What do we know about ecosystems? Do we know what they are and what guys are there? It is likely that if we think of a forest we identify it quickly with a terrestrial ecosystem, and if we think of an ocean, with a marine ecosystem. But what if we think of a estuary, a delta, or a beach? Would we classify it as a marine or land ecosystem? If you have ever asked yourself and have not been able to decide from Ecology Verde we give you a hand, because you lack a piece of the great puzzle of ecosystems. Stay with us and discover What is a mixed ecosystem.
What is an ecosystem
The ecosystems are biological systems formed by the entire variety of living beings that inhabit a community and for all abiotic factors (not biological such as climate, relief …) with those who interact.
On Earth there are three main Types of ecosystems which are classified into aquatic, land and transition or mixed ecosystems. But what are exactly the latter? It is normal to ask it, since they are perhaps the least known in a general way. Next, we explain it in detail, take note!
Mixed or transition ecosystems – characteristics
Mixed ecosystems are those ecosystems that share characteristics of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, resulting in a hybrid ecosystem Among them, where both terrestrial and marine species live together. These ecosystems are considered as Transition zones between aquatic ecosystems and land.
Although it can be evident, Mixed ecosystems They have an aquatic part that can come from a river, a lake, the sea or the ocean, and on the other hand, through which the various organisms that inhabit in it can also be displaced.
Types of mixed ecosystems: coasts and wetlands
The variety of this type of ecosystems is high, since there are sources that include complexes such as savannas or jungles in flood situations, swamps, mangroves, marshes, reeds or peats. However, all of them can be classified into two large groups: coastal and wetland areas.
In general, the Biological diversity found in Mixed or Transition Ecosystems It is very variable in terms of animal and plant species, since they can be both terrestrial and aquatic, or both.
The wetlands
Wetlands are the first of the two groups in which they are classified Mixed ecosystems. Specifically, wetlands make up the transition between continental waters and terrestrial ecosystemsand occur in those places where the ground is saturated with water at least once a year. When this occurs, the soil is lacking in oxygen. Thus, in these wetlands communities are neither absolutely terrestrial nor purely aquatic.
The wetlands They can be classified under different criteria such as morphology or structure. As we said, there are many environments under the cataloging of wetland, including the swamps, marshes, swamps, or peat bogs, as well as mangroves (although they are maritime coast areas, since the tide regime produces these flood conditions periodically).
Wetlands are of vital importance for the survival of the human being according to the Ramsar agreement (Convention regarding wetlands of international importance especially as a water bird habitat), as it is one of the most productive environments on the planet. Wetlands are considered biodiversity and water sources on which they depend numerous plant and animal species.
The coasts
Costa is called the Union zone between emerged territorieslike an continent or an island, with the sea, ocean or other mass of water from large extensions (submerged territories).
The landscape of the coast is modeled by various factors such as wind, waves, tides, biological activity or human activities. Therefore, its landscape tends to be unstable, as there will be areas where the coast line progresses due to the deposit of sediments (beaches) and areas where it goes back because of the erosive marine processes (cliffs).
There are numerous Types of coasts that in some cases coincide with wetland ecosystems due to their interaction with salt water masses.
- Preponderant structural directions coasts. It encompasses peaceful types (longitudinal), dalmatian -type coasts (in contact with folding lines parallel to the coastline), Atlantic type coasts (transverse) and volcanic coasts.
- Subaéreo Modeling Coasts (erosion). Includes coasts of rias, fjords or coves.
- Costas of abrasion, that is, cliff coasts.
- Coasts of accumulation, which includes Barrera Islands (long cordon of sandy sediments parallel to the coastline), swampy coasts, marshes and mangroves, costs of deltas, dunares, reefs, estuaries or glacier accumulation.
The coastal landscapes They are generated by sedimentation and erosion processes, among others, and that alter the continuity of the coast can be outgoing type, such as ends, tips or deltas, or incoming, such as golfs, estuaries, fjords, rias, bays or ensenadas.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is a mixed ecosystemwe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
