10 Questions
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem can be visualized as a functional unit of nature, where living organisms interact among themselves and also with the surrounding physical environment.
Provide examples of terrestrial ecosystems.
Examples of terrestrial ecosystems include forest, grassland, and desert.
What are the two basic categories into which the ecosystem is divided?
The two basic categories are terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Name some examples of aquatic ecosystems.
Examples of aquatic ecosystems include pond, lake, wetland, river, and estuary.
How is the entire biosphere regarded by many ecologists?
Many ecologists regard the entire biosphere as a global ecosystem, as a composite of all local ecosystems on Earth.
What is the biosphere regarded as by many ecologists?
A global ecosystem, a composite of all local ecosystems on Earth
How do ecologists categorize the entire biosphere for study?
Into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Which of the following is an example of a man-made ecosystem?
Crop fields
What is the primary focus when studying the structure of an ecosystem?
Appreciating the input (productivity), transfer of energy (food chain/web, nutrient cycling) and the output (degradation and energy loss)
What do ecologists consider the entire biosphere to be?
Too big and complex to be studied at one time
Study Notes
What is an Ecosystem?
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that interact with each other in a specific environment.
Classifications of Ecosystems
- Ecosystems can be divided into two basic categories: terrestrial and aquatic.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.
Aquatic Ecosystems
- Examples include freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, as well as marine ecosystems like coral reefs and estuaries.
The Biosphere
- The entire biosphere is regarded by many ecologists as a single, large ecosystem that encompasses all ecosystems on Earth.
- The biosphere is considered a global ecosystem that includes all living organisms and their environments.
- To study the biosphere, ecologists categorize it into smaller ecosystems, such as terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Man-made Ecosystems
- An example of a man-made ecosystem is a farm.
Studying Ecosystem Structure
- When studying the structure of an ecosystem, the primary focus is on the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.
The Biosphere Perspective
- Ecologists consider the entire biosphere to be a complex system that is made up of many interconnected ecosystems.
Test your knowledge on the structure, function, productivity, decomposition, energy flow, ecological pyramids, ecological succession, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem services. Explore the interactions between living organisms and the surrounding physical environment.
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