What is an Ecosystem?
Ecosystem Definition: An ecosystem can be defined as a unit of ecological studies that includes all the interactions between living organisms with their surrounding non-living environment.
In the word “ecosystem”, “eco” means environment, and “system,” refers to connected processes or elements. Ecosystems are made up of both biotic (or alive) and abiotic (or nonliving) components. It is a biological community where living and non-living components of the planet interact with each other. Ecosystem varies in the size and number of organisms they consist of. When the ecosystem is land-based it is called a terrestrial ecosystem and when it is water-based it is called an aquatic ecosystem.
What is Ecosystem? Definition, Structure, Types, and Functions
The ecosystem term was first coined by an ecologist Arthur Tansley in 1935. The ecosystem is a balance or equilibrium between living and non-living factors of the ecosystem where they tend to interact with each other. All living things, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, depend on non-living substances to survive and maintain the equilibrium of the natural environment.
This relationship between the living and nonliving elements is studied by the study of ecosystems. In this article, we will discuss ecosystem structure, function, and types of ecosystems.
Table of Content
- What is an Ecosystem?
- Structure of Ecosystem
- Functions of Ecosystem
- Types of Ecosystem
- Functional Units of Ecosystem
- Ecosystem Diversity
- Concepts of Ecosystem