The 6 types of ecosystems: the Earth's habitats

Nature is characterized by always finding a way to adapt to circumstances. However, it does not do so in a homogeneous way, nor through a single element. On the surface of our planet, for example, the main units that show variations in the landscape and the life forms that inhabit it they are called ecosystems.

Ecosystems are much more than simple "styles" with which the earth's surface is ornamented. In fact, not only do they lead to the appearance of one or another type of species of animal, plant or microorganism, but there are also theorists who point out that they have radically influenced the development of different human cultures and civilizations: the way in which they developed habits and ways of thinking, and also the way in which they won or lost can.

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Types of ecosystems

Next we will see the main types of ecosystems, with their climatic, biological and orographic variations.

1. Marine ecosystem

It is the largest type of ecosystem, since

covers most of the earth's surface: 70%, approximately. Despite the fact that large areas of the different oceans have little concentration of vertebrates, the mineral-rich water it contains teems with life almost everywhere.

On the other hand, the diversity of life forms also depends on the level of depth in which we find ourselves. Although some animals are present almost anywhere depth (the case of certain whales stands out), generally in the abyssal areas there are mostly small organisms, since the organic matter available is limited.

The seagrasses of algae, the coral reefs and the fumaroles of the great sea depths stand out.

2. Freshwater ecosystems

Lakes and rivers are also based on water, but they are very different ecosystems than those of the seas and oceans.

In turn, there are different subtypes of freshwater ecosystems: lentic systems, lotics and wetlands. The former are made up of lakes and ponds, and in them the water moves very slowly. The latter, on the other hand, are made up of rivers, in which the water slides quickly due to gravity and the relief of the landscape. In wetlands, the elements of the ecosystem are saturated with water.

In this class of ecosystem, medium or small-sized types of vertebrates predominate, since there is not much space in which to develop. Some of the largest animals that we can find are fish of the size of catfish or sturgeon, certain sharks that travel up rivers (such as the bull shark), rays and a species of seal that inhabits the lakes of Finland.

3. Desert ecosystem

Deserts are characterized by the very low frequency with which there is rainfall. Neither the fauna nor the flora are very varied, since few large life forms can survive in such harsh conditions, and therefore alterations in a species produce very severe chain effects.

Cacti and certain fine-leaved shrubs are typical desert plants, while reptiles, some birds, and medium-sized mammals or small can also adapt well to the climate, or better to the edges of the desert, which are not very far from sources of water and food.

On the other hand, deserts do not always have to go hand in hand with high temperatures; in certain cases, the cold predominates in them.

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4. Mountainous ecosystem

The very pronounced reliefs form mountains and plateaus whose verticality forms another kind of ecosystem due to the climatic and atmospheric conditions characteristic of these areas. In these areas, animal life is usually very noticeable in low and middle areas., though not on the steep peaks. In the latter there is usually less biomass and less diversity of animals and plants, due to the radical change in temperatures in relatively little space, among other things.

Animals such as chamois, ibex, and certain types of wolves, as well as raptors such as vultures and eagles, are often common in this habitat. On the other hand, in snowy areas, biodiversity is reduced, and life forms must try to camouflage themselves.

5. Forest ecosystem

This type of ecosystem is characterized by the density of trees or flora in general. It can be divided into jungle, dry forest, temperate forest, and taiga. In cases where there are many trees together, the diversity of animal species is usually very high, since there are many ecological niches that can be covered by different life forms. Different species of trees allow different sources of food, different types of shelters, ways of moving on the ground or on the branches, etc.

Keep in mind, however, that height plays an important role in the presence of flora. In many places. Above 2,500 meters above sea level, no trees grow.

Forests are wooded expanses in which the presence of a few tree species prevails.

6. Artificial ecosystem

The artificial ecosystem is one in which human action has created radically different spaces those that existed until a few millennia ago.

The presence of buildings, skyscrapers and large areas covered by lights, concrete and pavement make some species adapt to these environments and others not. Some clear examples of these pioneering animals are the doves and the Argentine parrots of many great cities of the world, as well as cats. These animals benefit from the abundance of food and the relative absence of predators that results from the presence of humans in close proximity. On the other hand, some animals are colonizing regions in which they would never have been able to live before thanks to the fact that they have cities as places of passage.

Bibliographic references:

• Grumbine, R.E. (1994). What is ecosystem management? Conservation Biology 8 (1): 27-38.
• Jones, C.G.; Lawton, J.H.; Shachak, M. (1994). Organisms as Ecosystem Engineers. Oikos. 69 (3): pp. 373 - 386.
• Maass, J.M. already. Martínez-Yrízar. (1990). Ecosystems: definition, origin and importance of the concept. Sciences (No. Esp.). 4: pp. 10 - 20.
• Odum, Eugene P (1971). Fundamentals of Ecology (third ed.). New York: Saunders.
• Pickett, S.T.A., and M.L. Cadenasso. (2002). The ecosystem as a multidimensional concept: meaning, model, and metaphor. Ecosystems 5: pp. 1 - 10.