Ecosystem
Ecosystem (ee-koh-sis-tuhm)
An Ecosystem is a complex network or interconnected system of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a functional unit in nature.
Etymology
The term "Ecosystem" was first coined by British ecologist Arthur Tansley in 1935. It is derived from the Greek words "oikos" meaning "home" and "systema" meaning "system".
Definition
An Ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Types of Ecosystems
Ecosystems can be categorized into two main types: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Aquatic Ecosystems.
- Terrestrial Ecosystem - These are land-based ecosystems which includes forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.
- Aquatic Ecosystem - These are water-based ecosystems which can be further divided into freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Related Terms
- Biodiversity - The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Biome - A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.
- Habitat - The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
- Food Chain - A hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
- Food Web - A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ecosystem
- Wikipedia's article - Ecosystem
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