Ecosystem
An ecosystem is made up of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting through processes such as symbiosis, competition, or predation. There are terrestrial, aquatic, mixed, and artificial ecosystems, all essential for regulating climate, purifying air and water, recycling nutrients, and preserving biodiversity. Their conservation is key to the planet's sustainability.
Components of an ecosystem
An ecosystem is composed of:
- Biotic factors: Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other living organisms.
- Abiotic factors: Water, sunlight, temperature, minerals, and other non-living elements.
These components interact dynamically, ensuring the flow of energy (e.g., through the food chain) and the nutrient cycle.
Types of ecosystems
- Terrestrial: Forests, deserts, grasslands, rainforests.
- Aquatic:
- Marine: Oceans, seas.
- Freshwater: Rivers, lakes.
- Mixed: Wetlands, mangroves.
- Artificial: Cities, farmlands, reservoirs.
Functions and ecosystem services
Ecosystems provide:
- Climate regulation
- Air and water purification
- Nutrient recycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus)
- Habitat for biodiversity
- Natural resources: food, medicine, materials.
These benefits, known as ecosystem services, are fundamental for human well-being and planetary balance.
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