Classification of Ecosystems - Environmental Science

Questions and Answers

What is an artificial ecosystem?

An ecosystem that is altered, maintained, or planned by human activity. (correct)

An ecosystem solely maintained by natural forces.

A naturally occurring ecosystem.

A type of forest.

What are the two major types of natural ecosystems?

Desert and Forest ecosystems.

Aquatic and Terrestrial ecosystems. (correct)

Urban and Rural ecosystems.

Artificial and Natural ecosystems.

What is a biome?

A community of plants and animals that share common characteristics for their environment.

Biomes are distinct biological communities that have formed in response to a shared physical climate.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquatic ecosystem?

An ecosystem that is located in a body of water. Signup and view all the answers

Aquatic biomes are shaped by several factors including the ability of the sun's rays to penetrate the water, the nature of the bottom ________, water temperature, and the amount of dissolved materials.

substrate Signup and view all the answers

What types of sea life are included in the Open Marine Ecosystem?

Algae, plankton, jellyfish, and whales. Signup and view all the answers

What types of species exist in the Ocean Floor Ecosystem?

Fish, crustaceans, clams, oysters, and others. Signup and view all the answers

Coral reefs are found in cold, deep waters.

False Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Estuary Ecosystem?

The mixing of freshwater with saltwater. Signup and view all the answers

What are mangroves?

Special types of saltwater swamps found in coastal areas. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes freshwater ecosystems from marine ecosystems?

Freshwater has much less salt content and often contains different organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, rivers, streams, and ________.

ponds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecosystem Classification

Artificial Ecosystems: Human-altered or maintained environments such as urban areas, artificial lakes, and reservoirs.
Natural Ecosystems: Divided into aquatic and terrestrial types; these systems can self-maintain and self-renew.

Biomes

Biomes: Communities of plants and animals sharing characteristics suited to their environment; found across various continents.
Distinct Biological Communities: Biomes develop in response to shared physical climates.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic Ecosystem Definition: Ecosystems located in bodies of water, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Factors Influencing Aquatic Biomes:
- Sunlight penetration capability
- Nature of the bottom substrate
- Water temperature
- Amount of dissolved materials in water

Marine Ecosystems

Open Marine Ecosystem: Includes marine life like algae, plankton, jellyfish, and whales; organisms thrive in the euphotic zone (up to 150 meters deep).
Ocean Floor Ecosystem: Diverse marine life including fish, crustaceans, and seaweed exists in the ocean floor, relying on organic matter for survival in deeper waters.
Coral Reef Ecosystem: Highly productive, found in warm tropical waters; hosts about one-quarter of marine species, including fish, snails, and sponges.

Specialized Aquatic Ecosystems

Estuary Ecosystem: Shallow areas at river mouths where fresh and saltwater mix; important as nurseries for fish and shrimp, with lower species diversity compared to open oceans.
Mangrove Ecosystem: Coastal saltwater swamps with saline-tolerant trees; they support diverse life forms, including fish, birds, and crustaceans.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater Ecosystem Definition: Characterized by low salt levels and varying temperatures; includes lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.
Lakes and Ponds: Two categories of standing freshwater systems; oligotrophic lakes are nutrient-poor, cold, and deep.

Description

This quiz focuses on the classification of ecosystems in environmental science, distinguishing between artificial and natural ecosystems. Understand how human intervention creates artificial ecosystems and learn about the characteristics of natural ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial types.