Ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, characterized by energy flow and nutrient cycling. It is composed of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, maintaining ecological balance and supporting life. Ecosystems can be broadly categorized into two main types: terrestrial and aquatic, each with various subtypes.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

These ecosystems are land-based and include diverse habitats:

• Forests: Characterized by dense tree cover, they include tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and boreal forests (taiga).
• Grasslands: Dominated by grasses, they include prairies, savannas, and steppes.
• Deserts: These areas receive very little rainfall and include hot deserts like the Sahara and cold deserts like the Gobi.
• Tundra: Found in polar regions, tundras have low temperatures and short growing seasons, with vegetation like mosses and lichens.

Aquatic Ecosystems

These ecosystems are water-based and can be further divided into:

• Freshwater Ecosystems: Including rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands, they have low salt content and support diverse plant and animal life.
• Marine Ecosystems: Covering the majority of Earth’s surface, these include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. They are characterized by high salt content and support a vast array of life forms.

Each of these major categories includes various subtypes that reflect the specific environmental conditions and the types of organisms adapted to those conditions. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems together encompass the full range of habitats on Earth, each playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

Relevant Links:

• Ecosystem
• Types of Ecosystem
• Component of Ecosystem
• Nutrient Cycling
• Aquatic Ecosytsem
• Terrestial Ecosystem