what intra -specific relationships are with examples and interspecific relationships, their types and examples.
In addition, with this other post you can deepen what an ecosystem is. In the next sections we will see What types of ecosystems exist To be able to learn more about how the main ecosystems of the Earth are, its characteristics and complex varieties.
How many ecosystems are there
Do you wonder How many ecosystems are there? The truth is that classify different ecosystems The planet has been a difficult task that numerous ecologists have faced throughout history. At present, the most general classifications of the different types of ecosystems allows them to distinguish them according to the medium in which they occur. In this way, the general classification of Types of ecosystems that exist in nature is between natural and artificial And within the natives there are several.
- Terrestrial ecosystems.
- Aquatic ecosystems.
- Mixed ecosystems (Agua-Earth) and Aeroterrestres (Air-Tierra).
- Artificial or unnatural ecosystems of modified landscape (created by the human being).
Next, let’s see these types of ecosystems one by one.
1. Terrestrial ecosystems and examples
One of the types of ecosystems are terrestrial ecosystems and these occupy only 30% of the territory of the Earth. These are divided in turn, from greater to lower territory occupied in Terrestrial ecosystems of:
- Deserts (30%).
- Sabanas and tropical grasslands, such as steppes, meadows and herbazals (20%).
- Jungles (23%).
- Forest ecosystem, that is, of tempered forests and tundras (17%).
- Crop zones (10%).
In the images of ecosystems below, you can see those of this list in order. In addition, we recommend you consult this other post to expand your knowledge about these types of terrestrial ecosystems with examples.
2. Aquatic ecosystems and examples
The aquatic ecosystems They are characterized by the presence of water as the main physical component. This water can be sweet or salty, allowing to differentiate between Marine and sweet acosystems.
Marine ecosystems
- Oceans
- Seas
- Reefs
- Shallow coastal waters
- Estuaries
- Salted water coastal lagoons
Sweet Ecosystems
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Rivers
- Streams
- Manantiales
There is another more specific classification of aquatic ecosystems, in which we can distinguish between LOTIC ECOSYSTEMS (in which the movement of the waters is given towards a single direction), and the lentic ecosystems (with stagnant waters totally or partially). Here you can learn more about Lotal ecosystems: what are and examples and lentic ecosystems: what are and examples.
You can learn much more entering these other posts:
- Fresh water aquatic ecosystems: definition and examples.
- What are the water ecosystems of salt water.
3. Mixed ecosystems and examples
As mentioned above, ecosystems are located in certain lands of the planet, so it is very common that sometimes intersections between different types of land are given, thus constituting the so -called “mixed ecosystems.” These may be constituted by the presence of water and earth land, or of earth and air (aerotherrest ecosystems).
Thus, the main types of mixed ecosystems that exist in nature are:
- Wetlands
- Mangroves
- Marshmas
- Coasts.
Here you will see the images of mixed ecosystems in the order of the list.
4. Artificial ecosystems and examples
More and more frequently, various artificial ecosystems exist throughout the planet. Faced with the natural ecosystems that we have been seeing throughout the article, in artificial ecosystems, the characteristics of the land in which they appear and their components are determined by the action of the human being. Therefore, we can also refer to artificial ecosystems by the name of anthropic or humanized ecosystemsas well as ecosystems Not natural.
The Main types of artificial ecosystems are:
- Urban ecosystems.
- Agricultural or agricultural ecosystems.
- Dam or reservoir ecosystems.
Now that you know the types of ecosystems well, we recommend this other ecology article about the differences between ecosystem and bioma.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of ecosystemswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
- Flores, F. J; Agraz, C. & Benítez, D. (2007) coastal aquatic ecosystems: importance, challenges and priorities for conservation. National Institute of Ecology, Mexicopp: 147-155.
- Sánchez, O. et. Al., (2007) Fundamental concepts on ecosystems. Perspectives on aquatic ecosystems in Mexico. National Institute of Ecology: Mexico. PP: 37-46.
- García, Je (2003). Investigating the ecosystem. School Research Magazine51, 83-100.
